It turned out to be a pretty nice day for our Range Officer Training Course. The weather cooperated in that it was overcast but did not rain. It was a bit windy and a bit cool for May in New Brunswick - about 12C.
The trainer was Steven Stewart, the range development person and trainer, of the Royal New Brunswick Rifle Association. Steven leaned on his vast experience locally, provincially and nationally as a shooter and range officer to instruct us, in a relaxed way, to carry out the main function of a Range Officer, which is "to help the shooter or competitor enjoy and complete the shoot safely".
The group of trainees were 5 members of the Minto Gun Club. More had been expected but could not make it for various reasons.
Steven spent about an hour talking about the steps involved in organising a successful shoot and the role of Range Officers. Considering the trend in today's shooting world, he used many good examples of how we need to be sensitive to the needs of our aging shooters and competitors. More specifically, hearing difficulties (especially with ear defenders), visual difficulties and short term memory problems need to be taken into account when issuing range commands. A good deal of patience is often required.
It became clear that range officer and range commands are specific to the type of shooting that is being done. However, general commands include
1. a range/course of fire briefing,
2. a command to go to the firing line,
3. a command to set up equipment,
4. a command to bring the firearm to the firing line,
5. a command to make ready,
6. to ascertain all shooters are ready,
7. a command to fire,
8. to make sure all shooters have completed the course of fire,
9. a command to cease firing (or to stop in a dangerous situation),
10. to make sure all firearms are unloaded and are clear,
11. a command to rack the firearms.
The range officer is further responsible for the safety of all persons going forward to the targets by ensuring that no firearms are transported to the firing line/benches.
A very important principle is to issue commands clearly, simply, loudly and to make sure shooters know what it is you want them to do.
