Motorcycle enthusiasts from the 49th Missile Defense Battalion (GMD) celebrate signing the Battalion's Motorcycle Safety Agreement and Rider'sCovenant. (Photo by Sgt. Jack W. Carlson III)

Motorcycles: Fun or Fatal

by Capt. Timothy M. Brower

      As winter comes to an end at Fort Greely, Alaska, riders prepare to remove their bikes from storage and take to the roads.  But this year, Soldiers commit to operate their bikes safely so that motorcycles remain fun, not fatal.

      On March 21, motorcycle enthusiasts from the 49th Missile Defense Battalion at Fort Greely joined together to sign the Battalion’s Motorcycle Safety Agreement and Rider’s Covenant.  All Soldiers in the unit who own and operate a motorcycle – 19 total, signed the covenant.

      The battalion’s motorcycle training included a video by Maj. Gen. James Nuttall, Deputy Director of the Army National Guard, National Guard Bureau, reminding Soldiers that U.S. Army mandated personal protective equipment is required at all times, regardless of state requirements.  This video is available at https://crc.army.mil/Multimedia/detail.asp?iData=75&iCat=58&iChannel=19&nChannel=Multimedia.

      As part of the covenant, Soldiers agree to wear the following:

• A Department of Transportation approved motorcycle safety helmet and eye protection

• Long-sleeve shirt or jacket

• Long sturdy pants

• Sturdy boots or over the ankle footwear

• Full-fingered gloves

• Brightly colored outer upper garment

      Additionally, Soldiers agreed to complete the Army-approved Motorcycle Safety Course.

      Commenting on the training, Lt. Col. Ted Hildreth, Commander, 49th Missile Defense Battalion, explained, "I wanted to personalize motorcycle safety with my Soldiers.  We expect and they deliver sound decision making on the Missile Defense Complex everyday – that’s what I want them to apply to motorcycle safety.  Wear the right gear, certify on the bike they own and take care of one another when they are riding together."