What is the role of the SUL in RM during a live-fire exercise?

• A. To delegate all safety to range safety officers and not participate.
• B. To identify hazards, ensure controls are in place, enforce safety rules, and monitor compliance and risk levels.
• C. To maximize training intensity by ignoring some rules.
• D. To document only after the exercise is over.

Answer: (B)

On a live-fire range, the SUL is the unit’s risk-management lead. The SUL actively identifies hazards, assesses how likely they are and how severe their consequences could be, and then ensures the right controls are in place before and during the exercise. This means confirming the safety rules are understood and followed, safety equipment and procedures are in place, and administrative controls (like briefings, checklists, and clear roles) are used. The SUL continuously monitors compliance and the evolving risk level, enforcing rules and stopping or adjusting the training if risk rises or if controls fail. The SUL coordinates with range safety but keeps ownership of the unit’s safety posture, guiding the operation to stay within safe limits and the commander’s intent. Documentation and risk communication happen throughout the event, not only afterward.

Delegating all safety to range safety officers ignores the SUL’s duty to lead RM for the unit. Ignoring rules to push training harder defeats safety controls. Documenting only after the exercise misses the ongoing risk assessment needed to prevent incidents.