What is a Range Safety Officer (RSO)?
A Range Safety Officer (RSO) is an individual responsible for maintaining safety and discipline on shooting ranges, ensuring that all participants adhere to safety protocols and firearms handling rules. RSOs are crucial in preventing accidents and injuries during live-fire exercises by overseeing range operations, managing the flow of shooters, and responding to emergencies. They play an essential role in both civilian and law enforcement firearms training environments.
RSOs monitor activities on the range to ensure that firearms are handled properly and that shooters follow safety guidelines, such as keeping firearms pointed in a safe direction, finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and wearing appropriate protective gear. They are also responsible for halting all range activities if unsafe conditions arise, such as equipment malfunctions or unsafe shooter behavior.
In addition to safety enforcement, an RSO often conducts range briefings before exercises begin, covering important topics like range commands, the location of safety equipment, and emergency procedures. They may also provide instruction on range rules, helping new shooters or trainees understand proper safety practices. RSOs are trained to handle a variety of emergency situations, such as accidental discharges or medical emergencies, ensuring a quick and effective response to keep all participants safe.
