Shots fired

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Quion Lowe
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs

Members from the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron and 49th Security Forces Squadron evaluated their Combat Arms Training and Maintenance backstop repair project, May 14, 2019, at the CATM building on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.


In response to safety concerns, Airmen have been required to travel to a number of different locations for weapons training, including Artesia, Cannon Air Force Base and Kirtland Air Force Base. Even though the distance of these locations are farther than preferred, they are still cost-efficient compared to the alternative of sending Holloman members to temporary duty assignments.


“$200,000 was saved by not sending each shooter TDY,” said Tech. Sgt. Haller, 49th SFS CATM noncommissioned officer in charge. “This amount was just the per diem and TDY expenses of the shooters. The instructors would have cost another $75,000 for the entire time frame.”


While Airmen have adjusted to these circumstances, the project manager, John Hamann, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron civil engineer, and other team members have been working hard with the CATM staff to get the facilities on base back in good condition.


The project cost $654,385 and is two months ahead of schedule because of the 49th CES Operations Flight, Requirements and Optimization Section.
This level of effort will aid in keeping the growing number of Holloman personnel trained.    


“Holloman AFB trains on average 3,400 students each year,” said Haller. “This has been on the rise the past couple years as we have trained 3,564 this year and still have the remaining amount this year.”


Even though the work improving the CATM facilities is in the final stages, there are still some loose ends to tie-in for classes to reopen.


“There are a few more safety concerns that need to be met before the range can reopen,” said Haller. “If we can get everything done on schedule the range should be open within two weeks before the next scheduled trip to Artesia, May 30, 2019.”


Although the firing range is not yet open, the CATM staff is eager to continue helping maintain combat readiness for base personnel.


“The combat arms section strives to give the best training and support for the 49th Wing and all base agencies, including the four tenant units at Fort Bliss, Texas, we are responsible for,” said Haller.