TC 25-8 Ranges 2004.pdf

TC 25-8

TRAINING RANGES

APRIL 2004

This publication is available at

Army Knowledge Online www.us.army.mil i

Training Circular HEADQUARTERS No. 25-8 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY Washington, DC, 5 April 2004

TRAINING RANGES

Contents Page

Figures ............................................................................................................................................. iii Tables .............................................................................................................................................. v Preface .............................................................................................................................................vii

Chapter 1. Introduction

Overview........................................................................................................................................................................1-1 Army Ranges ................................................................................................................................................................1-1 Challenge ................................................................................................................................................... ....1-2 Approaches ....................................................................................................................................................................1-2 Planning 1-2

Chapter 2. Range Modernization

The Range Modernization Program...........................................................................................................................2-1 Future Outlook ..............................................................................................................................................................2-2

Chapter 3. Training Areas and Centers

Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................3-1 Local Training Areas (LTA).......................................................................................................................................3-1 Major Training Areas (MTA).....................................................................................................................................3-1 Combat Training Centers (CTC)................................................................................................................................3-2 Training Area Functional Uses...................................................................................................................................3-2

Chapter 4. Range Requirements

Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................4-1 Determining Training Requirements.........................................................................................................................4-1 Assessing Range Needs...............................................................................................................................................4-2 Range Availability........................................................................................................................................................4-3 Scheduling and Utilization..........................................................................................................................................4-3 Quantifying Range Requirements..............................................................................................................................4-5 Throughput Capacity....................................................................................................................................................4-7 Throughput Requirements...........................................................................................................................................4-7 Armored Vehicle Gunnery Requirements ................................................................................................................4-8 Range Selection ..........................................................................................................................................................4-11

Chapter 5. Range Development

Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................5-1 Planning 5-1 Project Initiation............................................................................................................................................................5-4 Range Land....................................................................................................................................................................5-4 ii

Facilities and Equipment .............................................................................................................................................5-4 Training Schedules .......................................................................................................................................................5-5 Training Aids, Devices, Simulators, Simulations, and Sub-Caliber Ranges......................................................5-5 Resource Management.................................................................................................................................................5-5 Host Nations…… .........................................................................................................................................................5-5 Alternatives and Justification…………..............................................................................................……………5-5 Site Planning Process...................................................................................................................................................5-6 Terrain ..........................................................................................................................................................................5-7 Range Impact Area Requirements .............................................................................................................................5-8 Gun-Target Lines ..........................................................................................................................................................5-8 SDZ Requirements .......................................................................................................................................................5-8 Target Areas...................................................................................................................................................................5-9 Target Visibility ............................................................................................................................................................5-9 Range Analysis and Design System..........................................................................................................................5-9 Target Accessibility and Protection.........................................................................................................................5-10 Gun-Target Engagement Sequence ........................................................................................................................5-10 Preliminary Documentation ....................................................................................................................................5-10 Project Summary ......................................................................................................................................................5-11

Chapter 6. Range Operations

Introduction....................................................................................................................................................................6-1 The Range Organization..............................................................................................................................................6-1 Range Control and Scheduling...................................................................................................................................6-2 Live-Fire Operations....................................................................................................................................................6-3

APPENDIX A. Range Selection..............................................................................................................................................A-1

APPENDIX B. Range Equipment ...........................................................................................................................................B-1

APPENDIX C. Live-fire Checklist..........................................................................................................................................C-1

APPENDIX D. Army Ranges ..................................................................................................................................................D-1

APPENDIX E. RTLP Planning Process ................................................................................................................................ E-1

Glossary............................................................................................................................................................................Glossary-1 Section I Abbreviations..................................................................................................................................Glossary-1 Section II Terms ...............................................................................................................................................Glossary-5

References......................................................................................................................................................................Reference-1 Section I Sources..........................................................................................................................................Reference-1 Section II Required Documents..................................................................................................................Reference-1 Section III Recommended Readings...........................................................................................................Reference-1

DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

*This publication supersedes TC 25-8, 15 March 2004.

