Firing Line Official

Slide 1: 

Combat Arms Firing Line Official LP PG 1 OPR: HQ AFSFC / SFWC PRESCRIBING DIRECTIVES: AFI 36-2226 AND AFMAN 36-2227 Volumes 1 and 2. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION: PRESENTATION / TEST COMPLETION PERIOD 1: ORIENTATION AND MECHANICAL TRAINING OBJECTIVE: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to perform and understand the following: Be familiar with the role of the Tower Operator Be familiar with the role of the Firing Line Official Be familiar with Range Operations Understand the use of Traditional Range commands Understand the duties and responsibilities of the Firing Line Official Be familiar with and use Firing Line Evaluation Skills Be familiar with shooter deficiencies Understand Target Analysis

Slide 2: 

LP PG 4 Role of The Tower Operator Is the primary person responsible or managing all live fire operations Normally is the lead instructor and gives the range commands and instructions to both the students and the range officials The Tower Operator also makes all final decisions regarding scoring, grievances and complaints

Slide 3: 

LP PG 4 Role of The Firing Line Official Enforces range safety Reinforces tower operator’s range commands understands and carries out range commands and instructions coaches assigned students on firing line and ready line uses hand signals, or calls out as needed, to communicate with tower operator and other range officials removes students who are considered unsafe is courteous, tactful, and diplomatic

Slide 4: 

LP PG 4 & 5 Range Operations Always treat weapons as loaded Weapons are only handled on the command of the Tower Operator In some cases, the Tower Operator may relinquish command of a firing position, temporarily only, to the Firing Line Official Shooters remain on the Ready line (Yellow Line) Tower will instruct the number of rounds to load in each magazine Tower briefs students on range safety Tower must always instruct students to raise Non-Firing hand to request assistance

Slide 5: 

Continuous observation of students is mandatory Instructors (Firing Line Officials) must stay focused on their students The most critical time of range operations is during drawing and recovery to holster Ensure the students are aware that they must keep their fingers off the trigger until ready to fire The responsibility of the instructor remains the same and in this order of priority; Safety, Coaching, Evaluation, Supervise, and assist Unless given permission by the tower students will not: Move forward of the firing line Bend over the firing line to retrieve something. LP PG 5 Range Operations Failure to comply with range safety is cause for a students removal from training!!!

Slide 6: 

LP PG 5 - 7 Range Operations Note: Commands given by the Tower Operator may vary depending on the course being instructed. Whenever assisting Combat Arms with firing, Firing Line Official should always contact the Range NCOIC for clarification of commands before each class. Range Safety Briefing – This will be conducted by the Tower Operator on the range before any other steps of firing commence. Tower operator will instruct the line on range procedures and give any load commands. A command might be something like this; “Shooters, Load four 3 round magazines. When complete, ground the magazines and return to the yellow ready line.” “Shooters with eye and ear protection in place, Move forward to the firing line and assume a comfortable prone position. Locate one 3 Round Magazine and standby.” If at any time this command is given “Cease Fire, Cease Fire!!!” Firing Line officials will ensure that all firing is halted safely and immediately.

Slide 7: 

165th CRTC Alpha Range Range Operations 165th CRTC Bravo Range

Slide 8: 

Range Operations Instructors make the line safe!! When the Tower Operator gives the command; “Instructors make the line safe”, the Firing Line Officials will do the following; Each Firing Line Official visually checks each weapon to ensure it is safe to go down range Are all weapons secured or cleared and grounded as appropriate? Handgun students will holster and secure weapons at this time. Instructors give appropriate verbal response and/or hand signal

Slide 9: 

Range Operations The Firing Line Officials will answer the command “Instructors make the line safe” only after each weapon has been visually checked for safety. If the area for which you are responsible is in fact clear- The Firing Line Official will verbally state Right Side, Left Side or Center CLEAR! They will also simultaneously extend their arm and hand. With fingers extended and pointing down range. If the range is NOT clear and safe for personnel to proceed down range, The Firing Line Official will point extended arm away from the firing line.

Slide 10: 

LP PG 8 Range Operations Some commands must be given by the Firing Line Official, For instance; The last Firing Line Official to return from down range after review and analysis is complete will always verify that the range is clear of all personnel. After verification. The instructor will state; “RANGE IS CLEAR!!!”

