Terre Haute air base approved for $13M small arms qualification range
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The U.S. Air Force has announced plans for a new small arms qualification range at Hulman Field Air National Guard Base in Terre Haute.
The $13 million project will support the nearly 900 Airmen from the 181st Intelligence Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard.
The facility is designed to allow live-fire qualification training with small-caliber weapons. The 181st Intelligence Wing says when complete, it will provide a streamlined option for qualifications, especially in the event of short-notice or rapid deployment scenarios.
The wing said in a news release that having an on-base range has been a priority for nearly a decade. Col. Charles Goad, the wing’s commander, called the project a “huge win.”
“Having a range on base will allow us to organically qualify not only our Security Forces, Civil Engineers and future Contingency Response members, but anyone deploying overseas—rapidly and efficiently,” Col. Goad said. “This investment ensures the operational readiness of our service members and reinforces our commitment to national defense objectives.”
A timeline for the facility’s construction was not immediately known. When complete, however, it will be the first purpose-built facility at Hulman Field since 1997.
“This investment reflects the vital role the 181st Intelligence Wing plays in safeguarding our nation,” Sen. Jim Banks, R-IN, said in the release. “The new small arms range will strengthen the Wing’s capabilities and ensure that our service members are fully prepared for the demands of their missions.”
Funding for the project was approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.