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APPENDIX A. Range Selection..................................................................................................... A-1

APPENDIX B. Range Equipment .................................................................................................. B-1

APPENDIX C. Live-fire Checklist.................................................................................................. C-1

APPENDIX D. Army Ranges......................................................................................................... D-1

APPENDIX E. RTLP Planning Process ........................................................................................ E-1

Glossary ........................................................................................................................... Glossary-1 Section I Abbreviations.............................................................................................Glossary-1 Section II Terms .......................................................................................................Glossary-5

References...................................................................................................................... Reference-1 Section I Sources................................................................................................. Reference-1 Section II Required Documents ............................................................................. Reference-1 Section III Recommended Readings ....................................................................... Reference-1

Index.......................................................................................................................................Index-1 iv

FIGURES

Figure B-1. 25-meter zeroing target for M16A1 rifle (standard sights) ...............................................B-1 Figure B-2. 15-meter qualification zero target ..................................................................................B-2 Figure B-3. 25-meter zeroing target M16A2 ....................................................................................B-3 Figure B-4. 25-meter scaled silhouette timed-fire target ...................................................................B-4 Figure B-5. 25-meter scaled silhouette slow-fire target.....................................................................B-5 Figure B-6. 75-meter feedback target .............................................................................................B-6 Figure B-7. 175-meter feedback target ...........................................................................................B-6 Figure B-8. 3D personnel target .....................................................................................................B-7 Figure B-9. Small area target .........................................................................................................B-8 Figure B-10. 50-foot slow-fire pistol bull’s eye paper target ................................................................B-9 Figure B-11. 50-foot timed and rapid-fire pistol bull’s eye paper target ................................................B-9 Figure B-12. 50-foot pistol target ....................................................................................................B-10 Figure B-13. 50-foot indoor rifle target ............................................................................................B-10 Figure B-14. Basic M60 machine gun target ...................................................................................B-11 Figure B-15. Double E-type silhouette ............................................................................................B-11 Figure B-16. Target for zeroing exercises (Table I)..........................................................................B-12 Figure B-17. Zero and boresight panel ...........................................................................................B-12 Figure B-18. Boresight and zero target for the cupola-mounted machine gun....................................B-13 Figure B-19. Stationary Infantry Target (SIT) ..................................................................................B-14 Figure B-20. Moving Armor Target (MAT) .......................................................................................B-15 Figure B-21. Stationary Armor Target (SAT) ...................................................................................B-15 Figure B-22. Moving Infantry Target (MIT) ......................................................................................B-16 Figure B-23. Calibration panel (50 cal.) ..........................................................................................B-17 Figure B-24. Screening test target no. 4 (120mm gun).....................................................................B-18 Figure B-25. Screening test target no. 5 (120mm gun).....................................................................B-18 Figure B-26. T-72 front target.........................................................................................................B-19 Figure B-27. T-72 flank target ........................................................................................................B-20 Figure B-28. T-72 partial defilade target .........................................................................................B-21 Figure B-29. T-72 turret target .......................................................................................................B-22 Figure B-30. HIND front target .......................................................................................................B-23 Figure B-31. BMP 1981 front target ................................................................................................B-24 Figure B-32. BMP 1981 flank target ...............................................................................................B-25 Figure B-33. BRDM front target......................................................................................................B-26 Figure B-34. BRDM flank target .....................................................................................................B-27 Figure B-35. ZSU-23/4 front target .................................................................................................B-28 Figure B-36. ZSU-23/4 flank target .................................................................................................B-29 Figure B-37. BTR -series front target ...............................................................................................B-30 Figure B-38. Truck U-375 front target .............................................................................................B-31 Figure B-39. Truck U-375 flank target .............................................................................................B-32 Figure B-40. BMD front target ........................................................................................................B-33 Figure B-41. BMD flank target ........................................................................................................B-34 Figure B-42. Sound effects simulator (SES)....................................................................................B-35 Figure B-43. MILES shootback device (MSD) .................................................................................B-35 Figure B-44. Battle effects simulator (BES).....................................................................................B-36 Figure B-45. Ballistic aerial target system (BATS)...........................................................................B-37 Figure B-46. MQM-107 variable-speed training target Streaker........................................................B-37 Figure B-47. Su-25 Frogfoot aerial target ........................................................................................B-38 Figure B-48. Mi-24 HIND aerial target ............................................................................................B-39 Figure B-49. MQM-34D Firebee .....................................................................................................B-39 Figure B-50. BQM-34 Firebee ........................................................................................................B-40 Figure B-51. QUH-1 Huey .............................................................................................................B-40 Figure B-52. POTA -Tow................................................................................................................B-41 Figure B-53. Infrared towed target ..................................................................................................B-41 v

