2CR’s Support Squadron conducts Motorcycle Safety Training

Photo By Capt. Ellen Brabo | Master Sgt. Henry Aruviereh, Regimental Support Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment, demonstrates a turning drill at the motorcycle range during a quarterly safety training day at Camp Kasserine, Germany, April 19, 2018. The safety training day consisted of a classroom safety refresher, riding drills at Camp Kasserine and a 50-kilometer ride.  

VILSECK, BY, GERMANY

04.27.2018

Story by 2nd Lt. Paula Fujan 

2d Cavalry Regiment

Since the opening of the German motorcycle riding season on April 1, many motorcyclists have started to take to the road. The Regimental Support Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment, amped up its Motorcycle Mentorship Program, with troop and squadron mentors conducting their Experienced Riders Course and an internal review of the squadron’s program. The RSS, 2CR, conducted its quarterly motorcycle safety training in order to refresh rider’s skills and develop esprit de corps among motorcyclists, April 19, 2018.

This training was open to all motorcycle riders in the RSS, including spouses. The safety training day consisted of a classroom safety refresher, riding drills at Camp Kasserine, Germany and a 50-kilometer ride. The safety refresher focused on the risks of being a motorcycle rider, common accident factors and Personal Protective Equipment that all U.S. Soldiers and family members are required to wear when operating a motorcycle.

Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis and Stands inspections were completed prior to riding out to Camp Kasserine to ensure the motorcycles were fit to ride. This also enabled new riders to gain functional and technical knowledge about their motorcycle. T-CLOCS assist the rider in doing in-depth inspections on each area of their motorcycle, such as the conditions, functions and wear and tear.

“I enjoyed using T-CLOCS to identify potential issues and practicing fundamentals afterwards,” said Sgt. Evelin Rosales, Charlie Troop, RSS, 2CR.

Finally, the group conducted a 50-kilometer check ride to practice safe riding and build esprit de corps.

These safety-training events are planned quarterly by the troop and squadron motorcycle mentors. The U.S. Army created the Motorcycle Mentorship Program in 2005, and it is “a voluntary unit organization where inexperienced and seasoned motorcycle riders are paired together to create a supportive learning environment that promotes safe and responsible riding.”

The MMP focuses on education and awareness programs, and ensuring operators are properly licensed. In the U.S., traffic crashes are the leading cause of death and disability. However, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, per mile traveled, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely than automobile occupants to die in a traffic crash, and 5 times as likely to be injured. These odds translated to almost 5,000 motorcycle deaths, and 93,000 injuries, in 2016.

The squadron MMP provides a specialized mentorship opportunity and an accountability group within the troops.

“[MMP] fosters a safe environment to meet the commander’s intent to develop habits that can decrease the chance of an accident,” said 1st Lt. Michael Marks, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, RSS, 2CR.

The unit motorcycle mentors act as a liaison between the command teams and riders, and advise the commander about motorcycle safety and concerns. Additionally, mentors are responsible for orientating in-processing soldiers and new riders, ensuring they know all of the unit, garrison, and state regulations.

“It’s a great way to share knowledge with younger or less experienced riders, and to foster esprit de corps between riders,” said Rosales.

Here in Europe, requirements for motorcyclists are more complex than in the United States.

First, Soldiers must have a valid motorcycle endorsement on their stateside license in order to apply for a U.S. Army Europe motorcycle license. Then, the Soldier must attend a motorcycle orientation course at the local driver’s testing center. Finally, the Soldier must either have a current Motorcycle Safety Foundation certification card or attend an MSF course, suitable to their skill level, held on post.

If you are looking to get out and ride this season, there are events scheduled across Europe. With May being National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the U.S. Army Garrision Bavaria Motorcycle Safety Day is scheduled for May 11 on Tower Barracks, Germany This event will include riding drills with MSF instructors and a 120-kilometer safety ride. All U.S. Military and family members are invited to participate. In addition, the 115th Anniversary Party of Harley Davidson will be held this year in Prague, Czech Republic, from July 5 – 8, 2018.

For more information concerning motorcycle safety and Army Regulations, consult your unit’s Motorcycle Mentor or AER/AR 190-1. For information about the Army's MMP, go to https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/PMV-2/Motorcycle-Mentorship-Program(MMP).aspx. To register for the MSF course, go to: https://imc.army.mil/airs.

• Date Taken: 04.27.2018
• Date Posted: 04.27.2018 04:41
• Story ID: 274730
• Location: VILSECK, BY, DE