US Marine Corps

The Legacy Marine Corps Known Distance (KD) rifle ranges currently rely on manual scoring and verification of shots, a process that consumes significant manpower, time, and is susceptible to human error. In response to these challenges, the introduction of KDAS (Known Distance Automation Systems) on designated rifle ranges is proposed. This innovative system aims to revolutionize the way Marines undergo their annual rifle qualification, offering a more efficient and streamlined approach. By automating the operation, scoring, and repair of targets during stationary stages of fire, KDAS systems bring a modernized dimension to KD rifle ranges. 

Ravenswood is establishing fundamental data points that can be used to quantitatively assess a Marine’s lethality, much like the current annual rifle qualification. This initiative provides the necessary quantitative data to meet the baseline requirements of the Marine Corps Marksmanship Campaign Plan. By standardizing these metrics, we ensure that Marines can be evaluated against their peers in a clear, data-driven manner, leading to a measurable improvement in marksmanship and combat readiness. 

Project Goals:

• Reduction in the time Marines spend in the pits
• More rapid and accurate feedback to shooters on the firing line
• Minimizing the need for alibis and additional shooting caused by human error

The implementation of KDAS systems is poised to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of annual rifle marksmanship qualifications for the Marine Corps.  

In support of the USMC’s SLTE 1-20 at Twentynine Palms, Ravenswood was asked to provide TaaS support and Instrumented AARs to support a three-day regimental live-fire exercise and a five-day MAGTF Warfighting Exercise (MWX). SLTE 1-20 was the largest instrumented exercise in the history of the Marine Corps. Issuing and recovering 7000 sets of TESS and FREDIS to 14 different units was a logistical and coordination challenge. Ravenswood developed and tested a system to issue 100 sets of TESS per hour in all weathers and all environments. Approximately 3000 sets were issued at a remote location in the desert two hours from our base at Camp Wilson and designate d only by an eight-digit grid coordinate. Ravenswood provided single-day issues of 1000 and 1200 sets of TESS.