Figure B-54. Low radar cross section tow sphere target...................................................................B-42 Figure B-55. Snatch banner target .................................................................................................B-42 Figure B-56. Aerial gunnery tow target ...........................................................................................B-43 Figure B-57. TRX-4A Towbee ........................................................................................................B-43 Figure B-58. Army rifle target A, 200-300 yards...............................................................................B-44 Figure B-59. Navy and Marine Corps rifle target A, 200-300 yards ...................................................B-44 Figure B-60. Army rifle target B, 600 yards .....................................................................................B-45 Figure B-61. Navy and Marine Corps rifle target B, 600 yards ..........................................................B-45 Figure B-62. Army rifle target C, 1000 yards ...................................................................................B-46 Figure B-63. Navy and Marine Corps rifle target C, 1000 yards ........................................................B-46 Figure B-64. Navy and Marine Corps target D, prone ......................................................................B-47 Figure B-65. Navy and Marine Corps target D, prone ......................................................................B-47 Figure B-66. Range outer limit marker............................................................................................B-48 Figure B-67. Range lane markers ..................................................................................................B-49 Figure B-68. Target pasters ...........................................................................................................B-50 Figure B-69. Range interior limit markers ........................................................................................B-50

ARMY RANGES

Figure D-1. FCC 17801 RIFLE/MACHINE GUN ZERO RANGE ......................................................D-4 Figure D-2. FCC 17803 AUTOMATED FIELD FIRE (AFF) RANGE .................................................D-5 Figure D-3. FCC 17805 AUTOMATED RECORD FIRE (ARF) RANGE .............................................D-6 Figure D-4. FCC 17806 MODIFIED RECORD FIRE (MRF) RANGE .................................................D-7 Figure D-5. FCC 17809 QUALIFICATION TRAINING RANGE (QTR) ...............................................D-8 Figure D-6. FCC 17812 AUTOMATED SNIPER FIELD FIRE RANGE ..............................................D-9 Figure D-7. FCC 17816 BAYONET ASSAULT COURSE ...............................................................D-10 Figure D-8. FCC 17822 AUTOMATED COMBAT PISTOL/MILITARY POLICE FIREAMS QUALIFICATION COURSE (CP/MPQC) .....................................................................D-11 Figure D-9. FCC 17829 HEAVY SNIPER RANGE ........................................................................D-12 Figure D-10. FCC 17833 MULTIPURPOSE MACHINE GUN (MPMG) RANGE .................................D-13 Figure D-11. FCC 17845 ANTI-ARMOR TRACKING AND LIVE FIRE COMPLEX.............................D-14 Figure D-12. FCC 17852 MORTAR RANGE ..................................................................................D-15 Figure D-13. FCC 17856 FIELD ARTILLERY INDIRECT RANGE ...................................................D-16 Figure D-14. FCC 17858 SCOUT/RECONNAISSANCE GUNNERY COMPLEX (SCOUT/RECCE) ...D-17 Figure D-15. FCC 17859 DIGITAL MULTIPURPOSE TRAINING RANGE (DMPTR) ........................D-18 Figure D-16. FCC 17860 DIGITAL MULTIPURPOSE RANGE COMPLEX (DMPRC) ........................D-19 Figure D-17. FCC 17865 MULTIPURPOSE TRAINING RANGE (MPTR) .........................................D-20 Figure D-18. FCC 17867 MULTIPURPOSE RANGE COMPLEX (MPRC) ........................................D-21 Figure D-19. FCC 17870 BATTLE AREA COMPLEX (BAX) ............................................................D-22 Figure D-20. FCC 17872 AIR DEFENSE FIRING RANGE ..............................................................D-23 Figure D-21. FCC 17878 URBAN ASSAULT COURSE ..................................................................D-24 Figure D-22. FCC 17879 LIVE FIRE EXERCISE SHOOTHOUSE ...................................................D-25 Figure D-23. FCC 17880 LIVE FIRE BREACH FACILITY ...............................................................D-26 Figure D-24. FCC 17882 HAND GRENADE QUALIFICATION COURSE..........................................D-27 Figure D-25. FCC 17883 HAND GRENADE FAMILIARIZATION RANGE ........................................D-28 Figure D-26. FCC 17884 GRENADE LAUNCHER RANGE..............................................................D-29 Figure D-27. FCC 17885 LIGHT DEMOLITION RANGE ..................................................................D-30 Figure D-28. FCC 17891 INFILTRATION COURSE ........................................................................D-31 Figure D-29. FCC 17892 FIRE AND MOVEMENT RANGE .............................................................D-32 Figure D-30. FCC 17893 SQUAD DEFENSE RANGE ...................................................................D-33 Figure D-31. FCC 17895 INFANTRY SQUAD BATTLE COURSE ...................................................D-34 Figure D-32. FCC 17897 INFANTRY PLATOON BATTLE COURSE ...............................................D-35 Figure D-33. FCC 17901 COMBINED ARMS COLLECTIVE TRAINING FACILITY (CACTF) .............D-36 Figure D-34 AROCA STANDARD ARMOR RANGE OPERATIONS AND CONTROL AREA FACILITIES ..............................................................................................................D-37 vi

