Team Buckley’s CATM Firing Range Receives Upgrades

March 4, 2025 Hannah Sanchez 460th SFS, SF Units, US Space Force, USAF 0
A collection of 460th Security Forces Squadron, Combat Arms Training and Maintenance equipment is displayed at Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado, Feb. 25, 2025. CATM is upgrading its firing range with an automated target retrieval system to reduce movement on the range. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hollis)

BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. — Buckley Space Force Base began renovations on its Combat Arms Training and Maintenance firing range to improve safety, efficiency, and readiness in March of 2025. The upgrades include the installation of a new automated target retrieval system, which will streamline training and reduce downtime for Airmen qualifying on their weapons. 



As the Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force are looking to the future of restoring America’s fighting force and increasing the readiness of all servicemembers, these upgrades look to maximize the capabilities of the Buckley CATM training outcomes.

“The new system ensures a safer, more controlled training environment while maximizing range efficiency,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Cotterman, 460th Security Force Squadron combat arms scheduler. “This upgrade allows servicemembers to focus more on their fundamentals without unnecessary delays.”

With automated target retrieval, instructors can assess accuracy without leaving the firing line, reducing movement on the range and allowing for immediate corrections. The fixed target positions will also improve consistency, helping Airmen develop more reliable marksmanship skills.

Senior Airman Justin Allgood, 460th Security Forces defender stated, “Not having students and instructors constantly move back and forth improves consistency and allows for better time management.” The squadron plans to have the installation complete in April.

Additional improvements to the firing range and classroom training procedures are being considered as part of ongoing efforts to enhance weapons qualification programs. These advancements aim to support Airmen in maintaining operational readiness and weapons proficiency.

  • Published 
  • By Senior Airman Joshua Hollis
  • Buckley Space Force Base Public Affairs
A contractor works on the new automated target retrieval system at Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado, Feb. 25, 2025. Contractors will continue working on the 460th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms Training and Maintenance firing range with the aim of completing the project by April. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hollis)
A rear view of the automatic catch system at the 460th Security Forces Squadron, Combat Arms Training and Maintenance range at Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado, Feb. 25, 2025. The system is part of ongoing range upgrades to improve weapons qualification procedures. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hollis)