Subscribe
In a major step toward modernization, the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army jointly released an update to their range safety policies, MCO 3570.1D/AR 385-63, in May 2025, superseding MCO 3570.1C and DA PAM 385-63. For Marines, the impact goes far beyond paperwork; this is a complete rethinking of how the service approaches range safety in an era of evolving technology, complex operational environments and multi-domain training. Despite the overhaul, the updated order does not change current officers in charge (OIC) or range safety officers (RSO) certifications. However, Marines should expect to see course content updated in alignment with MCO 3570.1D the next time they attend an OIC/RSO certification course. A Single Source of Truth The OIC and RSO now have a one-stop shop for planning safe ranges; the days of cross-referencing between separate documents are over. The new joint publication consolidates guidance into a single, streamlined source. For the Marine Corps, this means standardized procedures, fewer discrepancies and a unified approach to range safety that is fully integrated with operational training requirements. Training for the Future Fight MCO 3570.1D/AR 385-63 reflects the tools, technologies and tactics shaping modern warfare. Key updates include: · Clarified Installation Commander Responsibilities - Ensures leaders at all levels understand their roles in maintaining safe and compliant training environments. · Incident Reporting to RTAM – All live-fire incidents must now be reported to Range and Training Area Management, centralizing oversight for faster response, better data collection and trend analysis. · Enhanced RFMSS Records – Regular updates to the Range Facility Management Support System must now include historical usage data, known hazards and clearance statuses for temporary, dedicated and high-hazard impact areas. A notable safety provision now governs all maintenance, construction, renovation or modification projects in areas containing unexploded ordnance.
Marines must adhere to explosives safety criteria for systems ranging from munitions response and non-lethal weapons to Special Effects Small Arms Marking Systems and unmanned aerial systems; capabilities increasingly common on Marine Corps ranges and training areas. These changes support the Corps’ growing emphasis on urban combat training, escalation-of-force scenarios and distributed operations across multiple domains. Risk Management Gets Real Where older policies focused on strict compliance, MCO 3570.1D/AR 385-63 empowers unit commanders to make risk-informed decisions using the order as a basis of risk discussions. The use of tools like the Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet ensures hazards are evaluated within the context of the mission to have a deliberate discussion and analysis of new practices or deviations, to develop an applicable checklist for execution. This is particularly critical for training in austere, high-threat environments. This information is also required at Installation Range Controls to deconflict specific activities with all the other range activities on installations while ensuring there are “checks and balances” applied to the training request. Tailored for the Marine Corps While joint in its publication, MCO 3570.1D/AR 385-63 isn’t one-size-fits-all. The Marine Corps retains service-specific provisions. It also expands applicability to include Marine Corps–controlled recreational ranges, overseas training sites and ensures safety standards keep pace with the full spectrum of Marine Corps operations. Sharper Data, Safer Ranges The updated publication delivers improved Surface Danger Zone tables and more advanced ballistic modeling tools. These enhancements provide: · More accurate range designs · Better-informed range safety officers · Safer training conditions for Marines in all operational environments Staying Current It’s important to note that a U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command (TECOM) Safety of Use Memorandum (SOUM) is not the same as a Marine Corps Systems Command (SYSCOM) Safety of Use Message. Unlike SYSCOM messages, TECOM SOUMs carry no weapon- or system-specific sensitivities. They are intended for open-source distribution and are marked Approved for Public Release (A), just like the order itself. In practice, TECOM SOUMs function as interim updates to MCO 3570.1D, providing timely guidance until the next full revision of the order. This approach allows the Marine Corps to remain current without stepping outside of its defined range safety policy lane. By design, TECOM SOUMs reinforce range safety standards without overlapping into other policy areas. Units can access the latest safety guidance, including TECOM range safety SOUMs. These updates ensure that range safety practices remain aligned with new munitions, emerging technologies and evolving tactics. The Bottom Line MCO 3570.1D/AR 385-63 is more than an administrative update; it’s a strategic overhaul of Marine Corps range safety. By merging guidance, integrating emerging technologies and promoting risk-managed flexibility, the Corps sends a clear message: Modern warfighting demands modern range safety standards. To stay current with the latest TECOM SOUMs access the CAC enabled site here https://rtam.tecom.usmc.mil For more stories like this check out the Ground Warrior page at: https://www.dvidshub.net/publication/1364/ground-warrior-magazine
| Date Taken: | 12.01.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 12.22.2025 09:31 |
| Story ID: | 555094 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Redefining Range Safety, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
