Ranger Tactical Tasks (RTTs): The 7 RAP Week Tasks

Task: Disassemble, inspect, and reassemble the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW).

Disassembly Steps (in order):

1. Clear the weapon — ensure the chamber is empty and the bolt is forward
2. Remove the barrel — lift the barrel-locking lever, pull barrel forward and out
3. Open the feed cover — press the feed cover latch and lift
4. Remove the bolt and operating rod assembly — pull the charging handle to the rear and lift out the bolt/op rod assembly
5. Remove the trigger mechanism — push out the trigger pin and lift the trigger group out

Inspection:

• Inspect all components for cracks, excessive wear, carbon buildup, and corrosion
• Check the bore for obstructions
• Verify the gas regulator is clean and functional
• Inspect the feed tray and feed pawls for wear

Reassembly:

Reassemble in reverse order of disassembly: trigger mechanism, bolt/operating rod assembly, close feed cover, replace barrel.

Functions Check:

• Place weapon on SAFE — pull trigger, bolt should not move
• Place weapon on FIRE — pull trigger, bolt should go forward
• Charge the weapon — pull charging handle to rear, release

Common Failures:

• Disassembling components in the wrong order
• Forgetting to clear the weapon before disassembly
• Skipping the functions check after reassembly
• Failing to inspect individual components (just rushing through)

Task: Clear, load, reduce a stoppage, unload, and clear the M249 SAW.

Clear the Weapon:

1. Place the weapon on SAFE
2. Pull the charging handle to the rear and lock the bolt back
3. Open the feed cover and inspect the chamber — ensure it is empty
4. Return the bolt forward on an empty chamber
5. Close the feed cover

Load the Weapon:

1. Open the feed cover
2. Place the linked ammunition on the feed tray with the open side of the links facing down
3. Ensure the first round is against the cartridge stop
4. Close the feed cover — press down firmly until it clicks
5. Pull the charging handle to the rear and release — this chambers the first round
6. Place weapon on FIRE when ready to engage

Reduce a Stoppage — SPORTS:

• Slap — slap upward on the magazine/feed tray
• Pull — pull the charging handle to the rear
• Observe — observe the chamber for a round or obstruction
• Release — release the charging handle (do not ride it forward)
• Tap — tap the forward assist (if applicable)
• Shoot — attempt to fire

Unload and Clear:

1. Place the weapon on SAFE
2. Open the feed cover and remove ammunition
3. Pull the charging handle to the rear and lock the bolt back
4. Inspect the chamber — ensure it is empty
5. Return the bolt forward, close the feed cover
6. Place the weapon on SAFE

Task: Disassemble, inspect, and reassemble the M240B Medium Machine Gun.

The M240B maintenance procedure follows the same general concept as the M249 but differs in the specific disassembly sequence and component handling. The M240B is a heavier weapon with different internal components.

Disassembly Steps (in order):

1. Clear the weapon — ensure the chamber is empty and the bolt is forward
2. Remove the barrel — unlock the barrel-locking lever, rotate and pull barrel forward
3. Open the feed tray and remove the feed tray assembly
4. Remove the bolt and operating rod assembly — pull charging handle to the rear, lift assembly out
5. Remove the trigger group — push the trigger pin out and separate
6. Remove the buffer assembly — pull the buffer assembly out of the receiver to the rear

Key Differences from M249:

• The M240B has a separate buffer assembly that must be removed
• The feed tray lifts out as a complete assembly
• The barrel is heavier — handle with care and use the carrying handle
• The bolt and operating rod assembly is larger and heavier

Inspection:

• Inspect all components for cracks, wear, and corrosion
• Check the bore and gas system for obstructions
• Verify the buffer assembly spring tension
• Inspect the feed tray pawls and cam

Reassembly:

Reassemble in reverse order: buffer assembly, trigger group, bolt/operating rod assembly, feed tray, barrel.

Functions Check:

• Charge the weapon and place on SAFE — pull trigger, bolt should not release
• Place on FIRE — pull trigger, bolt should go forward
• Verify the barrel is properly seated and locked

Task: Clear, load, reduce a stoppage, unload, and clear the M240B.

Clear the Weapon:

1. Place the weapon on SAFE
2. Pull the charging handle to the rear and lock the bolt back
3. Lift the feed tray cover and inspect the chamber
4. Ensure the chamber is empty
5. Return the bolt forward and close the feed tray cover

Load the Weapon:

1. Lift the feed tray cover
2. Place linked ammunition on the feed tray from the left side — first round against the cartridge stop
3. Close the feed tray cover firmly
4. Pull the charging handle to the rear and release to chamber the first round
5. Place weapon on FIRE when ready to engage

Reduce a Stoppage — SPORTS for M240B:

• Slap — slap upward on the feed tray assembly
• Pull — pull the charging handle to the rear
• Observe — observe the chamber for a round or casing
• Release — release the charging handle sharply
• Tap — tap the forward assist
• Shoot — attempt to fire

Differences from M249 Operations:

• Ammunition feeds from the left side on the M240B
• The feed tray cover is larger and heavier
• Headspace and timing checks may be required (if applicable to your test)
• Charging handle location and operation differs

Unload and Clear:

1. Place the weapon on SAFE
2. Lift the feed tray cover and remove ammunition
3. Pull the charging handle to the rear and lock the bolt back
4. Inspect the chamber — confirm empty
5. Return the bolt forward, close the feed tray cover
6. Place the weapon on SAFE

Task: Set up, aim, arm, fire, and recover an M18A1 Claymore antipersonnel mine.