Figure D-35. SROCA STANDARD SMALL ARMS RANGE OPERATIONS AND CONTROL AREA FACILITIES ..............................................................................................................D-38

TABLES

Table 4-1. Typical range availability (days) ...................................................................................... 4-3 Table 4-2. Tank gunnery tables - time requirements (minutes) .......................................................... 4-6 Table 4-3. BFV team/squad gunnery tables and exercises – time requirements (AP only) (minutes)... 4-10 Table 4-4. BFV section/platoon gunnery tables – time requirements (hours) ..................................... 4-11

Table A-1. Range selection .............................................................................................................A-1 Table A-2. Estimated Stryker Brigade Ccombat Team training support infrastructure requirements and ranges ....................................................................................................................A-4

Table C-1. Live Fire Part I Preplanning Checklist .............................................................................C-1 Table C-2. Live Fire Part II Range Occupation .................................................................................C-3 Table C-3. Live Fire Part III Firing Operations…… .. …………………………………………………………C-4 Table C-4. Post Firing Operations…………………… .. ………………………………………………………C-5 Table C-5. Laser Operations………………………… ...……………………………………………………….C-5 vi

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PREFACE

This circular provides information about Army ranges. With AR 210-21, Army Ranges and Training Land Program, this circular provides guidance for developing and operating Army ranges. It is a working guide for trainers, range and mobilization planners, engineers, coordinators, and mandated range project review boards at all levels of the Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve.

It is the primary guide for installation and major Army command range development plans and for developing the Army Master Range Plan.

Army Regulation 385-63, Policies and Procedures for Firing Ammunition for Training Target Practice and Combat, provides criteria and instructions for developing surface danger zones for weapons fired on Army and Marine Corps ranges. The US Army Training Support Center is the executive agent for the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, Headquarters Department of the Army, for the Army Range and Training Land Program. As such, the Army Training Support Center is the proponent for this circular.

Submit comments and recommendations on Department of the Army Form 2028, (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) directly to Commander, US Army Training Support Center, ATTN: ATIC-ATMD, Fort Eustis, Virginia 23604-5166.

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“The Division fought to train under realistic conditions in preparation for combat. The priorities were clear and subordinate leaders executed training that produced a disciplined, lethal and flexible force capable of accomplishing any tactical task.

- The requirement for tough realistic training has not changed in the past 227 years. The Division lived under the “train as you fight” motto for the 12 months that preceded the war. The training proficiency, lethality, and maturity of the Division serves as an example for the Army to follow.

