Photo By Cpl. William Tucker | Retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Dustin Kosar (left) poses for a photo with his...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — One wrong turn, one second too late, one rider down, and one motorcycle crash report.
Two years ago, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Dustin Kosar flipped through the pages of the crash report where a Marine sustained life-altering injuries that rendered him incapable to continue serving.
The Marine was new to motorcycle riding and rode a bike far beyond their capabilities, according to Kosar. One fact hit Kosar especially hard while reading the report: no one in the Marine’s chain of command rode motorcycles or had the basic knowledge necessary to evaluate an individual’s ability to ride. To Kosar, this meant that their lack of firsthand experience had left a dangerous blind spot in their mentorship—one that almost cost a life.
“Twenty-two years old,” Kosar said firmly, pointing out the vulnerability and innocence of youth. “He’s going to be on walker or a cane for the rest of his life because nobody sat down and gave him the rest of the education that we need to be giving to the Marines.” “So, that’s what I try to do now.”
One of the first examples of why mentorship was important was when he noticed many new riders with little to no riding experience purchasing high-powered motorcycles meant for experienced riders, he explained. The bikes were far beyond the average skill level the Marines provided in the Basic Riders Course. When Kosar tried to point this out, his command questioned his authority and expertise of motorcycle safety.
“So, I went to a course,” he said, “and I went to another course, and another. So, when they asked the question again, I now had the authority.”
Since then, Kosar dedicated the rest of his service as a rider coach and continued to mentor Marines on riding when he was stationed on MCB Quantico, which is situated in the National Capital Region. This area is arguably one of the most traffic dense areas in the U.S., presenting additional risk to motorcyclists, especially those new to riding.
Kosar, who has more than two decades of riding experience, retired from active duty earlier this year but still serves in a capacity on base to help Marines learn motorcycle safety as a coach with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Justin Yates, someone who has worked with Kosar and an instructor for the Basic Rider’s Course said, “We focus on being able to physically control the motorcycle, clutch, control, throttle control, being able to negotiate a curve, limited space maneuvers, etc.”
These fundamentals are what helps Marines and motorcyclists control their motorcycles while mitigating risk. The base also offers advanced courses for experienced riders, as this further helps keep motorcyclists safe in the NCR.
The courses don’t teach more than what is necessary to pass the evaluation, according to Kosar; however, the courses emphasize motorcycle culture, knowing how group rides operate, and awareness of riders’ surroundings.
Part of this should be reinforced for motorcyclists outside of the courses, Kosar explained.
“We need monthly motorcycle meetings,” he said. “They aren’t forced upon Marines. So, what Marines are doing is riding all the time with no knowledge of the culture.”
He referenced how combat requires workups, exercises, certifications and other things, explaining that motorcycle safety should resemble the same. A single, two-day course doesn’t qualify someone as a safe rider, and they should take follow on courses for their safety and others, he said.
Kosar’s aim remains clear: prevent motorcycle accidents in the Marine Corps. According to a Naval Safety Command report on April 17, 2025, there have been nine motorcycle incident fatalities.
“My passion right now is keeping Marines alive to enjoy the next ride,” Kosar simply stated.
Programs offered on base by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation serve to mentor the aspiring and experienced motorcyclists on base, enhancing their rides and safety. For more information about BRC or other advanced motorcycle courses offered on base, please visit: https://www.quantico.marines.mil/Offices-Staff/Safety-Division/.
| Date Taken: | 08.29.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.05.2025 15:09 |
| Story ID: | 547329 |
| Location: | VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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