Area Support Group Qatar Public Affairs Office

Story by Dustin Senger

CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – Col. Maxine C. Girard, Third Army/U.S. Army Central Area Support Group Qatar commander, presented Joel Pattillo, installation safety manager, a 2008 Motorcycle Safety Foundation Outstanding Motorcycle Safety Support Award at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, Nov. 24.

"The MSF is pleased to honor your hard work and commitment," said Tim Buche, MSF president, in a formal letter of congratulations to the ASG-QA commander, dated Oct 20. "The MSF commends your dedication to motorcycle safety. The MSF awards program is one way that affords us the opportunity to recognize such outstanding accomplishments."

Army organizations stepped up safety initiatives in 2009, in reaction to a 12-year high in motorcycle rider fatalities. Third Army/USARCENT enhanced overseas safety programs at installations in Qatar and Kuwait by implementing the latest in MSF technology: the Honda Safe Motorcyclist Awareness and Recognition Trainer, or "SMARTrainer." The system simulates real-world riding experiences using a computer terminal equipped with real motorcycle controls, a noise suppression headset and powerful software presenting various driving conditions and playback options.

"Motorcycle riders should routinely review roadway safety concerns to avoid complacency," said Patillo, an ITT contractor from Jacksonville, Fla., who has spent over 16 years involved in Army safety programs. "This is especially necessary after an extended time away from riding."

"Our MSF-certified coaches are committed to encouraging safe motorcycle riding using the SMARTrainer at Camp As Sayliyah," said Pattillo. "They're helping motorcycle riders return home with a renewed respect for the risks that cause deadly accidents."

While delivering the SMARTrainers in March, Al Hydeman, MSF managing director, conducted a two-day training class at Camp As Sayliyah. Three individuals became the first MSF-certified SMARTrainer coaches in the Middle East, each committed to re-orientating service members to safe riding principles.

Shortly after receiving the SMARTrainer in Qatar, U.S. service members proudly displayed the device at the 25th Gulf Cooperation Council Traffic Safety Week. It was the first time U.S. Armed Forces participated in the annual event, organized by the Qatar National Campaign for Road Accident Prevention. Soldiers explained the SMARTrainer system to numerous host nation traffic safety officials and motorcycle enthusiasts.

Each year, MSF officials acknowledge outstanding achievements and excellence in motorcycle rider education and training. A multi-disciplinary evaluation committee, composed of experienced motorcycle safety professionals, selects award winners from nominations received from the training community. A panel of nine members includes four MSF staff members, three state administrators and two MSF RiderCoach trainers.

The ASG-QA nomination recognized the command for acting as a "key collaborator with the MSF in the development of special programs centering on the use of the Honda SMARTrainer." Involvement in host nation safety initiatives highlighted "significant benefit to the people of Qatar, both in goodwill and traffic safety."

The secretary of the Army and chief of staff of the Army awarded ASG-QA with the Exceptional Organization Safety Award in 2007 and 2008, for administering the best garrison safety program. An unwavering commitment to troop safety is offering reliable support to the Central Command area of operations.

ASG-QA provides force protection and base operations services as a component headquarters for assigned Army forces and joint tenant units at Camp As Sayliyah. The Third Army/USARCENT subordinate command executes the only authorized CENTCOM rest and recuperation pass program; recharging nearly 200,000 war fighters since its 2004 inception.

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