- Lessons Learned:

- Key leader and soldier stabilization produced a mature fighting force.

- Combined arms force on force and live-fire exercises prepared units at all levels for combat.

- Command and control training under offensive conditions at task force through division level was essential to 3ID(M)’s success.” Operation Iraqi Freedom, Third Infantry Division (Mechanized) “Rock of the Marne”, After Action Report Final Draft, 12 May 2003

Chapter 1 Introduction

1-1. Overview

a. Effective live training, carried out to a high doctrinal standard, is the cornerstone of operational success. The training of the critical tasks that individual, crew, platoon and companies have to accomplish to be combat ready is directly related to the availability and capability of live-fire ranges and maneuver areas. The continued improvement of live-fire ranges and facilities is key to the development of the go-to-war skills. Live -fire ranges and facilities will be even more important for units in the future as they must be able to be deploy and be operational within ninety-six hours in a combat zone. The successful implementation of the business end of the Future Combat System (FCS) Unit of Action is when the sharing of information in the sensor array allows for precision targeting and grouping of precision fires for target kills. This capability can only be validated on a live fire range or complex.

b. The Army modernization of the combat force from the Current Force to the Future Force will increase the lethality and precision of weapon systems over greater distances. As these weapons are introduced and combined with a net centric digital command and control the achievement of overwhelming tactical dominance and control of the battlefield will be obtained. The precision of the weapon system will allow for the determinate of appropriate force, preventing unnecessary loss of life, as well as laying the foundation for the future operational environment.

1-2. Army Ranges

a. The Army’s family of training ranges provides training opportunities to develop and improve soldier and team proficiency and competence in the use of sophisticated weaponry. Individual soldier proficiency and collective training ranges realistically portray combat conditions to mold the team into an effective fighting unit.

b. The computer-controlled ranges of today allow trainers to develop scenarios and control targets and battlefield simulation devices. This permits soldiers and units to practice mission essential tasks in a stressful environment. Computerized systems also provide performance feedback. After-action reviews (AAR), using data recorded during training, permits the commander to assess the unit’s performance.

The accurate feedback allows leaders to assess the mission status of their units and design training programs to overcome the identified shortcomings. The performance feedback highlights positive actions to reinforce correct procedures and to foster soldiers’ confidence, enabling soldiers and leaders to recognize and correct their shortcomings.

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1-3. Challenge

a. As weapon systems become more lethal and capable of delivering greater firepower over increased distances Army ranges must change. Current training ranges are required to support soldiers using their weapons through live-fire, subcaliber devices, and laser and simulation technology. The ranges of the future must serve as the focal point of training as we integrate the Live-Virtual-Constructive linkups and add digital command and control elements. At company level and below soldiers train and hone their combat skills in live-fire and maneuver. In an era of intense resource competition, each dollar spent to develop, mitigate, or restore training ranges must deliver the maximum return in effective training and combat readiness.

b. With greater firepower and maneuver capabilities, the requirement for range land will continue to grow. Acquiring additional range lands will be difficult, so sustaining our current range lands becomes a critical task. Challenges to range land acquisition include: encroachment of commercial and private development, protection of threatened and endangered species, loss of wetlands, prevention of soil, surface and ground water contamination, deterioration of air quality and noise effects.

1-4. Approaches

a. One approach to meet the training challenge is to develop ranges capable of supporting training for multiple purposes, weapons, and combined arms. For example, training on an automated field-fire (AFF) range and an automated record-fire (ARF) range can be provided on a single modified record-fire (MRF) range, a land savings when compared to construction of separate ranges. The qualification training range (QTR) provides a similar capability to combine many other types of ranges, see Figure D-5.

b. Risk management integration is integral to successful range design, construction, use and sustainment. Early application of risk management in the planning process provides the planners and decision makes with alternatives that reduce safety hazards, limit adverse environmental impact and minimize operational constraints. Information and data developed during the risk management process will facilitate and expedite the development of environmental impact documentation and accelerate the approval process.

