RANGE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Duties

Implements range operations functions directly related to the safe and efficient utilization of the Range and Training Area (RTA) complex during live fire and live training operations on multiple ranges, maneuver training area, and live training facilities. Performs range safety functions to include on-site inspections of ranges and training areas, safety pre-briefing to using military and civilian agencies, investigation of range accidents/incidents, and providing technical guidance and advice to supervisors, range safety officers, and unit personnel. Monitors and inspects the range and training area complex for training and recreational activities to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, procedures, range, or facility standard operating procedures (SOPS), range risk assessments, Surface Danger Zones (SDZs) overlays, and special instructions. Inspects and enforces safe weapons firing and handling, ammunition handling and accountability, safe troop movement, tactical training safety, target emplacement, environmental compliance, and installation and maintenance of warning signs/roadblocks and barriers preventing access to permanent and temporary impact areas and designated hazard areas. Inspects range packets and equipment for completeness and serviceability. Issues range packets, radios, telephones, flags, and keys to units scheduled for training. Coordinates training support materials for training units including, targets, target frames, sandbags, or other items needed. Inspects and clears units from range and training areas upon completion of training. Ensures strict compliance with environmental regulations to include providing instructions for thorough policing of all ammunition, brass, debris, trash, residue by using units. Ensures that weather information is disseminated to all units who are utilizing ranges, live training facilities, and maneuver training areas on normal and emergency advisories (i.e., weather warnings, tornadoes, flooded crossing sites, Installation closures, and road conditions during the winter months). Provides continual monitoring of all live training activities on the installation Range and Training Area (RTA) complex using Range Facility Maintenance Support System (RFMSS) Enhanced Graphic Fire Desk software. Monitors the issuance, opening, check fire, cease fire, and closing of all live fire ranges, artillery, and mortar firing points, training facilities, and training areas through operation/communications via multiple radio nets. As required, performs maintenance of ranges and training areas to correct minor discrepancies to include replacement of sandbags, vegetation control, transport and supervision of troop details, and policing of ranges and training areas, brush removal, and tree removal. When required, participates as members of a range wildfire suppression crew on ranges and within the training areas. Coordinates requests for air and ground medical evacuation for injured personnel in the Range and Training Area (RTA) complex. Investigates incidents that occur in the RTA complex as required. Provides RTA complex users with current range safety information regarding the safe conduct and utilization of ranges that includes, training restrictions and procedures for fire prevention, ammunition security measures, and controlled airspace impacts to live fire activities. Recommends measures to correct deficiencies or eliminate hazards when detected on ranges, maneuver training areas, or live training facilities; before, during, or after live training operations. Immediately halt any questionable safety practices detected on the Range and Training Area (RTA) complex. Coordinates with unit range safety officers to assist developing risk assessments and implementing controls and mitigations of identified hazards when planning training exercises. Either through direct inspection, observation, notification by range operations desk, or other means, initiates emergency response, initials investigation, and documentations of incidents or accidents.