Practice Exam 2026/2027 Range Safety and
Officer Certification Questions and
Answers.
*Domain 1: The OIC Duties, the RSO Posts & the Range Communication (14 Questions)
1. Who holds the sole legal authority to declare a Camp Butler range "HOT" and authorize the
commencement of live-fire training?
A. The Range Safety Officer (RSO)
B. The Unit Commanding Officer
C. The Officer in Charge (OIC)
D. The Range Control Officer (RCO) via radio
Answer: C [CORRECT]
Rationale: Per the Camp Butler Range SOP, the designated OIC has the sole authority to open the
range. This is finalized only after the OIC physically signs the range log and confirms all safety
requirements are met.
2. Before the OIC can authorize the first round to be fired, which of the following personnel
must be physically present at their designated posts?
A. Only the RSO and the OIC
B. The RSO, the Medical Corpsman, and all required Lane Safety Officers
C. The RSO and at least one Sergeant
D. The OIC and the Ammunition NCO
Answer: B [CORRECT]
Rationale: The OIC is responsible for ensuring the "Safety Package" is complete. Live fire cannot
commence unless the RSO, a qualified medical provider (Corpsman), and required safety observers
are at their posts.
,3. True or False: The OIC may delegate the signing of the range log to the RSO if the OIC is
conducting a final ammunition count at the ASP.
Answer: False [CORRECT]
Rationale: The OIC must personally sign the range log. This signature is a legal verification that the
OIC has assumed responsibility for the range and verified all safety protocols.
4. When must the OIC physically sign the range log to initiate training?
A. Upon arrival at the range complex
B. After the first string of fire is completed
C. Immediately before declaring the range "HOT" and after verifying safety requirements
D. At the conclusion of the safety brief
Answer: C [CORRECT]
Rationale: The signing of the log is the final step in the opening process, signifying that the OIC has
visually and physically verified that the range is ready for safe operations.
5. During a rifle qualification on a Known-Distance (KD) course, where is the primary RSO
required to be positioned?
A. Walking behind the firing line
B. At the ammunition point
C. In the elevated control tower
D. In the pits with the target pullers
Answer: C [CORRECT]
Rationale: The Camp Butler Range SOP requires the RSO to be in the elevated tower to maintain an
unobstructed view of the entire firing line, the impact area, and the left/right lateral limits.
6. What is the primary purpose of the RSO’s position in the elevated tower?
A. To better hear radio transmissions from Range Control
, B. To maintain an unobstructed view of the entire firing line and impact area for safety monitoring
C. To stay out of the sun and maintain communication with the pits
D. To supervise the OIC
Answer: B [CORRECT]
Rationale: Safety is the RSO's primary function. The tower provides the vantage point necessary to
identify safety violations or unauthorized incursions into the surface danger zone (SDZ).
7. True or False: On a Camp Butler range, the RSO is permitted to leave the tower to assist a
shooter with a malfunction while the range is "HOT" as long as a Lane Safety is watching.
Answer: False [CORRECT]
Rationale: The primary RSO must remain in the tower while the range is hot to maintain the "big
picture" safety view. Malfunctions on the line are handled by Lane Safeties or the range is put into a
"Cease Fire" if the RSO must intervene.
8. At the conclusion of a string of fire, the RSO must contact Range Control via radio. What
specific information must be reported?
A. The names of the Marines who failed to qualify
B. The total number of shooters, total rounds expended, and the number of alibis
C. The current wind speed and direction
D. The estimated time for the next relay
Answer: B [CORRECT]
Rationale: Precise communication protocol requires the RSO to report shooter count, ammunition
expenditure, and alibis to ensure Range Control can maintain accurate installation-wide
accountability.
9. Which radio protocol is correct when the RSO concludes a transmission to Camp Butler
Range Control?
A. "Over and out"
B. "Peace out"