Phaser Range

The Phaser Range is a place aboard a ship or station where personnel can practice firing their phasers and learn combat tactics utilizing personal defense weapons. Usually a range incorporates a large room that can be easily modified and reconfigured for practice. The area is also protected by double-thick walls and bulkheads, then enclosed by an energy-dampening forcefield for safety reasons. It is designed to absorb shots even from heavier Marine ordnance.

During the mid-24th Century, shipborne phaser ranges had a round riser in the center of a darkened room. Personnel would shoot at brightly-colored holographic spheres as they encircled them at different speeds and heights. Range design changed during the 2370s and included more holodeck technology to make the practice more realistic. The Borg threat also saw a re-emergence of ballistic weaponry being made standard throughout the fleet. Engineers invented a special eerium-polymer gel mesh that could be applied to the walls of the phaser range. This mesh captures ballistic projectiles safely up to 20mm caliber.

Most vessels and stations are equipped with a range (or at least a holodeck that can double as one), typically located near the Armory. If a large enough Marine compliment is embarked, a second range is added for their use near the Barracks. All Starfleet personnel are trained in the use of phaser weapons and are expected to practice their skills regularly. Marines and Sec/Tac Officers must also be proficent with ballistic weaponry as well. Bi-yearly marksmanship qualifications are mandatory.