Course geared to prevent tactical vehicle accidents

Photo By Sgt. Alyssa N. Gunton | Lance Cpl. Daniel Bourgal practices guiding a 7-ton truck with an attached trailer on Camp Foster March 16. This was part of the practical application portion of the new Assistant-Driver Trainer’s Course, conducted by Motor Transport Company. The course was designed to help prevent accidents on Okinawa. Bourgal is a field wireman with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Motor Transport Company is part of MWSS-172.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

03.16.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Alyssa N. Gunton 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Motor Transport Company held its first Assistant-Driver Trainer’s Course here March 16.

The company, part of Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, developed the course to educate assistant drivers on ways to prevent accidents on Okinawa.

“Operating large tactical vehicles on these small roads on Okinawa is extremely difficult in itself, not to mention the fact that the operator is on the opposite side of the road,” said Capt. Max Foti, the Motor Transport Company commander. “There are many blind spots, which are the biggest cause for accidents.”

The course included an hour-long presentation and ended with a practical application. The assistant drivers had multiple stations where they practiced ground guiding with the correct hand-and-arm signals. A ground guide directs the vehicle operator when needed, usually in tight spaces and while the vehicle is backing-up.

“We’ve designed the course to focus on situations where many accidents could (occur),” said Staff Sgt. Jorge A. Gonzalez-Mancha, a truck master with the company. “There are a lot of different rules that are specific for operating tactical vehicles on Okinawa.”

The course is intended to make the assistant drivers aware of rules and regulations when operating tactical vehicles, and help the Marines understand the multiple and large blind spots of these vehicles, said Foti.

“This course is very informative, and I have learned a lot,” said Lance Cpl. Joshua D. Crady, a field wireman with the squadron. He said he felt the course will play a major role with preventing accidents and keeping the unit operationally ready.

The squadron is planning to have most of its Marines qualify in this course, said Foti.

“We support the squadron and hopefully with this course, accidents will be prevented,” said Foti.

• Date Taken: 03.16.2012
• Date Posted: 03.22.2012 20:58
• Story ID: 85646
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP