SWANTON, Ohio -- The 180th Fighter Wing Security Forces Squadron conducted the first weapons qualification in the wing’s new Modular Small Arms Range at the 180FW, Ohio Air National Guard, Nov. 30, 2018, after officially opening.
The facility provides scenario-based shooting situations for personnel to train and qualify annually, allows security to respond to short suspense missions, and Airmen to qualify with a shorter planning lead time.
The high-tech facility is climate-controlled, has high efficiency air handlers, bullet traps and multiple simulation options that promotes safety, so Airmen can better focus on readiness requirements.
“By having a range at home station, 180FW Airmen have the ability to conduct individual weapons qualification in a single day without expending any extra resources for travelling to a location with a range,” said Maj. Diana Sluhan, operations officer assigned to the 180FW Security Forces Squadron. “This is a significant savings in Airmen’s’ time and travel funds. Security can also respond to short suspense missions and get Airmen qualified with a shorter planning lead time, if necessary.”
The range will handle up to 14 shooters per class, and both the classroom portion and range time can be conducted on the same day.
Being able to conduct weapons qualification at home station will save our Airman and the wing time and resources as we work to ensure the 180th Fighter Wing meets the updated individual weapons qualification readiness requirements.
“Having the MSAR will increase the Wing’s readiness, and will sharpen 180th SFS Airmen’s fundamental marksmanship skills,” said Sluhan.