Eglin units provide free motorcycle riders training course

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
As gas prices soared this summer, more people traded in four wheels for two causing a higher demand for motorcycle training, and Eglin stepped in to make sure their Airmen were safe by offering ways to train for free. 

Air Armament Center's ground safety office worked closely with the Northwest Florida State College administrators and Eglin's Base Education Training Office in initial implementation of this high visibility program. Robert Fusco, Occupational Health & Safety specialist, coordinated the effort.

"There was a bottleneck in training as people were looking for an alternate, cheaper mode of travel," said Tommy Salter, Eglin ground safety chief. "With a lack of resources we began to look for alternative ways to provide training. Senior management stepped in and allowed us to outsource." 

The Basic Rider's Course is provided for new riders who must attend a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation Training two-day course and is now available at the college with unit funding. Military personnel are not authorized to operate their motorcycle on or off base until they have successfully completed an MSF training course. Department of Defense civilians are not authorized to operate a motorcycle on base until they have successfully completed the same course.  All others are highly encouraged to attend. A Motorcycle Safety Foundation completion card must be carried when riding on base. 

"The BRC takes unfamiliar riders and familiarizes them with components of the motorcycle, operation of it in 17 different exercises," said Master Sgt. Sandy Rief, MSF volunteer instructor from Eglin's safety office. "We have 14 volunteer instructors on base who love the sport enough to teach good-to-know life saving skills like proper curves, cornering techniques, quick stops, swerves, counterweighting and counter steer." 

The safety office offers an on base Experienced Rider's Course, recommended for riders once they clock 3,000 miles or 6 months riding experience. This course is taught on base. 

"The organization picks up the cost because of fatalities across the Air Force," said Mr. Salter. "It is a vital part of Air Force Safety program that we make sure riders get trained."
Besides keeping Airmen alive so they can conduct the mission, the safety office is also concerned with human life. 

"We provide a good basic foundation and more after that but it all comes down to the rider having a safe riding attitude," said Sergeant Rief. "We could send them to training, provide e-mail tips, briefings, mentorship but it all depends on their attitude and personal choice to make the right decisions." 

The sergeant said the number one cause for motorcycle mishaps with other vehicles happens when a car pulls out in front of the motorcycle while the rider has the right-of-way. Vehicle drivers often say they didn't see the motorcyclist and this is the reason Eglin requires bright colored personal protection equipment. The number one reason for single motorcycle mishaps is improper cornering techniques. 

"You can take a corner to slow and still survive," Sergeant Rief said. "Take it too fast, panic sets in and bad things start to happen." All of this situational awareness is heavily focused during the training because the safety office would rather have it put to memory in their parking lot than on the open road. It is up to the rider to constantly practice their life-saving techniques. "When dealing with a 4000-pound SUV, the road is not a place for trial and error," said Sergeant Rief. 

Anyone interested the Basic Rider's Course should contact their Unit Motorcycle Safety Coordinator. Anyone interested in the Experienced Rider's Course should visit the Air Armament Center's Safety Office or call them at 882-7353.