Driver's pre-departure checklist now in each GOV

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eydie Sakura
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The 341st Space Wing now has a pre-departure checklist in each government owned vehicle which ensures the safety and security of all Team Malmstrom personnel. 

The checklist is a shortened list which references four Air Force Instruction documents, acting as a reminder to each driver and senior ranking person in the vehicle, to follow mandatory safety regulations spelled out in the AFIs. 

"We can't do the mission if we don't get to our operating locations first," said Lt. Col. Robert Garner, 341st SW safety office chief. "Safe transportation is an absolute necessity in order for all of us to succeed and it is also a leadership opportunity." 

The checklist is written in a demand-response format where the driver reads the first part to verify the action, and the second person in the vehicle reads the response, such as "complete," "secure" or "good." 

"People need to be accountable and held to the highest standard," said Kelly Nathe, 341st SW ground safety chief. "It's everybody's responsibility to make sure the regulations are followed. The senior ranking person is ultimately in charge, but no matter who is in the GOV, they need to make sure safety regulations are being met." 

Colonel Garner agrees that safety on and off the road is vital to mission success and nothing on the checklist is new; it acts as a visual and verbal reminder for driver and passenger. 

"There should be some satisfaction in being part of a military organization that does things in a uniform manner," he said. "When we all operate our vehicles the same way it can show others, as well as ourselves, that we are part of a professional military organization." 

Reference AFIs:

1. 20th AFI 91-1 to include changes incorporating 1,9 March 2007 & 341st Space Wing Supplement. Vehicle Operations within the 20th Air Force Missile Complex;

2. 341st Security Forces Squadron Instruction 24-301 Policies and Procedures Governing Security Forces Vehicle Operation;

3. AFI 91-207 Air Force Traffic Safety Program; and

4. 341st Space Wing Instruction 24-301 Policies and Procedures Governing Motor Vehicle Operations.

(Information courtesy of the 341st Space Wing Safety Office)