match military brochure

M A T C HMODULAR ARMORED TACTICAL COMBAT HOUSE

Adjust when final

Adjust when final

4 TURNKEY SOLUTIONS

6 DEPLOYABILITY

8 SDZ & VDZ

10 STEEL

12 CONSTRUCTION DESIGN

16 PLYWOOD VS. RUBBER

20 INSTRUMENTATION

24 CATWALKS

26 UNDERGROUND TRAINING

27 RUBBER FLOOR

28 COVERINGS & ENCLOSURES

30 VENTILATION

32 LIGHTING

34 BREACH DOORS

36 WINDOWS & BLAST PANELS

37 REALISTIC FACADES

38 PORTABLE TRAPS

40 TARGETS

42 CACTF & UAC

43 NON-BALLISTIC SOLUTIONS

44 LAYOUT EXAMPLES

ABOUT ACTION TARGET INC.

For over 20 years, Action Target has been the dominant force in shooting range equipment design and manufacturing for law enforcement, military, and commercial ranges around the world. We are proud of our commitment to deliver advanced firearms training products that help prepare our men and women in uniform for the heroic job of defending our safety and our freedom.

Action Target is headquartered about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City in Provo, Utah. Unlike many in the industry, we engineer, manufacture, and install all of our own products. Our unique start-to-finish approach gives us better control over the quality of our products.

BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER. (BUT IN OUR CASE IT REALLY IS)

As the nation’s largest manufacturer of shooting range equipment, we consider size to be our greatest strength.

Our size gives us access to resources, purchasing power, and manufacturing technologies no one else can even approach. The benefits to you include remarkably innovative target systems and training tools, unbeatable customer support, and clearly superior products at competitive prices.

C O N T E N T S

PHONE: 801-377-8033 TOLL-FREE: 888-377-8033 FAX: 801-377-8096MAILING ADDRESS: Action Target P.O. Box 636 Provo, Utah 84603

WEBSITE: www.actiontarget.com

One of the greatest strengths Action Target brings to the table is the ability to deliver a complete turnkey project. While Action Target will gladly work with any customer who desires multiple companies to support their project, we can provide all of the expertise and assistance required to complete the project and provide life cycle maintenance and operations support.

Some vendors do not have their own production facilities and must subcontract the manufacturing out. This can lead to a less than desirable result since each subcontractor may have different opinions about how the work should be done, and none of them may fully understand the final product. Experience has demonstrated that most successful training facility projects use equipment produced by a single experienced targetry company with control over the entire process. Because Action Target uses their own state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and can be fully responsible for all aspects of your project, this type of integrated control is now available to you.

Action Target can provide you with everything from initial designs and consultation services, to the assembly and installation of the final facility. We offer complete maintenance and operations training, and we can even provide a qualified staff to fully operate your facility throughout its entire life cycle. This total support concept does not add an additional burden to your current staff or require the addition of extra personnel to operate and maintain the facility. It is all handled for you. This same management service is available with many of Action Target’s shooting range systems.

It is important to remember that your MATCH facility is a training device and not a building or real property. Since MATCH must contain ballistic projectiles, its design is very different from a normal building or other metal product. We can give you all the information you need to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Through 17 years of shoothouse experience and live-fire operations, MATCH has improved and evolved with modern training methods and tactics. It is this experience and first-hand knowledge that ensures the products you receive from Action Target are superior to those pieced together by a series of subcontractors who may not understand the difficulty and importance of what you do.

T U R N K E Y S O L U T I O N S

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6 ACTIONTARGET.COM

One of the many advantages of Action Target’s MATCH system is the ability to deploy true live-fire buildings quickly and efficiently. Your people may not be able to travel to a training facility, so we bring the training facility to them. The MATCH system is made of armor steel plates that stack compactly and go together quickly. This modular approach allows for large and reconfigurable live-fire rooms and buildings that far exceed the size of the container they are shipped in. Unlike other approaches that use unnecessarily bulky materials, the MATCH system can fit the components for an entire building inside a single 20-foot container.

In 2005, Action Target was given the critical mission of building and transporting an entire live-fire village to Baghdad, Iraq. This village was used to provide U.S. Military personnel with critical training that was necessary to protect lives in their immediate combat mission. Each of the 12 buildings was completely assembled at our factory in Utah, then rapidly disassembled and loaded into containers for shipping.

Because no welding is involved, MATCH buildings can be completely disassembled and transported to alternate training sites for a week, a month, or as long as you need to there. They can be reconfigured as training requirements mandate, with complete large scale reconfigurations typically accomplished in 2 days.

DEPLOYABILIT Y

Is MATCH A perMAnenT sTruCTure, or CAn IT be deployed To oTHer AreAs?Q

IndIvIduAl lIve-fIre MATCH buIldIngs CAn Also be ereCTed In As lITTle As 2 dAys, wITH enTIre vIllAges goIng up In As

lITTle As 30 dAys.

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In 2005, ACTIon TArgeT wAs gIven THe CrITICAl MIssIon of buIldIng And TrAnsporTIng An

enTIre lIve-fIre CITy To bAgHdAd, IrAq.

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888.377.8033 7

A different attempt at deployability uses shipping containers as the actual rooms of the house. This option yields only 160 square feet of training area per 20-foot box, and live-fire is not possible without additional armor protection. You also end up with excessively small rooms that greatly limit your training options. We use shipping containers as well, but we use them to ship MATCH components that yield 2,400 square feet of live fire training area per container. To provide some perspective, MATCH houses require only 1/5 of the shipping space needed for the same size village constructed out of shipping containers. That means a village the size of the one we sent to Baghdad in 20 containers would require 100 containers if you were using them as the actual rooms of the house. You would also have a facility without realistic room sizes and layouts, without the option of being reconfigured for mission rehearsal tasks, and without the ability to use live-fire service ammunition (unless you

line every surface with armor steel.) The ability to use service ammunition in MATCH is a huge advantage. The last thing a wartime commander needs is to spend unnecessary time and money changing out the bolts for SRTA practice.

Another exclusive benefit Action Target offers with its MATCH and MOUT villages is a 100% total support option. This program means Action Target manages the facility and provides everything from regular maintenance to repairs, to complete operations training and execution. Because we handle every detail, you don’t need to provide additional staff or sustainment training to handle administrative, maintenance, or logistical tasks. All your units have to do is show up and train. We can also provide less involved service and maintenance contracts on a regular basis depending on your needs.

deployAbIlITy ConTInued

t THIs ModulAr ApproACH Allows for lArge And reCon-fIgurAble lIve-fIre rooMs And buIldIngs THAT fAr exCeed THe sIze of THe ConTAIner THey Are sHIpped In.

8 ACTIONTARGET.COM

S D Z & V D Z

How does MATCH Address sdz And vdz ConCerns?Q

The reason MATCH was invented in the first place was to create a viable training environment with a zero Surface Danger Zone —or SDZ—both inside and outside the structure. In fact, MATCH is so safe you could even set it up in the range control parking lot if you wanted to because every shot fired would be safely contained within its walls. Of course, the noise generated by all the gunfire would probably make the parking lot a poor choice. All joking aside, MATCH really is that safe.

We all know that the SDZ concept is extremely important, but another critical, yet often overlooked factor, is the Vertical Danger Zone or VDZ. The VDZ is the area directly above the training range. An important reason for you to be concerned about the VDZ is the possibility of rounds entering occupied airspace and potentially endangering aircraft overhead. Another reason is the possibility of a shooter firing a round above the red safety band and thus over the wall of the house. There may be additional concerns, but it is sufficient to note that MATCH can be equipped to provide total ballistic containment, and eliminate all potential SDZ and VDZ hazards.

