A small arms qualification range will be built and ready for use at the Hawthorne Army Depot by 2025, thanks to Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen securing funding for the project.

Currently, Nevada’s Army National Guard and Reserve service members travel out of state to meet their annual weapons qualifications since there isn’t a certified small arms training range in Nevada. Procuring that kind of training costs around $500,000 per year per military unit. Last year, Senator Rosen secured a commitment from General A. George- who is a nominee for the next U.S. Army Chief of Staff- to get this small arms range constructed.

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A new small arms range is expected to be completed and opened at the Hawthorne Army Depot by 2025

Senator Rosen said that this new small arms range will be more convenient and save taxpayer dollars. At a recent US Senate Armed Services Committee meeting, she asked:

“It’s an average cost of $500,000 – half a million dollars – per year, per unit. It’s my understanding that the Nevada Army National Guard is on track to complete their planning and design to meet that timeline. So, General George, if confirmed, can I have your commitment that a small arms qualification range is built enough by FY25 so that Nevada soldiers can meet their annual requirements at greater convenience and lower cost to the taxpayer?”

General George replied to Senator Rosen with a “strong” yes.

As part of the Defense Authorization Act for FY2024, Senator Rosen also helped secure a pay raise for service members as well as provisions to expand health and family support services to those who have served at remote installations.

Senator Rosen told media that the Hawthorne Army Depot is the largest ammunition depot and demilitarization facility [in the US] but needs major infrastructure upgrades that not only benefit the Silver State but the rest of the country. General George said that the Committee is reviewing repairs and upgrades and that it is a priority of his.

For the full press release about the proposed small arms range at the Hawthorne Army Depot, visit Senator Jacky Rosen’s website at www.rosen.senate.gov.