SO Aggravating! Range Safety Officer Idiots

[browningautorifle]

On the grenade range

We had a different set of rules there, lots of supervision for trainees. I have a couple stories too... None of them include abandoning a trainee.

[bombdoc]

I too have many stories of Grenade ranges, but not for this board...!

It is however useful to speculate on why people behave the way they do on grenade ranges, and I would dispute the suggestion that it is the "stupid" people that cause the problems.. In my experience it is often down to the more intelligent types, over thinking the problem!

The main factor however is the ability and the demeanour of the Instructor/Range Conducting officer.. One of my pet hates are skill at arms instructors on a power trip, and I have to admit to it being one of the very few occasions when I will pull rank and grip people. RCOs need to maintain control and retain authority, but power needs to be wielded with purpose, logic and with responsibility. Getting shooters into a state of terror on the firing point or scoring points off experienced shooters should not be a part of RCO's behaviour IMHO.

At the end of the day, if something happens it is either down to poor training or direction, wilful disobedience or unforeseen circumstances.. The first you can do something about, the second you must not tolerate and the third you can only react to!

But yes.. the COVID thing is a PITA.. however it may be worth having a hard look at procedures before going back on the range, and seeing if there are any silly ones that can be got rid of. I am looking at getting rid of signing in sheets and as much paperwork as I can and get as much on to electronic means as possible.

[30Three]

"I am looking at getting rid of signing in sheets and as much paperwork as I can and get as much on to electronic means as possible."

In France clubs the have installed scanner systems linked to the French Federation. The licence has a bar code and the shooters photo and details are in the shooting federations system. This has two benefit's.
1:The old paper licence for semi auto firearms required 3 inspection stamps per year with 2 months between each to maintain your licence; this would be stamped by the club president.
The Federation have been given control of the "inspection" part of licensing; so just by turning up and shooting regularly; you maintain your licence. No extra work for the Range officer and club President and no forgetting to stamp your licence.
2: Also prevents miss use of borrowed or stolen licences. The photo of the holder is not on the card, it's in the national system; so if someone is visiting from another club; it's easy to confirm the identity.

The fact that the Gouvernment have recently handed over the inspection of the licensing to the Federation is a rare step forward in gun control. It actually removes some of the complication!

[pocketshaver]

remember you can deal with this easily very easily.

just print out a little piece of paper explaining why so many officers get fragged in combat for being absolute morons... like, "hmm its 1969 denang, and this officer is a fricking moron we want to get rid of... I know there is VC snipers in those trees..... I think ill SALUTE "

[bombdoc]

remember you can deal with this easily very easily.

just print out a little piece of paper explaining why so many officers get fragged in combat for being absolute morons... like, "hmm its 1969 denang, and this officer is a fricking moron we want to get rid of... I know there is VC snipers in those trees..... I think ill SALUTE "

Really.. in my book, behaviour like that lies somewhere between mutiny and treachery..

If that is your attitude, then you really should not be anywhere near firearms!

[Badger]

Some folks still need to read about our Forum Etiquette policy they agreed to under our Terms of Service Agreement" they electronically signed when they joined.

Regards,
Doug

[bombdoc]

Some folks still need to read about our Forum Etiquette policy they agreed to under our Terms of Service Agreement" they electronically signed when they joined.

Regards,
Doug

My apologies Doug... I will curb my reactions, and as you suggest, put individuals who annoy me on "ignore.."

Bombdoc..