Risk management is what keeps us on the road

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. (sel) Anthony Cotton
  • 341st Missile Wing commander
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Every day we strive to conduct nuclear deterrence and global strike operations that are safe, secure and effective in support of the president and our combatant commanders. Eliminating mishaps increases our operational readiness and strengthens our ability to accomplish the mission by ensuring our Airmen are available to deploy when and where they are needed. Lost workdays due to injury reduce available personnel and adversely influence our effectiveness at home and abroad.

Headquarters Air Force has designated 2011 as the "Year of Motorcycle Safety" and as an avid motorcycle rider myself, I fully expect every rider to exercise special caution, know their limitations and make the right decisions when it comes to speed and reckless riding. As riders, risk is inherent in what we do, which makes managing that risk even more important. It requires a series of personal, conscientious decisions to properly protect ourselves and help ensure our safety. Considering the toll of a single bad choice on a family or a unit, poor planning or execution of that plan are things I simply will not tolerate.

Over the past two years, there have been 21 motorcycle mishaps in Air Force Global Strike Command alone. They all resulted in loss of duty time or even death, but further, they were all avoidable! Three of those mishaps occurred right here at Wing One and took valuable people out of the fight. Now is the time--before tragedy strikes our families--to observe growing mishap trends throughout the Air Force and appropriately implement risk management into our daily activities.

It is important to me to guarantee that you are armed with the right skill sets when you're out on the highway. As such, military members and government civilians who operate a motorcycle on base must complete a set of safety rider courses determined by their classification of motorcycle. All riders are required to graduate from the Basic Riders Course, and those who have a sport bike must also complete the Advanced Riders Course. I've been riding for over 30 years, and I'm signed up for the course, too! You can never have too much training.

So, no matter your steed of choice - whether Harley or Ducati; whether you crave the challenge of twisty canyon roads or prefer wide-open scenic roadway, be sure to have a safe and fun riding season this summer. While defending the interests of this great nation, we cannot allow risk management to take a back seat in how we approach decision making.

I hope you enjoy everything the open road has to offer this Fourth of July; watch out for yourself and your fellow motorists. Safe travels and happy riding!