To protect the VDZ and to keep rounds from escaping out the

MATCH CAn be equIpped To provIde ToTAl bAllIsTIC ConTAInMenT, And elIMInATe All poTenTIAl sdz And vdz

HAzArds If so requIred.

u

IT sHould be HIgHlIgHTed Here THAT THe ACTIve ArMy lIve-fIre sAfeTy experTs HAve deTerMIned THAT even THe roofless ApplICATIon of MATCH provIdes An ACCepTAble

level of sAfeTy In MosT CAses.

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888.377.8033 9

top of the house, MATCH walls are specifically engineered to accept a ballistic roof system that gives you another axis of protection by containing all errant rounds fired above the safe area. This roof is available in both handgun and rifle grades so you can choose the level of protection that is right for your specific training needs. Including a structural ballistic roof like this also gives you the foundation for a second story to be added to your MATCH house. This means multiple fire teams can occupy the facility on different floors during a live fire exercise. Using duty ammunition in the total containment environment of MATCH gives you access to significantly enhanced live-fire training that has not been commonly available in the past.

It should be highlighted here that the active army live-fire safety experts have determined that even the roofless application of MATCH provides an acceptable level of safety in most cases. Nevertheless, there could be special situations

when you may need additional protection. If that is the case, Action Target will provide you with a design that meets your unique training requirements.

The most important thing to remember is that no matter how you shoot at it, either up and down or left and right, the MATCH system can meet your safety needs in every direction.

t MATCH wAlls Are engIneered To ACCepT A bAllIsTIC roof sysTeM THAT gIves you AnoTHer AxIs of proTeCTIon by sToppIng All errAnT rounds fIred Above THe sAfe AreA.

q vdz q sdz

sdz & vdz ConTInued

10 ACTIONTARGET.COM

For a ballistic steel shoothouse to be deemed safe, its walls must be made of through-hardened steel that has a Brinell hardness rating of at least 500. Period. In steel manufacturing terms, the plates must also provide sufficient strength, toughness, and stress resistance.

There are many steel mills located around the world, but only a select few are able to produce steel that is hard enough and of sufficient quality to be safely used in a ballistic shoothouse. HARDOX / SSAB, Bethlehem-Lucas, and Oregon Steel Mills are major producers of such steel. Each of these companies may have minor proprietary differences in their production methods, but they all must make sheets of hard steel in essentially the same way. It’s like two different bakers making bread; they each may have their own little secrets, but the basic recipe, processes, and results are the same.

A sheet of steel with a certified Brinell hardness rating of 500+ from one of the above mills is fundamentally the same as a similar sheet of steel from any of the other mills. After production, the mill officially certifies that their steel meets strict guidelines for hardness and overall quality. Samples are pulled from each large sheet and tested to validate the process and confirm the results.

wHAT Is THe TruTH AbouT sTeel? wHAT kInd of sTeel sHould be used In A bAllIsTIC sHooTHouse?

Q

S T E E L

ssAb / HArdox Is A MAjor produCer of sTeel THAT Is HArd enougH And of suffICIenT quAlITy To be sAfely used In A

bAllIsTIC sHooTHouse.

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wITH TodAy’s TIgHTer sTeel supplIes, you MusT CHoose A sHooTHouse provIder THAT CAn ACTuAlly geT enougH

sTeel To CoMpleTe your projeCT.

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888.377.8033 11

Despite these simple facts, some suppliers of shooting range equipment attempt to muddy the water and create perceived differences in steel quality where none exist. One particularly misleading claim refers to a manufacturer’s use of through-hardened steel, as opposed to merely surface-hardened AR500 steel allegedly used by everyone else. We state the following with all possible force:

1. Despite the inaccurate claims, AR500 steel is NOT surface-hardened. It is through-hardened. Witness the quotes listed below from steel suppliers around the country.

•Chapel Steel*—AR500 is a quenched andtempered, through-hardened, wear-resistant grade of abrasion resistant steel plate used for severe impact. See www.chapelsteel.com/ar500-ar500f.html for details.

•Benco Steel*—AR500 is a heat-treated,through-hardened steel with high hardness for use where there is severe impact and abrasion. See http://bencosteel.thomasnet.com/category/plates for details.

2. Action Target uses only high quality, through-hardened, armor steel with a Brinell hardness rating of at least 500, and we use it in every one of our ballistic steel products, including MATCH.

3. Action Target can also provide through-hardened steel MATCH panels and other steel products with certified Brinell hardness ratings of 550 and even 600.

4. Any statements contrary to those above are simply untrue.

* These companies are steel suppliers, not manufacturers or producers. They buy steel from the actual manufacturers like HARDOX/ SSAB, and then re-sell it to their own customers.

sTeel ConTInued

12 ACTIONTARGET.COM

Be careful not to get caught up in the “more is better” mindset. Just because a Brinell hardness number (BHN) of 500 is good, it doesn’t mean a rating of 700 is better. While you must use steel that is hard enough for the task, going overboard impacts only your checkbook and not the product durability. Be aware that you can actually use steel that is too hard and too brittle for ballistic training purposes.

In the same vein, thicker steel is not necessarily better either. Extensive ballistic testing has shown that 3/8-inch panels perform equally as well as 1/2-inch panels at stopping bullets. A 1/2-inch panel may hold up better over thousands and thousands of rounds focused in the same 1-foot area, but the dramatically higher up front cost of the entire panel quickly pushes you past the point of diminishing returns. Filling the walls with crushed rock or using portable bullet traps can both be better overall solutions than 1/2-inch plates. Weight is a significant factor as well, particularly if deployability factors are critical to your training mission.

S T E E L

500 bHn

500 bHn

535 bHn

535 bHn

TesTs ConduCTed by los AlAMos nATIonAl lAbs u

ACTIon TArgeT MATCH fACIlITIes Are MAde wITH HIgH quAlITy, THrougH-HArdened ArMor sTeel wITH A brInell

HArdness rATIng of AT leAsT 500.

u

TesTs ConduCTed usIng dIfferenT HArdnesses of sTeel sHowed THAT HArder sTeel

Holds up beTTer To bulleT IMpACT.

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ConTInued froM prevIous pAge...

888.377.8033 13

A final issue for you to consider is on-demand availability. With today’s tighter steel supplies, you must choose a shoothouse provider that can actually get enough steel to complete your project. Because we buy such large volumes of high quality through-hardened armor steel, we are better able to enforce our specifications and ensure that we have enough inventory on hand for multiple projects going on at the same time. In fact, Action Target is the largest user of through-hardened armor steel in our industry, and we consume a significant portion of the total worldwide production.

To summarize, through-hardened, armor-grade steel is absolutely mandatory for a ballistic shoothouse. This steel is only made in a few places, and it is all made in essentially the same

way. All Action Target MATCH facilities are made with this high quality, through-hardened armor steel with a Brinell hardness rating of at least 500. Most importantly, Action Target offers a complete warranty on all our products when used within the established guidelines for your facility. This warranty and commitment to quality and customer service are big reasons why Action Target builds the most, the largest, and the best firearms training facilities in the world.

sTeel ConTInued

p ACTIon TArgeT Is THe lArgesT user of THrougH-HArdened ArMor sTeel In our IndusTry, And we ConsuMe over 5% of THe ToTAl worldwIde produCTIon.

p beCAuse we buy suCH lArge voluMes of HIgH quAlITy ArMor sTeel, we Are Able To enforCe our speCIfICATIons And ensure THAT we HAve enougH InvenTory on HAnd for MulTIple projeCTs

14 ACTIONTARGET.COM

Using the proper through-hardened 500+ Brinell armor steel is critically important as we have discussed, but it is just the first step. A shoothouse must be properly engineered and assembled as well. Even the best steel can’t compensate for poorly designed joints, shortcuts on quality, and other fundamental construction issues.

It is universally accepted that the more realistic your training environment is, the more effective your training will be. Nevertheless, distorted shoothouses with walls that are 2 or 3 feet thick are still being built out of tires, railroad ties, rubber blocks, or concrete. Because walls in a typical residential or commercial structure are only about 6 inches thick, the walls of MATCH are 6 inches thick as well. Realistic construction like this means that the tactics and techniques learned by your trainees will be directly applicable to their real world missions.

We all know that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The same can be said for a ballistic shoothouse. If the steel plates used for the walls are strong but the joints used to connect the plates are weak, you have a weak shoothouse. For a joint to maintain the ballistic integrity of the wall, it must meet four important criteria.

1. The joint strip material must be made of the same through-hardened, 500+ Brinell armor steel as the walls.

2. There must be a steel joint strip on both sides of the wall.

3. There must be enough bolt-through points to prevent bullet fragments from escaping.

4. No wood, rubber, or other soft material can serve as a support point. Steel must be bolted to steel.

C O N S T R U C T I O N D E S I G N

THe sTrIps Are bolTed To eACH oTHer THrougH THe wAlls AT 22 sepArATe poInTs.

u

bulleT frAgMenTs CAn esCApe THrougH THese gAps, As evIdenCed by THe peneTrATIon of

wITness pAper MounTed ouTsIde THe joInT.

u

p noT ACTIon TArgeT

888.377.8033 15

Testing documented by high-speed cameras revealed that the steel walls vibrate and flex when struck by a bullet. This flexing can cause gaps to appear in joints with a steel strip on only one side, and in joints with not enough bolt-through points. Bullet fragments can escape through these gaps, as evidenced by the penetration of witness paper mounted outside the joint.

To eliminate hazardous weak joints, MATCH uses through-hardened 500 Brinell armor steel strips on both sides of the wall joint. The strips are bolted to each other through the walls at 22 separate points. This tight bolt pattern prevents gaps from appearing when the wall flexes, and keeps the joint strips from peeling away at the top and the bottom of the wall. This patented solid joint system is far superior to other designs, and is so strong is has been certified for loads of over 20,000 pounds per

joint. Wood is attached to the finished joint strip as a mounting surface for the plywood skin, but it is independent of the bolts used to connect the joint strips and has nothing to do with the ballistic joint itself.

The same attention to detail and concern for safety shown by our choice of steel and the design of our joint system has been integrated into every element of MATCH. Our doorways, stairways, catwalks, and roof systems are all the best you can buy. Our realistic stairways can incorporate landings and double-backs to create additional training options, and we can even provide an elevator shaft that runs up and down the entire building and then through the ceiling for rooftop operations. These features are not just afterthoughts bolted to side of the wall. They are integrated components of the overall MATCH philosophy.

ConsTruCTIon desIgn ConTInued

p TesTIng doCuMenTed by HIgH-speed CAMerAs reveAled THAT THe sTeel wAlls vIbrATe And flex wHen sTruCk by A bulleT.

p IT Is unIversAlly ACCepTed THAT THe More reAlIsTIC your TrAInIng envIronMenT Is, THe More effeCTIve your TrAInIng wIll be.

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A ballistic steel shoothouse must employ some type of skin on the walls to protect shooters from bullet fragments and ricochet. Plywood and rubber are both commonly used for this purpose, and both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses. For this reason, Action Target offers both solutions.

Before we go any further, we have to get a major misunderstanding out of the way. Whether a steel shoothouse is lined with plywood, rubber curtains, or rubber panels, it is the steel that ultimately stops the bullet and not the other materials. After a bullet hits the armor steel and fragments in to small pieces, the plywood or rubber merely keep the pieces in the wall to protect the shooter. It is for splatter control only.

Testing conducted with ultra high-speed cameras revealed that the combination of plywood and steel performed almost identically to various combinations of rubber and steel. Neither the plywood nor the rubber had any significant slowing effect on the rounds, which reinforced the need for armor steel walls behind the skin to safely stop the bullets.

P LY W O O D V S . R U B B E R

wHy dId ACTIon TArgeT CHoose To use A plywood skIn InsTeAd of soMe oTHer MATerIAl?

Q

our plywood desIgn noT only reduCes THe purCHAse prICe And InsTAllATIon TIMe, IT provIdes you wITH THe

lowesT MAInTenAnCe And lIfe CyCle CosTs As well.

u

AfTer experIMenTIng And TesTIng every ConCeIvAble opTIon, we HAve found THAT plywood Is

THe besT overAll CHoICe for norMAl MIlITAry And lAw enforCeMenT TrAInIng ApplICATIons.

u

888.377.8033 17

Again, Action Target offers both plywood and rubber skin solutions because each approach has unique benefits and drawbacks. For example, plywood is much less expensive initially, it is easier to work with, and it provides the best price-to-performance ratio. It comes in realistic sizes, it doesn’t require special tools to cut, and it is doesn’t have to be ordered through a specific vendor. The only thing you need to mount the plywood is a screw gun and a few screws, and it is very easy to paint. Keep in mind that plywood is required if the walls are to be filled with crushed rock for safe use with rifles.

On the downside, plywood is a harder material so bullets create instant and obvious holes. Repeatedly firing into a tightly focused area can cause larger holes to form. As the holes grow larger, they must be patched to maintain splatter and ricochet protection. Moving your targets around frequently and using portable bullet traps are both effective ways to minimize damage to the plywood.

p neITHer THe plywood nor THe rubber HAd Any sIgnIfICAnT slowIng effeCT on THe rounds, wHICH reInforCed THe need for ArMor sTeel wAlls beHInd THe skIn To sAfely sTop THe bulleTs.

plywood vs. rubber ConTInued

18 ACTIONTARGET.COM

If your training and operational needs are better served by a rubber skin instead, our approach offers several benefits. The self-healing property of our special rubber panels means you can shoot thousands of rounds in a relatively focused area and not see significant damage. The rubber panels can be significantly more expensive, but they also last much longer. When a rubber panel eventually needs replacing, our innovative modular mounting system will save you time and money by making the task simple and efficient. The thickness of our rubber panels gives you a perfect balance between performance and realism, and they can also be painted to create customized training environments.

In the end, you will have to carefully analyze your training needs, maintenance capacity, and budgetary resources to determine which option best suits your specific needs. Regardless of your decision, Action Target will provide you with a superior MATCH shoothouse that is both safe and practical.

P LY W O O D V S . R U B B E R

usIng THe wrong Type of rubber wIll resulT In Holes In THe rubber jusT As IT does In THe plywood. ACTIon TArgeT’s

speCIAl rubber vIrTuAlly elIMInATes THIs probleM.

u


TesTIng ConduCTed wITH ulTrA HIgH-speed CAMerAsreveAled THAT bulleTs fIred THrougH rubber bloCks

were TrAvelIng AT AlMosT THe sAMe speed CoMIng ouT of THe rubber As goIng In.

u

p usIng only rubber resulTs In bulleT IMpACTs dIreCTly on THe sTeel

p plywood And roCk provIdes AddITIonAl proTeCTIon Above THe sTeel Alone

888.377.8033 19

ACTIon TArgeT HAs ConduCTed exTensIve TesTIng on ITs MATerIAls And produCTs, And wIll ConTInue To do so To ensure THey MeeT THe HIgHesT sTAndArds.

p noT All rubber Is THe sAMe, soMe rubber pAnels And bloCks lose lArge CHunks wHen sHoT. THese Types of rubber Are noT suITed for use In A sHooTHouse.

p usIng plywood, roCk, And A MeMbrAne, 1,500 rounds were sHoT InTo A 12-InCH CIrCle wITH zero fAIlures.

p rubber TesT resulTs

p plywood And roCk TesT resulTs

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Using an integrated instrumentation system as part of your training programs can dramatically enhance the effectiveness of your AAR procedures. Because every aspect of the training can be recorded and documented, all ambiguity is removed from the evaluation process. Incorporating AAR instrumentation in your training exercises is an ideal way for your trainers to safely observe and assess the trainee’s retention and execution of the methods and tactics being taught.

Just like a coach who uses film to review prior games and practices to improve his players’ performance, your trainers can review recorded exercises to determine subject mastery or make adjustments to future training events as necessary. This recorded data is extremely valuable when a specific tactic or practice must be referenced to answer questions that arise either during or after the training exercise. Trainees can quickly see what they are doing correctly and what they need to improve. Experience demonstrates that this type of short-term feedback results in faster training information transfer than other traditional methods of critique or evaluation.

I N S T R U M E N TAT I O N

How does ACTIon TArgeT use InsTruMenTATIon And AAr To supporT TrAInIng?

Q

THe u.s. ArMy CoMbAT TrAInIng CenTers provIde “TAke HoMe AAr pACkAges,” And THe ACTIon TArgeT

AAr InsTruMenTATIon sysTeM supporTs THese pACkAge requIreMenTs AT THe HoMe sTATIon.

u

beCAuse every AspeCT of THe TrAInIng CAn be reCorded And doCuMenTed, All AMbIguITy Is reMoved froM THe

evAluATIon proCess.

u

888.377.8033 21

It is important to understand that a fully functional instrumentation suite is much more than just a collection of cameras and recorders. It is a comprehensive system that integrates every facet of the training event into a single multi-media product. A proper system will help to simulate a realistic environment that may include lighting, special effects, and other environmental controls like the sounds and smells of a battlefield. While such a system does not have to cost millions of dollars, it is certainly more involved than just buying a home security system and dropping it into your shoothouse.

Let’s not forget that although an instrumentation system can do many things, it cannot provide a trainee with instant feedback or correction on the fly. This kind of spur-of-the-moment interaction can only be provided by the trainer. Traditionally, the trainer follows close behind on the belt loop

of his trainee. However, personal audio links that can patch the trainer into the integrated sound system now let him guide the trainee and offer direction from the safety of an overhead catwalk.

A typical AAR session can take place minutes or even hours after the actual training event. In some cases, the information is reviewed again several days later. The U.S. Army Combat Training Centers provide “take home AAR packages,” and the Action Target AAR instrumentation system supports these package requirements at the home station. Most trainers agree that trainees learn more quickly and more effectively when they receive immediate feedback to their performance. Delaying correction is like scolding a dog for making a mess on the carpet the day after it happens. We are certainly not dogs, nor are we incapable of reasoning a problem u

t CAMerAs Are MounTed In proTeCTIve HousIngs THrougH-ouT THe fACIlITy And provIde full CoverAge of every rooM In THe MATCH House.

InsTruMenTATIon ConTInued

22 ACTIONTARGET.COM

I N S T R U M E N TAT I O N

through with the proper input. However, we are creatures of habit and we simply respond better to specific, detailed, and timely correction or reinforcement. Just as a coach reviewing game films with his players is vital to the overall game plan, a trainer using the Action Target AAR instrumentation system is vital to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the training program.

The Action Target AAR system records training events in video formats common to most computer systems, and can prepare video DVD’s for your take home packages. Our high resolution, full color, low light cameras can record in even .1 lux lighting, which is so dark that the distinction of objects by the human eye is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Cameras are mounted in protective housings throughout the facility and provide full coverage of every room in the house. The Action Target system provides built-in redundancy so if one component in the system fails, data is still collected and can be retrieved through another component. Video files can be saved, played back, viewed as still frames or in slow motion, and even printed for hard copy reference. Copies can also quickly be made for review or editing off-site. The system is designed to be simple and easy to use, and can be operated with very little training by any staff member.


wITH ACTIon TArgeT’s sysTeM you CAn sTArT wITH THe bAsICs And THen work InTo THe More CoMplex feATures If IT beCoMes

neCessAry. AdvAnCed wIreless sysTeMs CAn TrAnsMIT THe ConTrol And vIdeo sIgnAls froM 2kM AwAy.

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888.377.8033 23

Display monitors can be adapted to meet your specific needs, and are available in all sizes and aspect formats. Some may feel it is important to have a large plasma viewing screen, and others may feel that multiple smaller screens serve them better. Both choices are available.

At the heart of the system is Action Target’s SmartRange™ range control software. The user simply points the mouse and clicks on a room or building they wish to view and all the cameras and recording devices automatically follow. Every camera is always on and visible on the display screens so the operator can instantly choose a full view from whatever is taking place. With the use of remote infrared sensors, you can even set the cameras to automatically

switch and change views depending on what is happening throughout the facility.

Action Target’s AAR system can be a great training tool, but it is not designed to use technology just for technology’s sake. With Action Target’s system you can start with the basics and then work into the more complex features if it becomes necessary. Unlike many instrumentation systems currently being marketed, Action Target’s equipment is easy to use and does not require you to contract expensive operators just to make it work. To do your job well you need the right tools, and they need to be available in the right place and at the right time.

InsTruMenTATIon ConTInued

p dIsplAy MonITors CAn be AdApTed To MeeT your speCIfIC needs, And Are AvAIlAble In All sIzes And AspeCT forMATs.

p CAMerAs And CATwAlks CosT rougHly THe sAMe. buT CAMerAs offer AddITIonAl feATures lIke reCordIng And plAybACk, THe AbIlITy To wATCH severAl rooMs AT onCe, And TrAInIng observATIon wITH ClIMATe ConTrol..

24 ACTIONTARGET.COM

Catwalks may seem trivial when compared to the rest of the shoothouse, but they are more important than you might think. While most of today’s facilities are equipped with AAR and other instrumentation systems, the catwalk is still a critical observation point for your controllers to provide instant feedback and instruction to the trainees below.

Action Target’s catwalks are welded sections of solid steel runners that can span up to 20 feet between supports. This gives you spanning and viewing access to larger rooms and longer hallways than with other catwalk systems. Catwalks can be supported at any point along the tops of the walls so you can customize your layout to best meet your specific needs.

All of the steel assemblies are hot dip galvanized to prevent rust and ensure long life, including the welds. This eliminates the need for paint, stain, water seal, or other materials required to maintain the catwalk system.

Catwalks should be able to handle the weight of a full load of observers not just on day one, but on day five thousand and one as well. Unlike a wooden catwalk, the steel construction of the Action Target catwalk system is impervious to weather, cracking, and rot. It provides a reliable, long-term solution to your controller, observer, and other VIP viewing needs, and a stable platform for all staff required for your various training events.

C AT WA L K S

How do overHeAd CATwAlks IMpACT THe TrAInIng experIenCe, And Is THere A beTTer wAy To buIld THeM?

Q

ACTIon TArgeT’s superIor desIgn And MATerIAls sIgnIfICAnTly reduCe THe lIfe CyCle CosT over

wooden CATwAlks And oTHer pAInTed MeTAl desIgns ofTen beIng used.

u

ACTIon TArgeT CATwAlks Are HoT dIp gAlvAnIzed To prevenT rusT And ensure long lIfe, InCludIng THe

welds. THIs elIMInATes THe need for pAInT, sTAIn, wATer seAl, or oTHer MATerIAls requIred To

MAInTAIn THe CATwAlk sysTeM.

u

p noT ACTIon TArgeT

p noT ACTIon TArgeT

888.377.8033 25

Because every detail is important to Action Target, even the handrails were carefully designed. The easiest and cheapest solution would be to simply use tube steel, but we chose a superior approach. Our design allows the materials to stay dry, and prevents the nesting of animals and insects that typically occurs in tube steel hand rail supports or other closed materials.

Action Target’s superior design and materials significantly reduce the life cycle cost over wooden catwalks and other painted metal designs often

being used. These other approaches may seem somewhat less expensive to initially install, but the small amount of money saved will be consumed many times over with ongoing maintenance and upkeep costs, potential safety issues, and downtime for repairs or rebuilding.

CATwAlks ConTInued

p ACTIon TArgeTs desIgn wIll sAfely Hold THe weIgHT of observer/ConTrollers’ And vIps wHo Are vIew THe TrAInIng ACTIvITIes.

p THe CATwAlk Is sTIll A CrITICAl observATIon poInT for your ConTrollers To provIde InsTAnT feedbACk And InsTruCTIon To THe TrAInees below.

26 ACTIONTARGET.COM

R U B B E R F L O O R

26 ACTIONTARGET.COM

Because Action Target understands that training objectives are unique and can change from one facility to another, we offer multiple approaches to underground training. You can now simulate everything from a sewer system, to a subway station, to a hardened and deeply buried target complex.

The design of your training facility can be a totally buried covert pipe complete with a manhole and an 80-pound cover, or a MATCH facility in an enclosed building that replicates a WMD bunker. The flexible and reconfigurable nature of MATCH lets you simulate a wide variety of threat environments.

As with any enclosed shooting facility, ventilation in an underground simulator must be a primary concern. While the facility must realistically replicate the threat environment, it must not present a health or safety hazard. Action Target is one of only two companies in the United States that have been tested and approved to meet the highest shooting range standards set by the U.S. Navy for firearms training facilities. Action Target indoor ranges for the Navy result in no detectable lead measured in the shooter’s respiratory zone. (See Ventilation for more details)

Action Target will work with you to create a facility that safely and effectively meets your underground training requirements, whatever they may be.

t THe desIgn of your TrAInIng fACIlITy CAn be A ToTAlly burIed CoverT

pIpe CoMpleTe wITH A MAnHole And An 80-pound Cover.

t you CAn now sIMulATe everyTHIng froM A sewer sysTeM, To A subwAy sTATIon, To A HArdened And deeply burIed TArgeT CoMplex.

U N D E R G R O U N D T R A I N I N G

26 ACTIONTARGET.COM

Action Target can provide rubber flooring from 1/2-inch to 2-inches thick inside MATCH facilities based on your specific needs. For example, rubber tiles may be used to create a solid floor in your MATCH facility if it is constructed on a dirt surface.

However, before deciding to install a rubber floor, several things must be understood. Primarily, rounds that impact a concrete floor continue to travel in the same path so splatter is not directed backwards. The bullet then comes to a stop as it hits the next steel wall it comes in contact with. High-speed camera tests indicate that super-sonic rounds typically break up on initial impact with the concrete floor. Slower rounds do not break up and tend to bounce off the concrete more or less intact, thereby posing a potentially higher degree of hazard.

If used in your shoothouse, rubber flooring should be inspected for wear on a regular basis and replaced when necessary. It is important to note that rubber flooring should be removed during training where incendiary munitions, smoke grenades, breaching explosives, or fragmentation grenades are used.

Are rubber floors neCessAry In A sHooTHouse?Q

1

2

3

4

IT Is IMporTAnT To noTe THAT rubber floorIng sHould be reMoved durIng TrAInIng wHere

InCendIAry MunITIons, breACHIng explosIves, or frAgMenTATIon grenAdes Are used.

u

super-sonIC rounds TypICAlly breAk up on InITIAl IMpACT wITH THe ConCreTe floor. slower rounds

do noT breAk up And Tend To bounCe off THe ConCreTe More or less InTACT.

1-2 45 ACp bAll 3-4 5.56 bAll.

u

R U B B E R F L O O R

27

28 ACTIONTARGET.COM

It is not usually necessary to cover or enclose your MATCH facility, but doing so does have several advantages. Protection from the elements, control over light levels, expanded breaching and roof entry training, and secured covered storage are just a few examples.

Based on customer needs, Action Target has designed and installed many different types of overhead structures for use with MATCH. We have used everything from simple pole barn roofs to more complex metal structures and complete enclosures. Many years of experience have taught us that the best choice for most applications is the traditional metal Quonset Hut, which is the half-cylinder building often associated with barracks or airplane hangars.

The fundamental design of a Quonset Hut is ideal for a MATCH enclosure for the following reasons:

1. Just like an arched doorway, the half-cylinder shape is extremely strong and reinforces itself to provide wide spans and large open spaces with no vertical supports to get in the way of your training.

2. The initial cost is very low, and compares favorably with less expensive but less effective pole barn applications. No costly footings are required, and the entire structure can be surface mounted on a single monolith slab.

3. Ongoing life cycle and maintenance costs are greatly reduced because the galvanized aluminum materials in the Quonset Hut do not require the significant painting, water sealing, and other regular maintenance required for wooden pole barn structures.

C O V E R I N G S & E N C L O S U R E S

wHAT kInds of CoverIngs or enClosures Are AvAIlAble wITH MATCH, And wHAT does ACTIon TArgeT reCoMMend?

Q

bAsed on CusToMer needs, ACTIon TArgeT HAs desIgned And InsTAlled MAny dIfferenT Types of overHeAd sTruC-

Tures for use wITH MATCH.

u

InITIAl CosTs for quonseT HuTs Are very low, And CoMpAres fAvorAbly wITH less expensIve buT less

effeCTIve pole bArn ApplICATIons.

u

p noT ACTIon TArgeT

p noT ACTIon TArgeT

888.377.8033 29

4. A Quonset Hut is not just a roof. It is a totally enclosed structure that provides superior protection from rain, snow, direct sunlight, and wind. In fact, Quonset Huts are so strong they are rated to withstand winds of up to 190 miles per hour. Skylights are available, but of course do not provide illumination at night. We recommend an integrated lighting system that you can customize to your specific training events. (See the Lighting section for more information.)

5. Because a Quonset Hut is completely enclosed, you can use the extra space around the MATCH walls for clean and secure storage. Problems with blowing dirt and debris are eliminated, and exposure to animals is greatly reduced. Extending the length of your building can be done for as little as $600 per linear foot, so adding extra space for storage or even a class- room is a very cost effective solution.

6. Even if you place your MATCH facility inside a Quonset Hut, you can still modify and reconfigure the layout as if it were outside with no enclosure or roof at all. The house remains portable, and can be disassembled and redeployed as necessary.

7. Because a Quonset Hut is a sealed environment, our ventilation equipment is particularly effective. Without interference from outside wind or internal pillars and supports, we are able to effectively clear the air and maintain a safe breathing environment.

Again, it is not necessary to cover your MATCH facility at all. However, with training time and dollars at such a premium, it makes sense to build a facility that will allow you to meet your objectives no matter what the weather may throw at you.

CoverIngs And enClosures ConTInued

p even If you plACe your MATCH fACIlITy InsIde A quonseT HuT, you CAn sTIll ModIfy And reConfIgure THe lAyouT As If IT were ouTsIde wITH no enClosure or roof AT All.

p wITH TrAInIng TIMe And dollArs AT suCH A preMIuM, IT MAkes sense To buIld A fACIlITy THAT wIll Allow To MeeT your objeCTIves no MATTer wHAT THe weATHer MAy THrow AT you.

30 ACTIONTARGET.COM

A major concern that often comes up is the ability to properly ventilate a MATCH facility. In the last twenty years, many indoor ranges have been closed down due to the inability of the ventilation system to keep lead and toxic gases at a safe level. We understand the importance of safe ventilation, and we use patented technology to assure safe air quality in your training environment.

Action Target is one of only two companies in the United States that have been tested and approved to meet the highest standards set by the U.S. Navy for firearms training facilities. We produce indoor ranges for the Navy with no detectable lead measured in the respiratory zone of the shooters.

During the final testing and acceptance of an Action Target Naval facility, each and every square foot of the range is tested for air flow. No eddies or areas of turbulence are allowed. Should any be found, action is taken to correct the discrepancy or the range is not accepted. The importance of safe air is not limited just to traditional indoor ranges, which is why we have applied similar technology and experience to MATCH as well.

Another approach that is gaining in popularity is the use of non-toxic, lead-free ammunition. Using bullets and ammunition with no lead can greatly reduce the potential volume of pollutants in your facility, and can simplify the process of maintaining proper ventilation.

V E N T I L AT I O N

How do I keep THe AIr sAfe In My MATCH fACIlITy?Q

durIng THe fInAl TesTIng And ACCepTAnCe of An ACTIon TArgeT nAvAl fACIlITy, eACH And every squAre fooT of THe

rAnge Is TesTed for AIr flow.

u

ACTIon TArgeT uses A CrITICAl proCess of MovIng THe rIgHT AMounT of AIr InTo And ouT of THe fACIlITy, All AT

THe proper speed And voluMe.

u

888.377.8033 31

Without going into too much detail, Action Target uses a critical process of moving the right amount of air into and out of the facility, all at the proper speed and volume. The primary purpose for the ventilation of an indoor firing range is to remove contaminates created during the firing of a weapon from the respiratory zone of the occupants. Exploding primers containing lead styphnate and friction from the lead slug against the gun barrel create airborne lead. There is also carbon monoxide as well as other contaminates created during the firing of a weapon. A summary of the applicable standards is stated below:

EPA

TITLE 40--PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT CHAPTER I--ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY PART 50--NATIONAL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS--Table of Contents Sec. 50.12 National primary and secondary ambient air quality standards for lead. National primary and secondary ambient air quality standards for lead and its compounds, measured as elemental lead by a reference method based on appendix G to this part, or by an equivalent method, are:

1.5 micrograms per cubic meter, maximum arithmetic mean averaged over a calendar quarter. (Secs. 109, 301(a) Clean Air Act as amended (42 U.S.C. 7409, 7601(a)))

OSHA

When properly executed, lead concentrations are consistently maintained below the action level of 30 micrograms per cubic meter (30ug/m3) in an area where the limit shall not exceed 50 micrograms of lead per cubic meter (50ug/m3) of air over a time weighted average of eight hours as measured at the respiration zone of the shooters and the range officer when firing from the firing booths per OSHA 29 CFR. 1910.1025 and 1926.62.

Our designs have consistently provided for the compliance within the established federal standards for airborne inorganic lead concentration limits. Unlike the standard for fixed firing line ranges where you maintain a specific velocity (75 Feet per Minute) the live fire houses require a regular exchange of air to eliminate stagnant sections. The course of fire for this type of training allows for this approach.

venTIlATIon ConTInued

p usIng bulleTs And AMMunITIon wITH no leAd CAn greATly reduCe THe poTenTIAl voluMe of polluT-AnTs In your fACIlITy.

p we undersTAnd THe IMporTAnCe of sAfe venTIlATIon, And we use pATenTed TeCHnology To Assure sAfe AIr quAlITy In your TrAInIng envIronMenT.

32 ACTIONTARGET.COM

When designing a training facility, we often fail to realize the dramatic impact lighting can have on the tactical training experience. When we train outside during the day, we have the sun to provide light. When the sun goes down, we go home and come back the next day. If we want to train in the dark, we have to do it at night. We are limited because we have no control over the environment. A MATCH facility built inside a Quonset Hut puts control back in your hands, and greatly enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of your training.

Lighting control can add tremendous realism to a tactical training event. Replicating the situations and surroundings your trainees may encounter in the real world is the best way to prepare them for success. Even in broad daylight, you can replicate the lighting conditions of a residence or a warehouse in the middle of the night. The first room they enter may have a small overhead light, but the hallway ahead of them is dark. As they move forward, a light suddenly comes on in a room just ahead of them. When they approach the door, they hear a muffled voice and the light goes out; and so does the light behind them. This kind of multi-sensory experience will obviously create considerable stress, which is exactly what we are looking for.

L I G H T I N G

wHy Is THe lIgHTIng InsIde A MATCH fACIlITy suCH An IMporTAnT Issue?Q

lIgHTIng ConTrol In your TrAInIng fACIlITy Is noT jusT A quesTIon of reAlIsM, buT of effICIenCy And

sAfeTy As well.

u

replICATIng THe sITuATIons And surroundIngs your TrAInees MAy enCounTer In THe reAl world Is THe besT

wAy To prepAre THeM for suCCess.

u

888.377.8033 33

To make the lighting system as useful as possible, it can be controlled three different ways. First, the lights in each room can be turned on and off by the trainee with a common wall switch, just like in a real building. Second, the lights throughout the entire facility can be manually activated from the instrumentation control room. Third, remote sensors can be used to trigger lighting events as the trainee moves from one place to another.

Lighting control in your training facility is not just a question of realism, but of efficiency and safety as well. Turn all the lights on to prepare and setup your scenario, then turn them down when the scenario begins. Turn them on again to reset the scenario, and turn them off again for the next trainee. In the case of an accident or other emergency, turn all the lights on to properly deal with the situation. With MATCH, this kind of control can be a reality.

Let’s address one last question, what happens when the lights get shot? All the light fixtures are encased in explosion-resistant housings to help the bulbs last longer and resist breakage from the concussion of weapons fire. However, we understand that the worst-case scenario is a matter of when, and not if, so we designed the system to be rapidly repairable at a minimum cost. If a fixture is damaged, simply mount a new fixture in its place and plug the short cord into the nearby overhead power outlet. Nothing is hardwired or hidden behind the walls, so you are back in business in just a couple of minutes. This same modular approach means if the wall switch or cord is damaged, they can be easily replaced in the same way. There are also built-in redundancies so you still have computer control over the lights, even if the in-room components are damaged.

lIgHTIng ConTInued

p Turn THe lIgHTs on To prepAre And seTup your sCenArIo, THen Turn THeM down wHen THe sCenArIo begIns.

p All THe lIgHT fIxTures Are enCAsed In explosIon resIsTAnT HousIngs To Help THe bulbs lAsT longer And resIsT breAkAge froM THe ConCussIon of weApons fIre.

34 ACTIONTARGET.COM

For the ultimate forced entry training experience, look to Action Target’s Tactical Breach Door. When used in conjunction with MATCH, this incredibly versatile tool lets you train for all types of forced entry situations. The Tactical Breach Door uses a multi-purpose steel frame and door system that is easily adjustable and infinitely reusable. The Tactical Breach Door can be used separately as a stand-alone unit, or it can be incorporated into your existing shoothouse. This unique door can be quickly removed and temporarily replaced with a standard 3.0 pre-framed door should you desire.

BATTERING RAM BREACHING

The heart of the Tactical Breach Door is its revolutionary latch mechanism that holds the door closed. Depending on how you adjust the tension of the latch, it will require varying degrees of force before it releases. The lightest setting can be kicked open by an average-size trainee and replicates a typical hollow core door. The heaviest setting may require several hits from a battering ram, which accurately replicates the resistance of a solid security door. What makes this door unique is that not a single thing is broken when the latch releases, so resetting the door for the next round requires no replacement parts and takes less than 30 seconds. Costs for battering ram breacher training are reduced to almost nothing.

