Running a Rifle Qual or Zero Range: Secrets? Best Practices? Lessons Learned?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2015 20:14:47 -0400

In my time in the Army, I've seen different leaders run their ranges differently--some more safely, effectively, and efficiently than others.

Having lead and participated in several AARs, usually it isn't until conclusion of a range operation that many insightful comments come out....that a good leader will take note of and apply to future operations.

What specific things have you done and/or learned while you were tasked with running a rifle range (zero and/or qual)?

What was your role? (OIC, NCOIC, AI, Tower, etc...)

What went well?

What went not-so-well?

Tell us about the "best" and/or "worst" range that you ran, and what deliberate planning steps and actions made it that way.

I know this is leadership-101, but I think it is important that EVERYONE in any sort of position knows EXACTLY what is expected of them and that they know HOW to execute that expectation. I like to utilize back-briefs, return demonstrations, etc.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 8:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2015 20:27:44 -0400

What I like is when you can run the zero range and qual range at the same time. Of course, this is manpower intensive and can't always be done. I have done it twice in my career and it seems to work the best.

The reason it works so good is that you can have those soldiers that suck at zeroing practice all day long and not hold anyone else up. They get all the coaching they can get from the NCOs each time they go up to zero. Same goes for those that can zero good but choke on qualifying. They get the coaching needed from the NCO instead of being rushed to zero and than rushed to qualify.

For those that don't suck at neither, they zero, qualify, clean weapon, go home. Just a more efficient way to me.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 8:26 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2015 20:26:58 -0400

Another leadership-101 thing that I believe is important is to make sure you check any gear/equipment/tools/etc that you'll need to utilize for the running of your range.

We had 'range boxes' with all our supplies in them.

On one particular instance, when I was running a zero range, I found that we had a staple gun, however, someone just threw the wrong size staples in the box. (i.e. the staples weren't compatible with the staple gun).

Had myself and my NCOIC not checked our range boxes prior, we would have definitely missed that.

So, I would recommend not just checking the existence of certain items/supplies, but also checking their compatibility with other things. Our box HAD staples, however, they weren't compatible with the staple gun.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 8:32 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2015 20:32:06 -0400

Anyone here ever use one of THESE?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 10:04 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 May 2015 10:04:26 -0400

Every Qual our company is tasked with running the ranges. Not for punishment but we are the best at getting people qualified fast, professionally , and to standards. Not bragging at all just some company are better at certain tasks than others. I dont mean just the zero and qual range...im talking 249, 240, .50. My unit is from arkansas so naturally we are shooting killing machines. We hunt every season, over half own m4,s or equivalents and we regularly have familiarity classes for new privates and thise who need refreshing. Plus we have some of the best instructional safety's I've come to realize.....so yeah i guess im bragging. Honestly though its about time, amount of people, if they can shoot, and range NCOIC's. No dispespect for officers but theyre always in the tower so not much help there, not that they would be if they were safety's just stating facts. I think alot depends on the NCOIC's running the range and the help in organizing ammo detail, target placement for zeroing, and safety who know what the heck theyre doing. Just my opinion folks dont crucify me too bad.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 11:08 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 May 2015 11:08:25 -0400

Tasks for a smooth range, Run zero and qual ranges simultaneously, way too many soldiers bolo and need to rezero or they just won't qualify so you need the ability to zero at the qual range or ferry soldiers to and from each range.

Zero range best practices.
Leave the lane safeties and training coaches in control of the shooters, they decide how many more rounds the person needs, (no one in the tower should be telling people when and how they are zeroed) When a shooter is complete or their coach determines they need additional help before they zero they are replaced on the zero range by a new shooter.

Open up all the lanes you can, don't run half a range all day when you can run a full range for half a day.

Also best practice prior to leaving the zero range have each shooter pre-qualify using the Alt-C targets. It's also known as the shrinking heads targets, all targets are 25 meters with different sized silhouettes. By firing first at the Alt-C it's very easy to identify what problems the shooters have (steady position, poor aiming, breath or trigger) once you've identified the problem you can correct it. The standard Army qual range provides no feedback to what you are doing wrong just a hit or miss, the Alt C shows you what you are doing wrong and helps shooters learn how to shoot not just validates that they can. After they qual on the Alt-C target move them on to the qual range.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 4:45 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 16:45:29 -0400

In the planning phase:
Begin with the 8 step training model.

