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    South Dakota Air National Guard to open new indoor shooting range

    SIOUX FALLS, SD, UNITED STATES

    12.08.2019

    Story by Staff Sgt. Jordan Hohenstein 

    114th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

    The South Dakota Air National Guard is set to open the fifth indoor shooting range in the nation in January on Joe Foss Field.

    This facility will give the 114th Fighter Wing the ability to conduct weapons qualifications from their home base and increase base readiness.

    The range was prefabricated off site and consists of several Conex boxes that were transported and assembled at Joe Foss Field by contractors. Although the project has been in planning for a few years, the project only took about two months to assemble.

    The range consists of 12 shooting lanes with a state-of-the-art ventilation system.

    “It’s built to be very versatile,” said Master Sgt. Jeremy Wajer, 114th Security Forces NCOIC of Combat Operations.

    The firing range has the ability to simulate low light and nighttime conditions as well as a 360 degree target adjuster. It also features sound adjustments to simulate different noises Airmen might hear in different situations.

    The range is electronically controlled in a master control room by instructors using either a desk top computer or a tablet to make adjustments. Each of the shooting lanes is equipped with a touch screen that can make simple adjustments to the desired shooting scenario as well. The range also has adjustable lights allowing users to simulate nighttime scenarios without having to wait until its dark.

    “The indoor facility allows its users to qualify any time of year and any time of day,” said Master Sgt. Wayne Muser, 114th SFS NCOIC of Combat Arms.
    
Wajer and Muser plan to hold weapons qualifications twice weekly and every primary Unit Training Assembly. This gives Airmen multiple options to get qualified.

    This facility is expected to save tens of thousands of dollars annually. It is saving on travel and lodging cost because Airmen who required weapons qualifications had been traveling to Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wis. in the past.

    The facility still has to undergo final testing before it will be ready for regular use.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 12.08.2019
    Date Posted: 12.08.2019 10:31
    Story ID: 354676
    Location: SIOUX FALLS, SD, US

    Web Views: 121
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN