UFC 4-179-02 is the Unified Facilities Criteria for Small Arms Ranges, current as of 5 March 2020 with Change 1 effective 13 March 2025 [UFC 4-179-02].
It is a Tri-Service document prepared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, with the Air Force Civil Engineer Center as a participating activity [UFC 4-179-02]. The UFC replaces Navy MIL HNDBK 1027/3B and Air Force ETL 11-18 and applies to all new DoD indoor, outdoor, and steel close quarter combat small arms range facilities [UFC 4-179-02].
Mandatory Use: Air Force units must apply UFC 4-179-02 for planning, constructing, and rehabilitating any type of range or range complex and may not deviate from its minimum design criteria without an approved waiver [DAFMAN 31-131V1 para 7.2; AFI 36-2654 para 2.6.3.1].
Scope: The UFC establishes Army and USMC Surface Danger Zone criteria as Tri-Service criteria and covers both indoor ranges (with ballistic containment systems) and other facility types [UFC 4-179
Unofficial — answered from indexed publication text, which may be incomplete or out of date. Your MAJCOM/unit supplement may be stricter. Verify the official PDF before acting or writing a finding.
DAFMAN 31-131V1 para 7.2, p. 55 (effective/current as of 2025-06-17)Guard Bureau Directorate of Logistics, NGB/A4, should consult AFIMSC and AF/A4S using the AFIMSC analysis to assist in their selection of the appropriate solution for their installations. The National Guard Bureau Security Forces, NGB/A4S, should notify AFIMSC of any decisions on the execution of funds for ANG small arms ranges. ANG Wing Commanders will coordinate small arms range issues through NGB/A4. (T-2) 7.2. Range and Support Facilities Criteria. When planning, constructing, and rehabilitating any type of range or range complex use UFC 4-179-02, FC 4-179-03F, and this instruction. Note: For the ARC, use UFC 4-179-02, FC 4-179-03F, this instruction and, as amended or supplemented guidance (e.g., ANGH 32-1084) consistent with DoDI 1225.08. The UFC and FC includes facilities criteria fo
AFI 36-2654 para 2.6.3.1 (effective/current as of 2020-04-16)a minimum, inspect the items listed below. Note: All Air Force range criteria has been moved to UFC 4-179-02, which replaced Facilities Criteria 4-179-03F and Engineering Technical Letter 11-18. Units may not deviate from minimum design criteria items directed by UFC 4-179-02 without an approved waiver. (T-0).38 AFI36-2654 16 APRIL 2020 2.6.3.1. Backstop Condition. Dirt backstops should be regularly checked for erosion. If installed, check the bullet deflector/bullet catch for bullet holes and ensure the structure is firmly attached to the backstop. Check for erosion both behind the targets and at all points facing the shooters. Heavy lead buildup could cause ricochets. To test for excessive leading of the dirt backstop, tap a 3/8-inch rod at least 4-feet long into the earthen backstop usi
No supplement passage retrieved — check the supplement chain on the pub page before citing.
No federal/DoD passage retrieved.