JACKSON, Miss. - Members of the 172nd Airlift Wing celebrated the opening of a state-of-the-art small arms range in Jackson Jan. 24.
The fourteen-lane, fully enclosed facility is rated for munitions up to .50 caliber. It features moving targets and a dynamic lighting system that can be dimmed and color-adjusted and simulate strobing police lights.
“This range is really something special,” said Col. Matthew Caudel, deputy commander of the 172nd AW. “We took the original National Guard Bureau idea and enhanced it beyond the standard for this type of facility for the entire Air National Guard.”
The cutting-edge facility supports Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s instruction to promote a more lethal force.
In the past, 172nd AW members had to coordinate with local law enforcement or drive six hours down-and-back to the nearest suitable ANG facility in Gulfport.
“The cost was approximately $90,000, over two days, every time we held the training,” said Master Sgt. Louis Stackhouse, 172nd Security Forces Squadron supply and logistics superintendent and combat arms instructor. “With this facility, that cost and those training hours are going back into the squadrons, allowing us to become even more lethal.”
Multiple organizations from across the base provided guidance during the project, including the 172nd Civil Engineer Squadron, the 172nd Security Forces Squadron and the 172nd Contracting and Safety offices.
Master Sgt. Rakiam Allen, 172nd CES project and construction manager, oversaw the project.
“For an $8 million facility with so many details, the process was very smooth,” said Allen. “Our great working relationship with contractors and architects delivered a beautiful and efficient design.”
The location and sophistication of the new range is attracting attention.
“We would like to get to a point where we could host local, and potentially state or federal, law enforcement as well as joint training,” said Caudell.