"FRONT TOWARD ENEMY" — the most important marking on the mine. Get this wrong and you kill friendlies.

Components:

• M18A1 Mine: Curved, rectangular, olive drab. Contains 700 steel balls and 1.5 lbs of C-4 explosive
• M57 Firing Device (Clacker): Hand-held electrical initiator
• M4 Blasting Cap Assembly: Connects the firing wire to the mine
• Electric Firing Wire: 100-foot spool connects clacker to blasting cap
• Bandolier: Carries the mine and all accessories

Emplacement Steps:

1. Select a position with clear fields of fire and good concealment
2. Open the legs on the bottom of the mine and press into the ground
3. Ensure "FRONT TOWARD ENEMY" faces the kill zone
4. Aim the mine using the sighting slit on top — the mine covers a 60-degree arc, optimally effective at 50 meters
5. Unroll the firing wire back to the firing position (minimum 16 meters)
6. Connect the M4 blasting cap to the mine's detonator well
7. Connect the firing wire to the M57 clacker

Arm and Fire:

• Ensure all friendlies are behind the mine and in cover
• Remove the safety bail on the M57 clacker
• Squeeze the clacker handle firmly 3 times to generate sufficient electrical charge

Recovery (reverse order):

1. Disconnect the firing wire from the clacker
2. Move forward to the mine position
3. Disconnect the blasting cap from the mine
4. Fold the legs and repack the mine into the bandolier
5. Recover all wire and components

Safety:

• The backblast area extends 16 meters behind the mine — no personnel in this zone
• Always confirm "FRONT TOWARD ENEMY" before connecting the blasting cap
• Never connect the clacker to the firing wire until ready to arm

Task: Program and operate the AN/PRC-119 ASIP (Advanced System Improvement Program) SINCGARS radio.

Setup Steps:

1. Install the battery — ensure proper seating and connection
2. Attach the antenna — hand-tighten the antenna base to the radio connector
3. Turn the radio ON — rotate the function switch to ON
4. Set the mode to SC (Single Channel) for basic operations
5. Enter the assigned frequency using the channel/frequency selector
6. Load the fill (COMSEC key) if required by the grader
7. Set the volume to a usable level

Establish Communications:

1. Key the handset (press PTT — Push To Talk)
2. Conduct a radio check: "_____ this is _____, radio check, over"
3. Wait for response: "This is _____, roger, out" or "Lima Charlie, out"

Send a Report:

You may be asked to send a 9-Line MEDEVAC request or a SALUTE report. Know the formats:

• SALUTE: Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, Equipment
• 9-Line MEDEVAC: Location, call sign/frequency, # of patients by precedence, special equipment, # of patients by type, security at pickup site, method of marking, patient nationality/status, NBC contamination

Troubleshooting:

• No power — check battery connection, try a fresh battery
• No comms — verify antenna connection is tight and antenna is not damaged
• Wrong frequency — double-check the assigned frequency against the signal plan
• Weak signal — extend the antenna fully, move to higher ground if possible

Task: Program and operate the AN/PRC-148 Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR).

The MBITR is a smaller, lighter radio than the ASIP but follows the same fundamental communications procedures. The primary differences are in the form factor and menu system.

Setup Steps:

1. Power on the radio — press and hold the power button until the display activates
2. Navigate the menu system using the front-panel buttons
3. Select the correct channel or navigate to manual frequency entry
4. Enter the assigned frequency
5. Verify the frequency is displayed correctly on the screen
6. Set squelch and volume to appropriate levels

Differences from the ASIP:

• Size: The MBITR is significantly smaller and lighter — handheld vs. manpack
• Menu System: The MBITR uses a digital display with push-button navigation instead of rotary dials
• Power: Uses a smaller rechargeable battery
• Same Comms Procedures: Radio checks, report formats (SALUTE, 9-Line), and prowords are identical

Establish Communications:

1. Press and hold PTT on the side of the radio
2. Conduct a radio check using proper call signs and prowords
3. Release PTT and wait for response

Common Failures:

• Entering the wrong frequency — double-check against the signal plan before transmitting
• Not pressing PTT correctly — hold firmly for the full duration of your transmission
• Forgetting proper prowords and call signs — practice radio etiquette before test day
• Failing to verify the display shows the correct frequency before attempting comms

Both radio tasks are straightforward if you practice the sequence. The key is knowing where the buttons are, entering the correct frequency, and following proper radio procedures. Do not rush — methodical execution beats speed on test day.