B R E A C H D O O R S

wHAT does ACTIon TArgeT provIde for door breACHIng And forCed enTry TrAInIng?

Q

THe TACTICAl breACH door uses A MulTI-purpose sTeel frAMe And door sysTeM THAT Is eAsIly AdjusTAble And

InfInITely reusAble.

u

THe purpose of TrAInIng Is To prepAre for reAl-lIfe sITuATIons THAT wIll be fACed durIng reAl- world

MIssIons, InCludIng forCed enTry And Indoor CoMbAT.

u

888.377.8033 35

EXPLOSIVE BREACHING

For any type of explosive entry training, simply remove the steel door and hang a sheet of ordinary plywood from the doorframe instead. We can provide you with an extra set of hinges to make this a very easy task. After the plywood is destroyed, simply attach the hinges to a new sheet and hang it for the next blast. Changing out the plywood takes less than 5 minutes.

SHOTGUN BREACHING

By inserting a disposable wooden dowel in the door latch mechanism, you can practice shotgun breaches over and over and over again. All you have to do is replace is the 5-cent wooden dowel, which takes less than 30 seconds. Everything else is a permanent and indestructible part of the door.

The purpose of training is to prepare for real-life situations that will be faced during real-world missions, including forced entry and indoor combat. Action Target’s Tactical Breach Door is far and away the most versatile, most practical, and most cost effective way to train for the broadest spectrum of forced entry scenarios.

breACH doors ConTInued

p by InserTIng A dIsposAble wooden dowel In THe door lATCH MeCHAnIsM, you CAn prACTICe sHoTgun breACHes over And over And over AgAIn.

p THe HeAvIesT seTTIng MAy requIre severAl HITs froM A bATTerIng rAM.

t MATCH wIndow sysTeM MAInTAIns THe sAMe 100% bAllIsTIC envIronMenT As THe resT of THe buIldIng.

t quICk And eAsy reConfIgurATIon of your MATCH lAyouT Is possIble wITH THe use of slIdIng bAllIsTIC doors.

W I N D O W S A N D BL AST PANELS

wHAT opTIons does MATCH provIde for AlTernATe enTry poInTs?Q

Indoor close-quarter combat involves more than just shooting, and a balistically safe training facility for live-fire urban operations must provide you with more than just steel walls. A complete shoothouse must provide multiple options for entering and exiting, other than just through the front door.

For operations training involving windows, we offer a safe and simple solution. In the closed position, our MATCH window system maintains the same 100% ballistic environment as the rest of the building. When you slide the steel and plywood cover panel to the side along the support rails, you expose the open window. You can now train for multiple window entrance and exit scenarios as your requirements dictate. Slide the cover panel back into place, and the ballistic integrity of the room is restored. Windows are also available with a ballistic outset from the wall of the house so you can use the opening as a window while still maintaining ballistic protection against an escaping round, even if it passes through the window opening.

Quick and easy reconfiguration of your MATCH layout is possible with the use of sliding ballistic doors. You can close off rooms, expand hallways, or create a blind alcove; all while maintaining complete ballistic protection. Changing up the layout like this makes a smaller house more effective and greatly increases your training potential.

Sometimes ignoring the doors and windows and coming through the walls is the best course of action. By using our special breach panel, MATCH can help you prepare for that as well. The breach panel is an armor steel framework that measures 4 feet by 8 feet and fits permanently into your wall the same way a standard panel would. By unbolting the armor steel cover, you reveal a large opening in the framework that you can cover with a standard piece of plywood or other material. Any of the various explosive breaching techniques may be used to break through the plywood and simulate a wormhole wall breach. Just like with the window, replacing the steel cover of the breach panel restores the ballistic integrity of the wall. Breach panels can be placed around the MATCH perimeter or in one of the interior walls according to your training needs.

36 ACTIONTARGET.COM

37

Actions Target’s system of realistic façades will help you train the way you fight. Most studies recognize that increased long-term training information transfer occurs when the training environment is as realistic as possible.

To achieve this high degree of realism, the interior plywood surfaces of MATCH can be painted to resemble a home or business. Hang posters, framed pictures, do whatever you can to simulate your actual mission surroundings.

MATCH can also be equipped on its exterior walls with realistic façades that replicate architectural styles and designs from different parts of the world. Choose from a variety of simulated building materials like stucco, plaster, brick, or whatever else you need to enhance the scenario.

With Action Target’s realistic façades, your MATCH house or village can help duplicate the look of the actual theater of operations your units are training for. As with every other detail of your facility, we will work with you to create a look and feel that best meets your specific needs.

R E A L I S T I C FACADES

wHAT oTHer wAll CoverIngs Are AvAIlAble wITH MATCH, And How CAn THey AffeCT TrAInIng?

Q

long-TerM TrAInIng InforMATIon TrAnsfer oCCurs wHen THe TrAInIng envIronMenT Is As reAlIsTIC As possIble.

u

p MATCH CAn Also be equIpped on ITs exTerIor wAlls wITH reAlIsTIC fAçAdes THAT replICATe ArCHITeCTurAl sTyles And desIgns froM dIfferenT pArTs of THe world.

38 ACTIONTARGET.COM

Let’s look at the benefit and the practical applications of portable bullet traps. Every round fired in your MATCH facility must be safely stopped, and every round will cause wear on the plywood or rubber skin. The use of small portable bullet traps will reduce or eliminate wear on the MATCH walls, thereby reducing major maintenance and downtime. A quality portable bullet trap will stop rounds safely, and is easier and cheaper to repair than the MATCH wall itself. Because the use of portable bullet traps can reduce maintenance costs by at least 75%, the investment is a wise decision.

There is a common misconception that a target must be placed directly on the face of a portable bullet trap. This is not the case. Traps can be strategically located so they do not inhibit the training task, yet still collect the majority of the bullets. For example, if the training task calls for a target to appear in a doorway, you could place the bullet trap in line with the target, but all the way across the room. It would still serve its purpose. The MATCH walls would contain the few rounds that may not hit the trap, but the wear would be focused on the trap and the wear on the MATCH walls would still be greatly reduced. If 70 to 80 percent of the rounds are captured in the trap, the remainder of the rounds will be widely dispersed and cause little wear.

P O R TA B L E T R A P S

sHould porTAble bulleT TrAps be used InsIde MATCH or Any oTHer Type of sHooTHouse?

Q

A quAlITy porTAble bulleT TrAp wIll sTop rounds sAfely, And Is eAsIer And CHeAper To repAIr THAn THe

MATCH wAll ITself

u

1. And 2. porTAble TrAps wITH exposed MeTAl, CAbels, or oTHer MeCHAnIsMs CAn CreATe

elevATed rIsk of rICoCHeT or dAMAge.

u

3. A round blew THrougH THe sIde of THIs porTAble TrAp beCAuse InferIor sTeel wAs used

u

4. A round enTered THIs wAll sIdewAys AfTer pAssIng rIgHT THrougH A poorly buIlT porTAble TrAp

u

p 4. noT ACTIon TArgeT




888.377.8033 39

Another misconception is that if you put an additional band of steel in the wall you don’t need bullet traps. This is essentially like saying if you put bigger tires on your car you don’t need windshield wipers. The one has nothing to do with the other. More steel in the wall does create a thicker barrier, but that doesn’t change the fact that servicing portable bullet traps is still significantly less expensive than servicing the walls themselves. It is important to remember that MATCH does not need bullet traps at all to safely and consistently stop bullets. From top to bottom, MATCH is 100% balistically secure. The only issue here is one of maintenance and life cycle costs.

