The first day of summer is just around the corner and the warm days provide great opportunities for us to jump on our motorcycles and enjoy some long rides.
Many of you may have been deployed for a year or more so it is also time for you to catch up on any changes to riding requirements and to make sure your bike is in perfect mechanical condition.
AR 385-10 outlines the Army requirements for motorcycle training for Soldiers. The Army has developed a progressive training program to ensure all Soldiers are prepared to safely conduct those great rides you are about to take.
The Army requires all Soldiers to take the Basic Rider Course as the first step in the Army motorcycle progressive training program. The BRC is mandatory training requirement for Soldiers prior to operating a motorcycle on or off the installation.
The second step in the program is to take either the Experienced Rider Course or Military Sport Bike Rider Course. The ERC is mandatory training and must be completed within 12 months of completing the BRC for all Soldiers who operate a motorcycle other than a sports bike. The MSRC is also mandatory training within 12 months of completing the BRC for all Soldiers who operate a sports bike.
Step three requires each Soldier who rides a motorcycle to take sustainment training every five years. The rider must retake advanced training for the motorcycle to fulfill the sustainment requirement. All three training courses are offered at Fort Campbell and are free to Soldiers through the Army Traffic Safety Training Program.
Soldiers must provide protective riding gear and motorcycles for all training except the Basic Rider Course. The ATSTP provides the motorcycles and can provide helmets and gloves for the Basic Rider Course only. Registration for all motorcycle training is through unit Schools and the Army Training Requirements and Resources System. All motorcycle training is provided for active-duty Soldiers only.
The Motorcycle Refresher Training is mandatory for all Soldiers who have been deployed for 180 days or more and the MRT is conducted by the unit. Information about how to conduct the training can be found at the Combat Readiness Safety Center web page https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/PMV-2/Training/MotorcycleRefresherExercises.aspx.
Before trusting your life to your motorcycle, you will want to make sure it is roadworthy and safe to ride. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has established a checklist called T-CLOCS:
•T – Tires, wheels
•C – Controls (levers and pedal, cables, hoses, throttle)
•L – Light (battery, headlights, turn signals, mirrors, etc.)
•O – Oil (fluid levels)
•C – Chassis (frame suspension, chain, etc.)
•S – Stands (center stand and/or kickstand)
Use the Motorcycle Safety Foundation T-CLOCS checklist to ensure your bike is ready for the open road. The T-CLOCS checklist can be found at http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/T-CLOCS_Inspection_Checklist.pdf.
Make sure that your insurance, license and other administrative information is up to date, and filed with your unit. Check out your protective riding gear, DOT helmet, full-fingered gloves, long pants, long sleeved shirt or jacket, sturdy shoes that cover the ankle and eye protection that is shatter proof/impact resistant. Motorcycle jackets and pants constructed of abrasion resistant materials such as leather, Kevlar or Cordura, and containing impact-absorbing padding are strongly encouraged. Riders are encouraged to select PPE that incorporates fluorescent colors and retro-reflective material. See AR 385-10, page 69, for detailed protective riding gear requirements.
Your riding skills may be a bit rusty and you will have to bring your muscle memory back to normal by practicing your turns and emergency maneuvers. Practice your riding skills in an empty parking lot or quiet residential street until you have become comfortable again with operating your motorcycle and you can safely take it out for your first ride of the season.
Always ride with a buddy and share your riding plan just in case something happens. Enjoy yourself and ride safe.