Sgt. 1st Class Paul Rieks A Fort Dix Rod & Gun Club member shoots on the skeet range at Range 14, recently. The recreational range is open year round with adjusted winter hours for all members.

Many Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen have taken the journey down Range Road for training in preparation for mobilization, but few, if any, have had the opportunity to stop by Range 14. It is here where military members can relax and enjoy outdoor sporting activities.

The Fort Dix Rod & Gun Club is the headquarters for Range 14 activities. "The purpose of Fort Dix Recreational Shooting Range is to provide safe shooting opportunities for all eligible participants," Jim Garrett, manager of the club, said.

The range can be used by the general public once a 60$ advance activity fee is paid. Active duty, military reservist, retired military, disabled veterans, Department of Defense civilian employees, National Guard, National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) members, active duty police officers and Fort Dix hunting/fishing permit holders can use the range for a $30 advance activity fee. The activity fee gives an individual the right to use the range for a calendar year.

Once the activity fee is paid a member can bring up to four guests for usage of Range 14 facilities. Guests will pay the same usage fee as members. Outdoor enthusiasts can shoot skeet, trap, rifle (up to 50-caliber), pistol, archery and paintball. One of Jim Garrett’s employees is Gary Cooper who runs the paint ball section of Range 14.

"Our new indoor paintball facility uses re-balls which are a rubber base type of ball that does not explode paint anywhere," said Cooper, a leader for the paintball location.

The re-balls are designed to be used over and over again. The indoor facility provides an environment where members and guests can enjoy the competition of paintball without the messy cleanup. Also with the inset of winter looming the indoor facility becomes more attractive to the avid paint ball competitor.

"The average paintball travels at approximately 190mph where as the re-balls travel at a speed of 150mph," Cooper said.

The paint ball guns are adjusted to not shoot the re-ball as fast as conventional paint ball. Cooper stated that the re-ball will leave a bruise or mark just the same as a paint ball. Equipment is available at the range competitors can bring their own equipment. Cooper also said that over 75-acres of land has been dedicated to paint ball. A web site has been developed, www.google.com/profiles/R14Paintball, to advertise more about paint ball at Army Support Activity-Dix.

A major attraction at the recreational range is the skeet shooting range. Ten lanes are available for use at any time. State-level competition is held at the recreational site every year with some of the best skeet and trap shooters from the state sharpening their skills at the site.

The winter hours for use are Wednesdays 1-8 p.m., Friday 1-8pm (April - December only), Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information about Range 14, call Jim Garrett at Building 9060, at 609-562-4676 or visit www.gomdl.com for all recreational activities.