Project Spotlight: Operational Range Clearance and Sustainment, Indoor Small Arms Range, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan
Indoor Small Arms Range
ERRG performed operational range clearance (ORC) and sustainment activities at an Indoor Small Arms Range (ISAR), within Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan. The ISAR is approximately 72 feet long and 9 feet high. The range supports marksmanship training and qualifications, including basic zero; known distance pistol, rifle, and combat marksmanship; and submachine gun training. The caliber of munitions used includes 5.56-7.62-millimeter rifle and 9mm-45 caliber pistol. The ISAR uses a Meggitt “Gran Trap” which includes a granulated rubber bullet trap that is housed in a steel framework. The trap footing consists of ballistic blocks secured by strips that prevent the blocks from moving. The trap material (granulate, blocks, and stops) accumulate lead debris during training operations.
ORC and sustainment activities included the following:
The commingled rubber granulate and bullet fragments were sorted and the metal debris was transported off site for disposal. The rubber granulate that was clear of debris was reinstalled in the trap system.
An additional 1,000 pounds of rubber granulate was placed into the system following clearance of the trap material.
After settling, an estimated additional 2,000 pounds of granulate was needed to fill the trap hoppers completely. The additional material was shipped directly to the base for installation by Range personnel at a later date.
New high-density 3/8-inch-thick ballistic rubber sheeting was installed from the slope plate at the top of the granulated rubber trap to the trap toe and extending across the entire width of the trap.
The existing ballistic blocks and footings at the trap toe were evaluated for viability and necessary repairs. Five ballistic blocks constructed of High-Density Ballistic Block were replaced. Various other minor repairs, including securing footings, aligning components, and repairing the hanging rubber plates at the top of the trap, were also completed.
Waste management activities were performed in accordance with applicable Japan Environmental Governing Standards, applicable best management practices, and MCAS Iwakuni requirements.