1-5. Planning

a. Range development projects require careful, deliberate planning by a team who coordinates the Range and Training Land Program (RTLP) process in accordance with Army Regulation (AR) 210- 21, Army Ranges and Training Land Program, and this circular. The members of this interdisciplinary team are collectively called “range planners.” Range planners should seek innovative alternatives to fulfill training requirements. At the same time, they consider the need for ranges to support surge requirements on short notice in the event of mobilization. Command interest and support are essential to each step of the development process. Accurate, complete justification ensures that resource expenditures provide an optimum return.

b. The range planning team consists of:

(1) trainers

(2) installation real property master planners

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(3) environmental and natural/cultural resource managers

(4) financial and manpower resource managers

(5) range officers

(6) safety and occupational health managers

(7) force developers

(8) facility engineers

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Chapter 2 Range Modernization

2-1. The Range Modernization Program

a. The increased accuracy and lethality of weapons was one driving force to change Army ranges. The other was the need to train soldiers in more realistic environments. The recognition that urban combat is unavoidable has resulted in new types of ranges such as Live Fire Exercise Shoothouses, Urban Assault Course, Battle Area Complex (BAX), and Combined Arms Collective Training Facility (CACTF). As the proponent schools identify training requirements, the Army will continue to modify existing ranges and build new types of ranges as required. The focus for ranges will be interoperability, standardization, improved targetry, digital capability and multi-purpose utility.

b. The Department of the Army (DA), Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3 (ODCS, G-3), manages the RTLP. The ODCS, G-3 coordinates training range activities with the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Corps of Engineers (COE), Army Materiel Command (AMC) IAW 350-38, Training Device Policies and Management, and other major Army commands (MACOM) to achieve operational readiness.

c. Army doctrine requires combined arms teamwork and synchronization. Units must train for wartime combined arms operations. Combined arms proficiency results from regular practice of combat missions and tasks in the live domain. It starts with the development of individual skills. Individual skills, when combined and practiced build unit proficiency from crew through brigade task force.

d. The modernization of Army ranges under the RTLP supports this doctrine. Range design and construction must support the development of soldier skills in individual weapons and crew-served weapon systems. The ranges also support unit training to standards established in Army Training and Evaluation Program (ARTEP) and Mission Training Plans (MTP). Multiple-use ranges meet these requirements and reduce construction and operating costs by permitting training with a variety of weapons on the same range. Many of these ranges support collective training for small units.

e. Computer technology can equip ranges with target remote control. These devices can depict realistic battlefield conditions under a variety of offensive and defensive scenarios. Computer-recorded hits and misses enable trainers to analyze performance, provide corrective instruction, and provide accurate AARs. Computer technology combines with other training devices to create stressful, challenging scenarios for soldiers to train as they will fight.

f. Prudent implementation of the standardization program:

(1) Establishes a family of ranges for compatible weapons to provide training of one or more well-defined requirements.

(2) Base range size and configuration on the units that the range will support. The quantity of firing positions and target emplacements can be tailored to user needs, making the most effective use of the range.

(3) Provides training to meet standard weapons qualification and sustainment training requirements.

(4) Permits commanders to assess combat readiness and prepare individuals and units for advanced targeted training.

(5) Fosters standard operating procedures leading to a common understanding of force employment.

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(6) Provides accurate throughput capabilities of ranges for mobilization planning. This lets mobilization planners determine the number of ranges needed to meet training requirements.

g. Standard design manuals are available for ranges included in the RTLP. These manuals provide layouts of firing positions, lanes, and target arrangements as guidelines for range planners, architects, and construction contractors. The manuals provide flexibility for range development projects to adapt to local throughput, terrain, surface danger zone (SDZ) placement, and environment. These conditions may warrant variances in the number of lanes and targets and in the configuration of ranges from one location to another.

h. The RTLP established automated ranges both in the continental United States (CONUS) and Outside CONUS (OCONUS) and includes active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard installations. The complexities of ranges are from the Automated Field-Fire (AFF) Range which provides entry-level familiarization with the M16-series rifle to the highly sophisticated Digital Multipurpose Range Complexes (DMPRC) that supports collective training at the platoon level. In some cases, DMPRCs support companies in combined arms live -fire exercises (CALFEX) when augmented with adjacent ranges, maneuver areas, and additional targetry.

