What is the primary purpose of range commands in a training environment?

• A. To designate targets.
• B. To communicate start and stop actions and control when shooters may engage targets.
• C. To encourage random movement.
• D. To assign scoring.

Answer: (B)

Range commands provide the standardized signals that govern when you may shoot and when you must stop, keeping the training environment safe and orderly. They coordinate shooters, range staff, and spotters, signaling the start of a drill, pauses, and when targets may be engaged. This clarity reduces risk by removing guesswork under pressure and ensures everyone acts on a common cue—shoot only when commanded and stop when told. While target setup and scoring are part of the drill, the commands themselves are about action and permission, not designating targets or awarding points. They also guide movement along the firing line in a controlled way, rather than encouraging random movement.