New $5.3 million facility moves small arms training indoors Published Nov. 30, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Heather Holcomb 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Currently everyone on Keesler who needs weapons training has to travel 17 miles to the Navy's combat arms training and maintenance facility at Camp Keller. There's now a plan to build an indoor small arms firing range on Chappie James Boulevard near the Larcher Chapel. The $5.3 million project is scheduled to be completed by December 2011. Tech. Sgt. Barry Hardy, 81st Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge said, "The new indoor range will incorporate state of the art technology to train base personnel on shoot, move and communication techniques that are vital to the war-fighting effort." The new range will also allow the use of high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles that enables Airmen to practice firing techniques used during convoy operations. At Camp Keller, inclement weather has hindered training, caused a loss of 1,736 manhours in 2009 and resulted in one instructor being struck by lightning twice. Being indoors will allow the new CATM facility to remain operational through everything short of a tornado or hurricane. The new facility will also save in transportation costs. Currently, Keesler uses a 44-passenger bus to transport an average of 21 students and five instructors along with their weapons to Camp Keller each day. Ammunition is transported separately on a six-passenger truck. This costs 26 man-hours as well as 34 milesworth of fuel for both vehicles. The contractor, Northwind Inc., is preparing to begin construction, but is awaiting final approval to remove trees from the area. If tree removal is delayed, the project's schedule may be extended.