By Lt-Col Des McNicholas
All ADF personnel will soon have Australia-wide access to first-class shooting facilities, thanks to the ongoing upgrade of Marksmanship Training Ranges (MTR) across the country.

Contracted to ADI, the MTR upgrade includes a night-firing capability using NVG, the introduction of moving targets and major enhancements to the existing computer system.

Director Training Area Management Lt-Col Brian Agnew said the aim was to set a new standard for firing ranges, through which unit commanders and individual firers could keep track of their performance over time.

“Once the project is complete, personnel from all services should be able to complete standardised range practices from their initial recruit training and on throughout their careers,” Lt-Col Agnew said.

“Aside from providing the compulsory practices, the new MTR computer system is advanced enough to design practices specifically tailored to unit training needs, which will give commanders a lot of flexibility.”

The Majura, Singleton, Greenbank and Purga ranges have been upgraded so far, with Townsville, Kapooka and Buckland due for completion this year.

Lt-Col Agnew said the $15 million project was on track to fully upgrade all 12 MTRs by the end of 2003.

.