COLUMBIA CITY – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) released the following statement after the Air Force announced a $13 million investment to build a small arms qualification range for the 181st Intelligence Wing at the Air National Guard Base in Terre Haute.
Senator Jim Banks said, “I’m pleased that the Air Force is following through on its commitment to build the small arms range in Terre Haute. This project will ensure commanders can quickly get their troops weapons-qualified before being deployed overseas.”
Background:
As a member of the House, then-Rep. Banks pushed for the construction of the small arms range and supported the 122nd Fighter Wing’s transition from A-10s to F-16s.
Currently, the Terre Haute base does not have a certified small arms training range, and Air National Guardsmen must travel to state and local partners to meet their annual weapons qualification.
Nearly 900 service members are stationed in Terre Haute.
The project has an estimated completion date of April 20, 2027.
