CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan --
The Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Range Detachment has recently upgraded its equipment and capabilities available to Marines.
John Peters, range safety specialist with range control here, says the detachment now offers an upgraded information kiosk that maintains information about the range.
"We're about much more than just weapon qualifications," Peters said. "There are a lot of people who don't know about range control behind the scenes."
The new kiosk, which consists of two touch-screen computers located in range control's entrance hall, features: information, training capabilities, photos and maps for each range, allowable weapons for ranges, upcoming project construction, weather information and live satellite imagery capabilities.
This technology gives Marines the opportunity to adequately research and plan training evolutions and activities without having to physically visit the range beforehand, Peters said.
"This kiosk is great because it makes life so much easier for Marines who want to see what we have to offer," Peters said. "They can actually see the range before they go and get vital information that may help them come up with a training plan. Plus, it's a whole lot better than leafing through a binder of information to see all we have to offer."
Range control's area of operation is massive, encompassing more than 18,000 acres stretching from Ie Shima to Camp Schwab.
The Central Training Area boasts 27 training areas, two gas chambers, two rappel towers, 31 live-fire ranges, two beaches and much more.
In addition to training coaches and overseeing weapons qualifications, range control is responsible for controlling restricted airspace, coordinating routine and emergency explosive ordnance disposal support, designing new ranges and supervising all training within the CTA.
"We're constantly trying to think up new projects and infrastructure that can make our AO better," said Alan English, a geographic information systems specialist at range control.
English's responsibilities consist of designing and developing ranges and buildings, one of the more overlooked aspects of range control operations.
"I generally work behind the scenes, but it feels good knowing that I do my part to make this CTA a better place," English said.
Although weapon qualifications are a top priority, there are many other aspects of range control that come together to make it run smoothly, said Master Sgt. Bedford Covey, staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the detachment.
"Here at range control, we live in a world of yesterday, today and tomorrow," Covey said. "We listen to past units to better anticipate future needs, ensure Marines have the best possible training experience in the present and work to keep in stride with the Marine Corps' vision of safety and mission accomplishment for tomorrow."
Working diligently behind the scenes, range control continually facilitates the growth of Marines through training opportunities, therefore supporting mission accomplishment.
For more information on range control, contact 623-4052/4589.