Running a range depends on how many people you need to get through. Base your requirements on the throughput, allocate sufficient ammunition for all the tables (day, night, nbc, zero, PEQ / night vision zero, optics, irons, etc), allocate and train coaches sufficient to support your throughput and plan. Read the manuals and use the strac to determine ammo requirements then add 10%.
Do a range recon, talk to range control, brief the plan to your commander and (probably) S3 / BN CDR. When you brief the plan, do it in terms of the eight step training model. I can't emphasize enough how much field grade guys love that 8 step model (because it works)

conduct checks of all required equipment and documentation in the range boxes, manuals on hand, targets,and range book.
Have a real plan for what to do if someone gets shot, routes to ambulance exchange / MTF, primary alternate and contingency plans, etc.
Have a written order for your range, signed risk management document, and a scripted safety briefing. These things will keep you from getting a letter of reprimand if someone does something dumb.
Require that everyone attending the range conducts a PMI and arrives with complete, serviceable equipment (if a BN range, this means getting the S3 shop involved and having a written order with tasks to other units). Have a retraining plan and designated instructor.
The RSO should turn the plan into a troop to task. Request support as needed.
Execution: arrive early, make sure your water, ammo, etc gets dropped, medics, and commo are in place, etc and get the first round sent down range at your scheduled hot time. Be ready for all the bells and whistles to meet a range control inspection or VIP visit. Keep an eye that you are using ammo at the correct rate. Let the S3 rep know if folks start arriving without correct equipment, don't let them on the firing line.
Assign someone to keep things moving, the tower should just have to read the script.

Conduct an AAR at the end and be ready to present it to your BN CDR / csm.

Sounds like a lot, but you can do all that in a few hours after you have run a few ranges and have a good team.

The OIC should focus on achieving the stated mission and planning, big picture stuff, the RSO should focus on safety (#1), not getting shut down by range control, and smooth operations of the range.

As far as running zero and qual at. The same time, yes this is best. Even if you can use the same OIC / RSO, these should functionally be split with one crew running either zero or qual with the tower providing coordination.. Running zero and alt C qual (25m) is pretty easy on the same range. Zero and pop ups require two full range crews and support (especially medics).

Finally, if your platoon is running for the whole BN, try and run your platoon through on an earlier day, this serves as a rehearsal and frees up folks for range support.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 27 at 2015 4:59 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 27 May 2015 16:59:21 -0400

Conduct a Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction. If your unit is running the tower, use a stud who can keep the range moving and ensure safe practices are conducted. It might behoove of you to take the key leaders on a recon.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made May 27 at 2015 5:07 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Wed, 27 May 2015 17:07:14 -0400

Is this specifically for you or are you talking in general?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 9:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 21:52:17 -0400

Always keep your weapon oriented down range, have your weapon rodded (spelling) on and off the range, fire at your own targets and always move with a purpose when moving up and down range.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 11:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 23:15:30 -0400

Best advice I have is this...and it applies to everything, not just ranges. There is a difference, a large one, between mitigating risks and being risk averse. Mitigate risks effectively and look out for the well being of your men, but do not become risk averse...don't be scared to push it during training. That is where you learn as a leader and as a team. You cannot let the fear of "what if" water down the experience that you and your team deserve. Keep the gear to a minimum, if it isn't required for the mission at hand then don't wear it. Things will suck when they have to, keep yourself and your people comfortable when you can. They will learn more and love you for it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 6:09 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 06:09:22 -0400

Successful range ops start with the planning. I've taken those with no experience and had outstanding results. As previously stated the 8 step training model is the best foundation IMHO. Rehearsals, PMI, EST and on sight concurrent training. Start with the basics. If you have the opportunity to staff cadre with experienced individuals then you are all the better. Also I recommend keeping a Range continuity book complete with all your working copies and drafts with closure reports, stars and AAR's.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 28 at 2015 9:57 AM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Thu, 28 May 2015 09:57:59 -0400

As a former officer who has been OIC of an in-theater range event, I would recommend that once you make the plan, do the risk assessment, get it approved, and assign the personnel, that you step back and let your NCOs do their jobs. Unless you are a former SNCO with extensive experience running ranges, I would wager that they have a great deal more experience.

Response by 1SG Jason Fitzpatrick made May 28 at 2015 10:32 AM

1SG Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 28 May 2015 10:32:09 -0400

the voice of Reason has started typing, so read with caution. 23 years of military service and about 15 more of shooting...i don't remember pulling the trigger the first time...I have shot all my life. Qualification is for promotion points and familiarization of the weapon systems. When I zero my hunting rifle, I don't wear all my hunting gear, I am comfortable and relaxed as I am trying to get my rifle to hit where I put the front site post and then the cross hairs... What says that you can't adjust your rsik assessment to have your Soldiers on the Zero and Qualification range take their Armor off? Yes, you will have to have more safety officers, and people watching, but if you want to get the best out of the qualifiation and zero range, make it easy for the Soldiers to get behind the weapon, lay prone and engage the targets. They don't need all the BS gear. They are not being shot at...

"We train as we fight First Sergeant"....yeah I heard that too. Qualification is not training, it is qualification. If we train as we fight, take the APFT in boots, IBAs, Ballistic Helmets, goggles, gloves and weapons...that is how we fight, Correct?

What I did was tell the Soldies to take their shit off. Put their patrol cap on, ear plugs in and wear eye pro. Now let's shoot these damn targets and ensure that your weapon hits where you point it given the best possible situation. Once we are qualified, oh, yeah, we gonna put our stupid shit back on and go train. We have reflex fire ranges, combat ranges and kill houses, but qualification....lets get down and be comfortable and get the folks familiar with their weapon and sure of their ability to hit the targets.