2-2. Future Outlook

a. Weapon systems currently planned or under development will require land resources to include expanded SDZs. Costs of ordnance used for training and qualifying will likely increase. Increased operating tempos may incur greater costs. Increased reliance on weapon system training simulators, embedded training devices, and the tactical engagement simulation (TES) training system can avoid or offset many of these costs. Planning for range development and range upgrades must anticipate the impact of new weapon systems and training aids, devices, simulators, and simulations (TADSS).

b. Ranges will evolve to support both live-fire and TES using non-live-firing systems similar to the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES). Although the emphasis on multiple-use ranges will continue, constraints on land and fiscal resources will limit construction of large range complexes.

Long-range, direct-fire gunnery training will concentrate in areas capable of containing projectiles in existing SDZs or with land available to expand SDZs. Where expansion is not possible, other answers must be found, such as shared use of ranges or use of non-firing training systems.

c. Target control and scoring will continue to improve through more powerful computer systems.

These systems will provide more flexibility to program training scenarios and permit event -driven target acquisitions. Voice-recognition systems linked with range-control computers will permit trainers and instructors to play a direct role in activating targets to keep pace with the evolving battle situation. Range instrumentation systems, incorporating position-location technology, will identify units and track their relative location to targets. Improved hit sensors, thermal imagery, and round discriminators will provide more accurate scoring and feedback on shooter performance. Through-sight video systems will confirm gun-laying accuracy and provide additional performance feedback. Battlefield effects will improve as targets are equipped with “shootback” simulators. Casualty-assessment systems will determine the effects of indirect fire. Observer-controllers (OC) equipped with electronic clipboards containing training and evaluation outlines (T&EO) will provide more effective training performance feedback, and input to lessons learned.

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Chapter 3 Training Areas and Centers

3-1. Introduction

a. Army training doctrine provides for the progressive achievement and sustainment of proficiency in individual and collective tasks. The Army classifies ranges and training areas by level of training from individual soldier qualification skills, through integrated live-fire and maneuver unit training, to large-scale force-on-force exercises using TADSS including progressive excellence in markmanship both in training areas and on ranges.

b. Three types of training areas support progressively higher levels of proficiency—local training areas (LTAs), major training areas (MTAs), and combat training centers (CTCs).

c. LTAs and MTAs support individual, crew and unit collective training using a combination of standard ranges that provide the flexibility to support a variety of weapons and weapon systems.

Stationary and moving targets, remotely controlled and supplemented with battlefield weapons-effects simulators, provide opportunities to train under challenging conditions. The target arrays portray a threat environment. Units conduct training on LTAs facilities under their installation’s direct purview.

These are usually limited in size. Training areas and ranges at home station and Army schools use a combination of ranges and TADSS to develop soldier and crew proficiency and to exercise small-unit mission essential tasks.

d. CTCs offer stressful exercises for maneuver battalions and command and control headquarters. These exercises focus on missions and tasks that enable the unit to capitalize on its strengths and improve its performance.

e. Occasionally units in overseas locations arrange for maneuver rights areas (MRAs) with local jurisdictions and the MACOM. This provides opportunities for periodic maneuver training on land not directly controlled by the Army.

3-2. Local Training Areas (LTA)

a. For CONUS -based active units, homestation training for individual and crew weapons proficiency training typically occurs in the LTA. Local training area facilities allow familiarization, qualification, and sustainment training with minimum impact on resources for travel to and from other types of training areas. Training focuses on individual through platoon weapons proficiency and battalion maneuver requirements. Tactical engagement simulation systems and other weapon system training simulators support maneuver and live-fire exercises.

b. Training land and range availability at overseas LTAs and installations are usually more constrained than those available for CONUS-based active units. Reserve Component (RC) centers, armories, and weekend training sites, face limited LTAs as well. Training proceeds to the extent available resources will support including individual and limited collective weapons proficiency and small-unit maneuver training.

3-3. Major Training Areas (MTA)

a. An MTA usually has enough ranges and training land resources to support:

(1) Collective live-fire proficiency.

