On May 6, 2026, I observed SPOI weapons qualifications with a focus on range operations. This observation was prompted by concerns raised by UPPSR Local 125 members regarding the grading of LSPT performance and the light levels during the reduced-light portion of the Combined Rifle and Pistol qualification.

There were no concerns with the grading of LSPTs.

During the observation, procedures for measuring light levels at the target face prior to the reduced-light qualification were followed. The range instructor utilized a certified Minolta T-10A light meter, which registered 0.20 after minor adjustments to the lighting. My independent measurement, using an uncertified ExTech LT505 light meter, indicated a reading of 0.01 at the target face. I did not dispute this discrepancy due to the Minolta's certified calibration status and the lack of certification for the ExTech meter.

Following the night qualification, I requested another demonstration of the light meter reading process. It was observed that the instructors' light meter displayed readings in "lx" which is the abbreviation for a measure of light called Lux.  When questioned about the standard light level, instructors stated it to be 0.2 lumens. However, the Department of Energy (DOE) standard (STD-1245-2024) specifies 0.2 foot-candela. A comparison of the two meters at the 100-yard line showed the meters to read within 10% of each other when measuring light output in Lux. The difference in measurement is approximately 10 fold. The conversion of 0.2 foot-candela into Lux would be 2.15 LX. 

An instructor commented that complaints regarding light levels coincided with the introduction of new light meters.

It was subsequently determined that an incorrect unit of measurement (Lux/Lumen) was being utilized for the nighttime qualification, resulting in light levels substantially below the established standard. This error appears to have originated during the calibration and certification of the light meters, at which point their display was switched from foot-candela to lux. This discrepancy was not identified until the morning of the observation.

Following discussions among the range staff, a decision was made to nullify any nighttime qualification failures from the most recent cycle. This information was conveyed to me by Billy Reynolds.

There is no indication that this error was intentional, and corrective adjustments to the light meters have been implemented for all future qualifications.

Union Vice President, Daniel Wood