Camp Atterbury “Pop-Up” Pistol Event Guide

by Bruce Williams

The following is information compiled from multiple people who have helped run events on the Camp Atterbury “Pop-Up” Target Pistol range. Note that some of this information may change from time to time according to base policy; the last date this document was updated will appear at the end for reference.

Pre-Event Notifications to Participants

The Revere’s Riders website automatically sends several reminder emails to each event participant prior to the event. One of these emails is tailored specifically for Camp Atterbury pistol events and is sent 2 days prior to the event: Automatic Email: Camp Atterbury “Pop-Up” Pistol Reminder.

Items You Should Bring

There are several items that are extremely helpful to have with you at the range:

  1. our Peltor Lite Com Plus communications headsets; these will allow wireless communication between the range control tower and the personnel running the line (we have 8 of these)
    • make sure to fully charge the batteries
    • bring all the headsets (you never know when one might malfunction)
    • bring at least one of the chargers
  2. a couple old towels or blankets to keep pistols off the concrete for those participants not having anything suitable for the purpose
  3. a couple of buckets to collect spent brass
  4. a push broom and dust pan to help collect spent brass
  5. trash bag(s)

Required Paperwork at Check-In

Being a military installation, running an event at Camp Atterbury requires a fair bit of paperwork:

  1. “Command Letter of Certification“
  2. “Deliberate Risk Assessment“
  3. “Range Safety Cards” (see Required Certifications below)

Required Certifications

Two certified persons must be present to check out the range at Range Control as well as being present on the range at all times: the OIC (“officer in charge”) and RSO (“range safety officer”). Both the OIC and RSO must obtain certification from Camp Atterbury Range Control. Fortunately, this is pretty easy and involves watching an approximately 30 minute video and then completing a multiple choice test. The video and test are given daily at 12:00PM (noon) at Camp Atterbury Range Control.

For most issues, the answer is “Call Range Control”.

Radio Contact with Range Control

You will be issued a radio and will be required to use it for the following procedures:

  1. notify Range Control that you have occupied the range and raised your flag; you should request a range inspection at this time (while you are waiting for the range inspection and while it is occurring, the CRSO should be giving the safety briefing to save time)
  2. request a “hot” status from Range Control when you are ready to commence firing
  3. confirm radio communications with Range Control at the bottom of every hour (if you lose radio communications, you MUST cease fire and put the range in “cold” status until radio communication is restored)
  4. request an “administrative cold” for lunch or similar longish cease fire periods
  5. request a range inspection when you have finished for the day

It is recommended that the OIC in the range control tower keep possession of the radio.

If you lose radio communication with Range Control, their phone number is: (812) 526-1351. It is a good idea for the OIC/RSO to put this phone number in their list of contacts.

Recommended Event Procedure

A standard RSO “cheat sheet” has been created that lists the various items to be addressed at the Safety Briefing.

After the Safety Briefing is complete, it is recommended that the following occur:

  1. have all participants bring their pistols to the firing line (front edge of the concrete pad)
  2. participants may uncase their pistols ensuring that the muzzles are pointed downrange
  3. RSOs will inspect each pistol for empty chamber and no magazine present
  4. those firing from the low-ready may then place their pistol at the firing line with a suitable padding material between the pistol and concrete
  5. those wishing to draw from the holster should now demonstrate their technique with a cleared pistol. It may be beneficial to have multiple lines for holster approval
  6. divide the participants into however many relays seems appropriate
  7. commence a course of fire whenever the OIC in the tower and the RSOs agree everyone is ready

Required Paperwork at Check-Out

You are required to return your radio, range flag and range book at Range Control when checking out. In addition, you will be required to submit the following paperwork:

  1. “Daily Strength Report“