To function safely and effectively, portable bullet traps must not only have an armor steel back, but armor steel around all 4 sides as well. Designs that do not incorporate steel sides should be strictly avoided as bullet splatter eating through wooden sides creates an obvious hazard. All Action Target portable bullet traps have steel sides and are made of through-hardened 500 Brinell steel for maximum safety and durability.

porTAble TrAps ConTInued

p beCAuse THe use of porTAble bulleT TrAps CAn re-duCe MAInTenAnCe CosTs by AT leAsT 75%, THe InvesT-MenT Is A wIse deCIsIon.

p If 70 To 80 perCenT of THe rounds Are CApTured In THe TrAp, THe reMAInder wIll be wIdely dIspersed And CAuse lITTle weAr.

40 ACTIONTARGET.COM

The answers to this question could fill an entire book on their own. In fact, there are already several books on the topic from sources inside the military, plus SWAT and law enforcement from around the country.

Let’s address the question of targets with one word: REALISM. If we want to provide the best training possible, then we have to provide the most realistic targets possible.

We should begin this process by moving away from basic paper picture targets. Your training experience will be far more effective with realistic targets that have actual shape and size. If possible, use life-sized three-dimensional targets that can be presented at full height.

The next issue to consider is reaction. Whenever possible, the targets should react in some way to accurately placed shots. Here is where the lines of technology and realism start to get a bit fuzzy. Reactive targets usually require some type of mechanical device to provide the motion. These devices need to be simple and must not require a full time crew just to keep them running. You will have to use hit sensors of some sort, and they work reasonably well. However, they can be shot just like anything else so the K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) principle is always best; it helps keep costs down too.

TA R G E T S

wHAT Are THe besT CHoICes for TArgeTs In TACTICAl TrAInIng?Q

More reAlIsTIC opTIonsTHAn pAper-pICTure TArgeTs Are AvAIlAble.

u

bAlloon TArgeTs Are AlwAys A greAT Tool beCAuse THey fAll To THe ground wHen HIT In THe desIgnATed spoT.

u

888.377.8033 41

We spoke at length about portable bullet traps in a previous section, and there are targets that can be used with these traps that offer a realistic approach to the problem. We often discount simple designs that function reliably for much more costly and complex designs that do not.

Balloon targets are always a great tool because they fall to the ground when hit in the designated spot. These targets can be made of cardboard or plastic, and they can also be used with the 3D targets that we are accustomed to seeing in military circles.

Pop-up and swing-out targets can provide more realism than stationary targets can, but the motion is not always indicative of realistic movements inside houses. Targets that cannot make realistic movements may not be any better than stationary targets in some applications. In these cases, you might be better off simply hiding the stationary target behind boxes or other props.

We always seem to think that wireless radio control technology is the pinnacle of portability in a target. However, it comes with its own set of problems as well. Radio controlled targets are great in a facility that is deployed or otherwise remote in its location. But the minute a wire is run into the training complex for a camera or some other device, the “no-wire” rule is broken and hard wired targets become just as easy to use inside the house as radio controlled units.

One last idea worth mentioning is the use of a special function target. In this application, the target activates when a person moving through the house trips a wire or a beam of light. It becomes a bit of a self-driven scenario. You have to be careful about target placement, but this can be a great way to have the targets function repeatedly in a given manner. If you want to change the scenario, simply move the sensor or move the target.

TArgeTs ConTInued

p rAdIo ConTrolled TArgeTs Are greAT In A fACIlITy

THAT Is deployed or oTHerwIse reMoTe In ITs loCATIon.

p If we wAnT To provIde THe besT TrAInIng possIble,

THen we HAve To provIde THe MosT reAlIsM possIble.

t MATCH CAn be ConfIgured To look lIke A sCHool, A, CHurCH, or jusT AbouT Any oTHer Type of buIldIng you wAnT To replICATe.

p MATCH CAn MeeT All THe requIreMenTs found In THe CACTf And uAC doCuMenTs.

Because the MATCH system is so versatile, it can be used for purposes other than just meeting the U.S. Army TC25-8 requirements for a shoothouse. MATCH can be configured to look like a school, a, church, or just about any other type of building you want to replicate. For superior planning and preparation, the interior of MATCH can be sized and laid out for mission specific rehearsals. It is not just a matter of putting up some walls and then imagining all the rest. For the most realistic scenarios possible, you can and should add furniture, appliances, debris on the floor, and anything else your trainees might encounter during an actual operation. MATCH is the superior choice for creating an extremely realistic and balistically safe environment.

MATCH is designed from top to bottom to provide a safe training environment that can meet all the requirements found in the CACTF and UAC documents. Training in the brick and mortar world does not provide the realistic ability to change mission requirements and adapt to today’s threats in a timely manner. Training in MATCH does, and it does it for less money.

C A C T F & U A C

42 ACTIONTARGET.COM

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While Action Target is justifiably proud of our balistically safe MATCH shoothouses and villages, we understand that not all training requires bulletproof steel protection. Nevertheless, even non-ballistic training houses will benefit from the durability and ease of assembly that the MATCH style of construction offers.

If simunitions or laser training devices are all that will be used in the house, savings of up to 60% can be realized by using 10 gauge or 1/4-inch mild steel instead of the armor steel used in our ballistic facilities. Building with steel gives you a much stronger and more durable solution than traditional plywood applications, and the resulting decrease in life cycle and maintenance costs may more than compensate for the higher initial installation cost.

Our non-ballistic houses can be designed to almost any length and width, so we can build to meet your specific needs. Because we use the same construction methods as we do with our MATCH buildings, your non-ballistic house can be up to three stories high. We can build your house with or without a roof, and you can use the same Quonset Hut structure to completely enclose your facility.

The same breach doors, windows, and blast panels can be used, as can the cameras, monitors, and lighting controls from our instrumentation packages. If the house is built indoors or is otherwise enclosed, our same ventilation equipment can be used to maintain safe air quality.

It is absolutely critical that live rounds not be used in a non-ballistic training house. Obviously, the results could be tragic. To help prevent an unsafe situation, the bolt hole patterns are unique so a non-ballistic panel can never be mixed in or inserted where an armor steel ballistic panel is required.

Action Target has a catalog of standard designs that meet the U.S. Army requirements found in Training Circular 25-8 for Urban Assault Courses and non-ballistic training houses used as rehearsal facilities for live-fire shoothouse environments. We will be happy to review these designs with you to find the best fit for your specific training needs.

N O N - B A L L I S T I C S O L U T I O N S

wHAT If we don’T need bAllIsTIC proTeCTIon In our TrAInIng House?Q

IT Is AbsoluTely CrITICAl THAT lIve rounds noT be used In A non-bAllIsTIC TrAInIng House.

u

44 ACTIONTARGET.COM

MATCHMODULAR ARMORED TACTICAL COMBAT HOUSE

ACTION TARGET INC.MILITARY SALESPO BOX 636PROVO, UTAH 84603

PHONE: 888-377-8033FAX: 801-377-8096

SEE SECTION 1 FOR PRICING

GSA# [email protected]

MATCH IS MANUFACTURED UNDERU.S. PATENT 5,822,936WITH OTHER PATENTS PENDING

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888.377.8033 45

46 ACTIONTARGET.COM



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House 14MATCHMODULAR ARMORED TACTICAL COMBAT HOUSE


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House 25

EX AMPLES FOR A COMPLETE BOOK OF DESIGN EXAMPLES, CONTACT ACTION TARGET

PHONE: 801-377-8033 TOLL-FREE: 888-377-8033 FAX: 801-377-8096MAILING ADDRESS: Action Target P.O. Box 636 Provo, Utah 84603

WEBSITE: www.actiontarget.com