What is the primary role of a range safety officer during M240 qualifications?

The primary role of a range safety officer during M240 qualifications is to ensure adherence to safety protocols. This involves monitoring the overall safety of the firing range, overseeing the behavior and actions of all personnel present, and ensuring that all safety measures are followed strictly. The safety officer is responsible for identifying and mitigating potential hazards that could lead to accidents or injuries during the live-fire exercises. This vigilance is crucial because the handling of weaponry, such as the M240, involves substantial risk that can be controlled effectively through strict adherence to established safety protocols.

While managing ammunition supplies, training new operators, and overseeing firing range maintenance are important tasks within the broader range operations, they do not encompass the primary focus of the range safety officer's responsibilities. The safety of personnel is paramount during any live-fire qualifications, making the enforcement of safety protocols the most critical duty in this context.