March breaks ground for new firing range Published Jan. 20, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Kevin Chandler 452 AMW Public Affairs 1/8/2011 -- A ceremony breaking ground on March's new indoor firing range was held here Jan. 8. Col. Karl McGregor, 452nd Air Mobility Wing commander, said the construction of the fully enclosed, 28-lane range shows how committed the Air Force Reserve is to combat readiness and training for deployment overseas. "This new facility will be a demonstration of our commitment to provide the very best training to our military members to prepare them for combat anywhere, anytime," the colonel said. "Today we are not just breaking ground for a new building but demonstrating the military's strength and commitment to fulfill our nation's objectives." Army Col. R. Mark Toy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said small arms qualification was the most difficult obstacle his brigade faced during their 2006 deployment preparation. The range construction project will make those preparations easier and continues a long-standing association between March and the Army Corps of Engineers, he said. Once completed, the range will consist of 28 firing lanes, seven of which will be dedicated to heavy weapons firing. A bullet trap will be used to capture all projectiles. Additionally, the facility will house a vault for weapons and ammunition storage and enough classroom space to accommodate 50 people. Colonel McGregor thanked Congressman Ken Calvert, who was present at Saturday's ceremony, for supporting the facility project and "bringing it to life." Congressman Calvert said the nation's first responders and military personnel need suitable facilities to help them train. Military members choose "a hard road" and are essential to providing "an umbrella of freedom," he said.