Who? The Massachusetts National Guard.
What? The Guard needs to resume the use of lead ammunition for training on small arms ranges at Camp Edwards.
Why? The Guard has determined that reinstating the use of lead ammunition at Camp Edwards is the best option for resuming training on small arms weapons at the base. Most small arms training was suspended in February 2006 when tungsten-nylon ammunition, which had been fired at the base since 1999 as a substitute for lead ammunition, was suspended due to environmental concerns. As a temporary measure, soldiers have had to travel to other installations to complete their training. Not only is lead ammunition available for all weapons on which soldiers need to train, it also can be used in an environmentally protective way when fired and managed properly.
Small arms weapons training is an essential requirement for all soldiers. It takes many hours of training to qualify on a small arms weapon. National Guard soldiers only have about 40 days per year to train to the same standard as full-time Army soldiers.
Camp Edwards offers a wide range of training and conducting small arms firing at Camp Edwards will maximize a soldier's time.
When? The Guard has set a goal to have two small arms ranges, known as the Echo and Tango ranges, operational using lead ammunition by spring/summer 2007. An additional eight ranges are planned to be operational over the next few years.
Where? See map on left. |
