Marine Corps Range Safety Officer (RSO) Practice Test

The minimum rank required to be a Range Safety Officer (RSO) on a live fire range using organic weapons is E6. This requirement is established to ensure that the person in charge of safety on the range has sufficient experience and understanding of the operational and safety protocols associated with live fire exercises.

An E6 rank officer typically possesses a level of maturity, leadership skills, and technical knowledge necessary to effectively manage safety protocols, supervise personnel, and make critical decisions in high-pressure situations. This level of command is essential for maintaining a safe environment during live fire exercises, as it involves not only overseeing the execution of the range activity but also ensuring that all safety measures are strictly adhered to.

The ranks below E6, such as E5 and lower, may not have the requisite experience or authority to effectively fulfill the responsibilities of an RSO. Conversely, ranks above E6, such as E7, while also capable of serving in this role, do not set the minimum requirement. Hence, E6 is the correct and necessary rank to fulfill the role of an RSO on a live fire range with organic weapons.