Checking Out Ranges at the Fort Meade Range Complex
Given that our membership has expanded greatly over the past few years, and there was a change in leadership at Meade Range Control (MRC), what follows is a clarification of MRPC policy regarding the scheduling, and usage of ranges, and the role of the Range Safety Officer for those ranges utilized by MRPC. This policy applies only to MRPC members operating under the auspices of the Meade Rifle and Pistol Club (MRPC).
Range Safety Officers (RSO)
Only MRPC members with a valid (i.e., not out of date or cancelled) Range Safety Briefing Verification Card (DPTMS Form 63) issued by MRC can sign out a range assigned to MRPC and act as its RSO. The two-man rule applies at all times and without exception. The range must be occupied by no less than two people at all times, one of whom is the recognized RSO who signed out the range. No exceptions to this policy will be entertained.
To obtain a DPTMS Form 63, MRPC members must attend the RSO qualification course put on by MRC each month before a DPTMS Form 63 is issued.
To attend the RSO qualification course MRC will only accept persons who hold an NRA Instructor Certification, or verifiable experience as a weapons instructor in the US military, or in a recognized State, Local or Federal Law Enforcement (LE) agency.
While helpful and welcome, a National Rifle Association (NRA) RSO certification is not sufficient, and is not a substitute for the instructor requirement mentioned above.
In addition to those qualifications stated above, applicants attending the MRC RSO qualification course for the express purpose of becoming an MRPC RSO will be vetted by MRPC’s Chief RSO. This vetting process will be comprised of two components:
- A careful review of the documentation verifying the individual’s status as a recognized weapons instructor, either through the NRA or through their experience as a weapons instructor with the US military, or a State, Local or Federal LE agency.
- A verbal exchange between the individual and the MRPC Chief RSO to validate the individual has the temperament and the experience required to adequately perform their duties as an MRPC RSO.
Under normal circumstances, the RSO assigned to each MRPC range is directly responsible for the conduct of all activities on that range. With regards to these activities, the RSO will have the final word.
However, in some case the issue will be elevated to the MRPC Chief RSO for a decision. The Chief RSO has the option of either making a final decision or elevating it to MRC for a final decision.
All decisions by MRC are final and not subject to further discussion.