Slide 11: 

LP PG 8 Duties and Responsibilities Enforce range safety rules Ensures weapons are pointed down range at all times Briefs students regarding the procedures to follow if they get hit with hot brass ensures student’s grip on pistol is correct, with the thumbs down along the receiver to prevent injuries from the slide

Slide 12: 

LP PG 9 Duties and Responsibilities Firing Line Officials have the duty to remove any persons who are considered unsafe. However, firing line officials must confirm with CA NCOIC before removing someone from the range due to: Repeated infractions Total disregard of Instructions Flagrantly violating range safety policy

Slide 13: 

Duties and Responsibilities Relate technique to the overall structure of training by demonstrating a helpful, constructive attitude towards students. This helps students learn and succeed. Remember your primary goals on the range. As a Firing Line Official you are still required to maintain a proper military bearing and show all customs and courtesies when safety permits. LP PG 9

Slide 14: 

Duties and Responsibilities All Air Force ranges must comply with instructor to student ratios (IAW AFI 36-2226). For daylight operations on the firing range (Not including heavy weapons), the proper Instructor to student ratio is One instructor for every Seven Students. or written as; 1:7 Night Operations 1:3 M60, M240B, M249, M2, Mk19 1:1 LP PG 10

Slide 15: 

Duties and Responsibilities Firing Line Officials will walk the line to watch their students. This prevents the instructor from taking fixed positions behind the line just watching the bullets go down range. Slow paced pausing when necessary, usually from 3 feet behind the students covering their assigned blocks. You will observe the students open (Support) and closed (Dominant) sides. You may have the tower delay the next order of fire if needed, however, do not delay the line any longer than necessary. Give correct information to the students Be mindful of other individuals for which you are responsible You will assist with correcting malfunctions when needed, and instruct on proper operator skills LP PG 10

Slide 16: 

Duties and Responsibilities While range operations require a hands on approach, always be mindful of gender issues; ask permission before making physical contact with a student to correct shooters errors LP PG 11

Slide 17: 

Shooter Deficiencies Shooter deficiencies is defined as something causing the shooter to make shooting errors or to engage in a shooting position not making use of the required cover and concealment These are possible errors with shooting positions; Inappropriate mix of positions and/or stances Body is too rigid Inappropriate position: squatting, stepping, leaning to the rear Balance must be equally distributed and sustained Improper use of support positions LP PG 11

Slide 18: 

Shooter Deficiencies Grip Incorrect positioning of hands on weapons Incorrect grip tension weak wrap around technique improper stock weld / cheek weld improper position of stock in shoulder Trigger Control Too much or too little finger on the trigger causing the sights to be disrupted during firing Jerking or slapping trigger due to shot anticipation Loss of contact with trigger (Taking finger off trigger after every shot). Sights / Optics Not using sights / optics at all looking over the top of the rear sight Not focusing on the front sight or reflex dot Improper sight alignment Improper sight picture LP PG 12

Slide 19: 

Target Analysis High Shots Looking Over sights Heeling Milking or tensing up on grip Incorrect sight alignment LP PG 12

Slide 20: 

Shots to Right or Left – Improper Grip Lack of pressure from support side Incorrect sight alignment Incorrect pressure and movement of trigger Too much or too little trigger finger incorrect shooting position Target Analysis LP PG 12

Slide 21: 

Target Analysis Shots to Right or Left – Improper Grip Lack of pressure from support side Incorrect sight alignment Incorrect pressure and movement of trigger Too much or too little trigger finger incorrect shooting position LP PG 12 & 13

Slide 22: 

Target Analysis Low Shots- Jerking The Trigger Anticipating the recoil Unequal tension of gripping hands Incorrect Sight Alignment Inadequate support for Rifle / Carbine LP PG 13

Slide 23: 

Target Analysis Wild and Scattered Shots – Concentration on target, not fundamentals Does not understand course of fire Not aiming at a specific point on the target May need corrective glasses for poor eye sight LP PG 13

Slide 24: 

Congratulations!!! You have completed the 165th Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Firing Line Official Course. You now need to take the exam posted on the “165th CATM” Community of Practice through Air Force Knowledge Now. The test is located on the left side of the main page in the questionnaire section. Once you have completed the exam, simply click the “Submit” button provided, and CATM will be notified automatically of your completion. Thank you!