What is the best way to run a m16 qualification range for battalion?

2018-09-10T21:24:22-04:00

Response by SFC Marc W. made Sep 10 at 2018 9:43 PM

2018-09-10T21:43:46-04:00

As organized and orderly as possible is the best way.
Have schedules of who should be shooting and when (be specific so people don't just try and show up and shoot whenever), teams of details that can run the range the whole time but also trade out so they can both shoot and take time out (a ammo team, a safety team, a zeroing team, etc), each unit should provide their own coaches to handle poor shooters. You can have each company run a detail team. The biggest thing for you as OIC (I'm assuming) is control, don't let seniors mess with your rotation or operation. Make sure ammo gets delivered early, range control is there on time, details are on time, one of those cogs messing up will prevent operation and ultimately delay everything.

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Sep 10 at 2018 9:45 PM

2018-09-10T21:45:52-04:00

Talk to range control, seek advice from senior NCOs in the unit that have run ranges before. Ensure all that run the ranges have required training per that installations SOP.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 10 at 2018 9:49 PM

2018-09-10T21:49:53-04:00

I made range books which helped me visualize operations. See if there exists a range book and discuss range operations with senior NCOs who have done this. Then lie down on a couch and visualize the start to end of the range to include guidance from range control.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 10 at 2018 11:02 PM

2018-09-10T23:02:56-04:00

"Firers take up a good prone supported position". "Safety's raise the white paddles when you are ready". "Left side is ready". "Right side is ready". "Center is ready". "The firing line is now hot". Firers take one 30 round magazine and lock and load". "Safety' ensure the weapon is on NO PEW, raise your white paddle when you have checked to ensure weapons are on NO PEW". "Left side is ready". Right side is ready". Center is ready". "Firers, take up a good position". "Move your selector switch from NO PEW, to PEW". "Firers watch your lane".

Why is it that Carl always drops in and goes from NO PEW to PEW PEW PEW PEW before the safety can get over there and smack the dog shit out of him with the red side of the paddle?

All jokes aside, depending on where you will be shooting, you'll have to take a range safety class along with RSO, Range NCOIC/OIC, and a few others depending on what you are firing. I know AP Hill has those, and again with different ranges (to include MOUT), you'll have to take more. You should have a list of who's authorized from the Commander to run ranges, signed and delivered to where you'll be shooting. They can all take the classes once, and be good for a certain period of time, or until the list changes.

Response by SPC Gary Welch made Sep 10 at 2018 11:10 PM

2018-09-10T23:10:26-04:00

Make sure everyone gets qualified and nobody gets shot follow the advice of everybody that commented remember if you are the OIC everything is your responsibility so make sure it's done correctly

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2018 10:06 AM

2018-09-11T10:06:17-04:00

Look for former drill sergeants, they will have run ranges while on drill status.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2018 10:55 AM

2018-09-11T10:55:19-04:00

I've found the best way is to let experienced NCOs run the range and let them do their job.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Sep 11 at 2018 11:25 AM

2018-09-11T11:25:24-04:00

Don't forget to run a zero range before the qual range.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Sep 11 at 2018 5:01 PM

2018-09-11T17:01:53-04:00

A battalion sized qual is massive. I doubt that you can even get everyone through in a single range day. First thing, separate the range days for specific companies. (Day 1- HHC, day 2- A Co., and so on). The next thing you must do, is ensure that every company conducts PMI prior to their range day. Have one last day set aside for people who failed on their company's range day. The range setup depends on whether you are using paper qual or pop-up targets.

Paper qual is easier to control as you will only have 1 firing line to maintain. Start the day with all lanes for zero. Once everyone has gone through zero, leave 2 lanes for zero retains and the rest for qual. You AHA needs to have people readying ammo for zero and some for qual. Designate which will prepare which. You will want an NCO as a safety for 2-4 lanes.

Pop-ups means that you need to split your detail between two ranges. Have a SFC or SSG run the zero range. They'll get it done. You should be able to check in on them via a radio from your tower. You'll need 2 AHAs (one for each range.).

For both types of ranges you'll need to have a designated NCO for retaining. You'll need a medic and a guy manning the radio with range control, two guys to rod people on and off the line, and a guy for traffic control. Also, marking off a smoking area would be wise.

Response by 1SG Patrick Holmes made Sep 11 at 2018 7:08 PM

2018-09-11T19:08:01-04:00

Detail it to your NCOs