What regulations address being able to use a non-standard/non-DOD M9 range?

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 12:43:07 -0500

Can someone help me out with a regulation for a non-standard/non-DOD M9 range? We currently don't have access to DOD facilities but have a law enforcement agency that has offered their range for our use. A safety officer has found some obscure regulation saying this can't happen. Can anyone enlighten me on any regulations or existing exemptions for a non-standard range?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2023 1:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 13:53:49 -0500

I can't think of anything that references this. I have trained on Law Enforcement ranges before while I was in the national guard. When thinking about military operations can be anywhere. Part of Ranger School is in a national park. For me, it would be incorporated in the DRAW and how you would manage the range as if it was a military range.

Response by COL Randall C. made Feb 16 at 2023 2:10 PM

COL Randall C. — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:10:17 -0500

For you (ARNG), you need the approval at DARNG level* to use non-DoD property for live-fire events (i.e., weapons qualification).

However, you might luck out and find that the state has already gotten approval for State Police sites (came across them doing that in Virginia).

I see from your profile that you work at the US Marshals Service, so my assumption is that you are referring to using one of their ranges. Unfortunately, if there isn't an agreement already in place between the ARNG and the Marshals Service, you'll have to start from scratch.
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* NGR 385-63 - https://www.ngbpmc.ng.mil/Portals/27/Publications/ngr/ngr%20385-63.pdf

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Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2023 2:16 PM

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:16:08 -0500

l should have specified we are on Title 10 orders at present. I will, however, check and see if TX Guard may have an existing agreement. Thanks for the feedback!

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Feb 16 at 2023 3:05 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:05:32 -0500

We used a couple of police ranges here when I was in, firing the alternate pistol qualification course. I shot expert with a handgun, always thought the alternate qualification was harder than the pop ups.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Feb 16 at 2023 4:34 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 16:34:07 -0500

I would like to read that regulation. I remember zeroing the old starlight scope in the peak of a clear sunny August day. Put an ammo-can filled with water 100 meters out from the berm. Shoot and spotter corrects, shoot and correct, repeat and hit - Starlight scope is zeroed.
The commander can decide what weight his rank can carry. Doubt any courts-marshal is going to convene from shooting on a civilian range as long as the targets aren't further than 31 meters. After all you're talking about familiarization and qualification not launching to the moon.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Feb 18 at 2023 9:35 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 09:35:49 -0500

I am a bit confused. You should be able to set up the Alternative Qualification Course on just about any range. The rules are in the current FM3-23.35. Like everything else in the Army/Army National Guard, I'm sure someone has to bless it, but Guard units tend to be pretty flexible in standard Qualification usually means a trip to the nearest Army Base.