(2) Combined arms live -fire exercises.

b. The MTAs are usually geographically separate from LTAs. For example:

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(1) CONUS – Yakima Firing Center, subinstallation and approximately 130 miles southeast of Fort Lewis, Washington.

(2) OCONUS – Grafenwoehr Training Area (GTA) and Hohenfels Training Area (HTA), Germany; Pohakaloa Training Area (PTA), Hawaii.

c. Units training at MTAs concentrate on large unit collective live-fire training (platoon through battalion) and maneuver training (battalion or brigade) according to doctrine and standards. This builds on the training proficiency achieved at LTAs. An MTA provides training to sustain lessons learned from CTC experiences that LTAs could not tactically or doctrinally accommodate. The size of some installations supports simultaneous individual weapons proficiency and both small and large unit collective training (e.g., Fort Hood, Texas).

3-4. Combat Training Centers (CTC)

a. The CTCs are the Army’s premier training centers. Instrumentation systems collect data to support training feedback to units. The Army derives lessons learned from the collected data and uses the lessons learned to improve doctrine, training, leader development, organization, materiel, personnel, and facilities (DTLOMPF). The four CTCs are:

(1) National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California.

(2) Combat Maneuver Training Center (CMTC), GTA (live-fire) and HTA (maneuver), Germany.

(3) Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC), Fort Polk, Louisiana.

(4) Battle Command Training Program (BCTP), Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

b. The three maneuver CTCs (NTC, CMTC, and JRTC) focus on brigade task force training using a combination of live-fire ranges and maneuver training land. The Army’s goal is for battalions to experience the rigorous and realistic training environment at a maneuver CTC during a commander’s tour. Organic to these CTCs are:

(1) A dedicated opposing force unit.

(2) Observer-controllers.

(3) Instrumentation systems not available at LTA and MTA sites.

c. The maneuver CTCs require sufficient land to accommodate doctrinal fire and maneuver training using multiple scenarios over varied terrain. This allows rehabilitation of the land and precludes over-familiarization with the terrain, which detracts from training realism.

3-5. Training Area Functional Uses

The Army’s force modernization program has increased the demand for collective training.

a. As a result, greater reliance must be placed on the use of LTAs for individual training and the initial stages of crew training. Local training areas include cantonment areas at installations, RC centers, and armories. Tactical engagements can be simulated using appropriate TADSS to overcome the space limitations required for live-fire exercises. Training at LTAs achieves and sustains soldier and crew proficiency and prepares for advanced collective training at MTAs and CTCs.

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(1) The collocation of an MPRC, a multipurpose training range (MPTR), and an infantry squad battle course (ISBC) is desirable at an MTA. This accommodates CALFEX and other forms of combined arms training using a wide variety of weapon systems and units. Collocating these facilities affords the land area and target arrays required to train platoon through company live-fire engagements. Although primarily designed for M1 Abrams tank and M2/M3 Bradley/Cavalry Fighting Vehicle (BFV/CFV) training, all division weapon systems can be trained on the MPRC. The Stryker vehicle can train on a MPRC/digital MPRC (DMPRC) though the BAX is preferred. Air defense artillery, field artillery, and attack helicopters can support combined arms scenarios. The MPRC supports up to company-size light infantry, airborne, and air assault forces. The DMPRC enhances the capabilities of the standard MPRC. The DMPRC increases target count, maneuver area size, and supports the collection of digital data to support the assessment of training.

(2) The MTA maneuver areas provide limited battalion and brigade maneuver force-on-force capabilities.

b. Combat training centers provide an advanced collective training experience for combat, CS, and CSS units. In contrast to MTAs, CTCs have a dedicated opposing force (OPFOR) trained in threat tactics, observer controllers, and instrumentation systems. During force-on-force engagements, an instrumentation system collects, reports, and stores engagement data from TES-equipped participants. OC’s use this information to prepare AARs and post exercise take home packages (THP). Arrays of automated, radio-controlled targets are distributed over a 5-kilometer by 10-kilometer area for the offensive and defensive live-fire ranges. On the offensive live-fire range, the battalion task force employs maneuver and live fire to attack a defending force represented by an appropriate threat target array.