What is the primary responsibility of the Range Safety Officer (RSO)?

The primary responsibility of the Range Safety Officer (RSO) is to oversee conduct on the firing line. This role is crucial as the RSO ensures that all safety regulations are being followed, maintains a safe environment for all personnel involved in shooting activities, and manages the overall flow of firing and other operations on the range. The RSO is trained to respond to emergencies and to ensure that all participants adhere strictly to safety protocols, which minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries.

While managing communications during firing, establishing range safety policies, and preventing unauthorized access to the range are all important tasks associated with range operations, the central duty of the RSO focuses on direct oversight within the live-fire environment. This requires constant vigilance and the ability to make quick decisions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the training taking place.