Low light, no light, no problem

Senior Airman Nicholas Navarro, left, and Senior Airman Alexi Patterson, right, 7th Security Forces Squadron, fire M-4 Carbines during night-fire training July 19, 2012 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Airmen fired 70 rounds from an M-4 Carbine mounted with a PVS-14 in front of a red dot sight. The scope collects small amounts of light and amplifies it, allowing the shooter to see down range in low-light situations. The targets were 25 feet away, but distances are simulated between 70 and 300 meters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Damon Kasberg/Released)

Low light, no light, no problem

Senior Airman Alexi Patterson, 7th Security Forces Squadron fires an M-4 Carbine during night-fire training July 19, 2012 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Airmen fired 70 rounds from an M-4 Carbine mounted with a PVS-14 in front of a red dot sight. The scope collects small amounts of light and amplifies it, allowing the shooter to see down range in low-light situations. The targets were 25 feet away, but distances are simulated between 70 and 300 meters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Damon Kasberg/Released)

Aiming for top shot during qualification course

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Matthew Smith, 7th Security Forces Squadron, demonstrates proper technique during an Air Force qualification Course Feb. 23, 2012, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The new course implements quick reaction with the M-4 carbine and the M-9 beretta. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathan Stefanko/ Released)

Dyess upgrades firing range

Published Feb. 6, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Stefanko
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A $4.47 million renovation project to demolish and re-build the firing range here is on schedule to be completed July 29, 2013.

Due to being outdated, the range is undergoing a complete renovation to a fully enclosed structure.

"The old range didn't allow much room for control, with it being outside," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Simon, Combat Arms Training and Maintenance instructor. "With the new range being enclosed, we have more flexibility to teach our courses at any time or in any weather."

Additionally, only plastic tip rounds can be used at the Dyess range until the new range is finished. For a servicemember to be able to fire non-frangible (lead) ammunition, a danger zone of 1,800 meters and a fully-contained firing range is required.

"The previous range was deemed unsafe due to the overhead baffles not being built to the required angles, which led to a safety hazard of a ricochet or bullet splash back to both students and instructors," Simon said. "Because of this safety hazard, we are required to use plastic tip or frangible ammunition.

"The plastic tip round, although accurate up to 25 meters, would lose its accuracy at further distances and the accuracy level with a ball round would also be compromised," said the instructor. "This is a huge factor when you have personnel deploying down range with that particular weapon."

The ability to use live ammunition also aides deploying Airmen by providing the opportunity to adjust their weapons sights prior to deployment.

"This range will allow our deploying Airmen to confidently go down range and know that from training, their weapon's sight system will be spot on," said Simon. "They will be confident in engaging the enemy with their weapon. In the event of a stoppage or malfunction, they will know what to do to correct the problem.

"Our job as CATM instructors is not just teaching how to shoot a gun, but how to survive with the weapon. This new facility will help us accomplish our mission," he added.