May 1, 2013

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and while the nationwide campaign sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges drivers to "share the road" with motorcyclists, Army officials are placing greater emphasis on personal responsibility while riding.

Apr 22, 2013

The great outdoors is an ideal venue for extreme sports and activities. As a kid, I remember having fun just by going out and exploring. My friends and I would venture into the woods to climb trees or play tag or hide-and-seek.

Apr 19, 2013

The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center today named winners of the Fiscal 2012 Secretary of the Army and Army Chief of Staff Safety Awards.

Apr 18, 2013

Going through flight school, we all hated Chapters 5 and 9 of the - 10. We asked ourselves, "Why do we have to know all this crap? What does it matter if I know all these steps verbatim, with every underlined sentence memorized and every airspeed on the tip of my tongue?" Well, about a year and a half ago, I learned why this is.

Apr 17, 2013

With spring here and summer rapidly approaching, the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center recently released an update to the Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation, a tool designed to help Soldiers recognize hazards during these high-risk seasons.

Apr 10, 2013

Knowing your father caused a serious auto accident while driving under the influence is something you never forget.

Apr 8, 2013

Accident statistics from the second quarter show the Army continues to improve its safety performance well into fiscal 2013, according to data released by the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center.

Apr 5, 2013

Here's a pop quiz: What sport leads all others in injuries for troops in combat theaters? The answer may surprise you - it's basketball. Nearly 300 basketball-related accidents were reported to the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center between fiscal 2008 and 2012, and the cost associated with those accidents was more than $1.5 million! And it's no secret that many more basketball injuries go unreported. I realized anyone is susceptible to these injuries when I became a victim of the hoop demon during my second tour in Iraq.

Apr 3, 2013

In today's society, we are bombarded with messages informing us we shouldn't drink and drive because alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction time, which can make our vehicles deadly weapons. So why do we continue to see Soldiers consuming alcohol and handling firearms, which are designed to be deadly weapons without the addition of alcohol?

Apr 2, 2013

By now, readers of this column should know I'm a big advocate of safety culture. The actual definitions of that term, however, can be as varied as the missions we perform every day. That's why it's important we have some measures in place as a litmus test for leaders looking to evaluate their culture and climate. The following six criteria can help you determine both your strongest and weakest areas regarding safety, and also give you ideas for enhancing your existing risk management programs.

Mar 29, 2013

It was back in the summer of 2000 and I hadn't yet gone to flight school. At the time, I was serving as a flight engineer on a CH-47D Chinook. Our mission was a simple, routine night vision goggle flight with a couple of very experienced pilots on the controls. During the brief, the pilot in command said he wanted to focus on slingload training and told me it was my night in the cargo hole.

Mar 25, 2013

Saturday was my day for making repairs on my car, and I'd been having problems with my old, rusty brake rotors. Every time I'd hit the brakes, the steering wheel would vibrate. I wanted to put an end to that, so I bought some good slotted and drilled replacement rotors. I gathered all the tools I needed - including a jack, wrenches, sockets and screwdrivers - and went to my garage to get started. I'd changed rotors on several cars in the past, so I basically knew how to do it.

Mar 22, 2013

U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center officials recently hosted Secretary of the Army John McHugh at the center's state-of-the-art Crash Dynamics Lab.

Mar 18, 2013

Safety is such a constant part of a Soldier's life they sometimes get complacent. After a while, one of two things usually happens: Soldiers forget about the measures that kept them safe because there have been no accidents, or they become focused on the outcome of a mission instead of their well-being. Often, the prime time for this to happen is when a unit is in the process of redeploying.

Mar 11, 2013

Today's Soldiers understand the importance of mission readiness. We prepare our equipment and we train to ensure we are ready to go. But what about your eyes? Are they ready to go? You know you need protection from dust, wind and ultraviolet and bright sunlight, but how about a 0.15-caliber steel fragment coming at you at 660 feet per second?

Mar 6, 2013

On my most recent deployment, I was assigned to Task Force ODIN to operate and eventually provide instruction on the MQ-1B Warrior Alpha unmanned aircraft system. Shortly after reporting to Fort Hood, Texas, each UAS operator was assigned to a small 10- to 12-Soldier element as they attended their airframe qualification course. They were then deployed to their theater of operation. All of these events would occur within a six- to eight-month period, so, for the majority of the personnel assigned, this was quite a unique experience.

Mar 1, 2013

It's March, and that means it's time for another talk about driving safety. As a leader, you know that's just what your Soldiers want to hear, right? Few things elicit more groans from Soldiers than the mandatory safety brief. I'm of the belief, however, that since safety briefings are required, we might as well make them useful and enjoyable experiences.

Feb 26, 2013

It was the end of a long Friday evening out with some friends. After a night of partying, my normal routine was to come home and cook something before hitting the sack. This night was no different, and after putting some food on the stove, I decided to lie down for a minute until it was done cooking.

Feb 22, 2013

It had been a great day at the Atlanta Supercross. Three first-timers and I had driven five hours from Clarksville, Tenn., for the evening show and were determined to have as much fun as possible. We arrived early so we could spend plenty of time in the pits admiring the finely tuned machinery. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and soon it was time for the long trip home. While we didn't know it at the time, the return trip would provide nearly as much excitement as the races.

Feb 20, 2013

A few weeks ago, I went out to the garage with my son to sharpen a lawnmower blade. Without even thinking about it, I grabbed two sets of safety goggles and face shields for us to wear while I used the bench grinder on the blade.

Feb 13, 2013

While serving as a first sergeant years ago, I was frustrated when an accident report submitted to the U.S. Army Safety Center was returned to me for additional information. Unfortunately, because the accident occurred off duty and my Soldier had been rendered unconscious, I couldn't provide any additional information.

Feb 11, 2013

Outdoor activities in winter are fun for the entire Family, but they can be risky if one chooses to ignore the rules of cold weather.

Feb 7, 2013

It was a cool spring day in Alaska, and my OH-58D squadron was participating in the Air Force's Red Flag operation. Our task was to help certify new Joint Terminal Attack Controllers for the Air Force. We were to fly as a Scout Weapons Team from our airfield to the range operated by the Air Force. Although it was just 20 minutes as the crow flies from our airfield, we rarely operated in this range due to the high use by the Air Force. Prior to this operation, we had conducted a range familiarization flight with communication checks with the controllers.

Feb 7, 2013

How many times have you approached a traffic light just as it turned yellow and said to yourself, "I can make it"? As you punch the gas and fly through the intersection, you look up and see the light change to red. With a devious grin, you praise your great driving skills. I'll be the first to admit that I've done this countless times with no thought of the danger I might avoid if I would have just slowed down and stopped. However, an accident I wasn't even involved in forever changed my thinking.

Feb 1, 2013

One of the perennial questions in safety is, "How do we measure what we're doing?" Too often, the only metric we have available is how many Soldiers died in accidents during any particular period. We've gotten into the habit of looking at those numbers and attributing our safety programs' success or failure to them. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; we obviously want the arrow pointing downward on accidental deaths. But, I don't believe it's enough to quantify what we do every day with only a single figure - safety is much bigger and more complex than that.

Feb 1, 2013

A few years ago, I was deployed to Iraq with the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry, out of Fort Stewart, Ga. We'd just left our outpost and were moving to set up a new one. Once there, my Soldiers and I got busy inside the headquarters setting up walls, radios and other equipment.

Jan 28, 2013

The winter holidays are a time of celebration, but fire can put a real damper on everyone's joy.

Jan 25, 2013

When you hear "combatives training," safety probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind.

Jan 15, 2013

Every year, Soldiers and Civilians are seriously injured and killed in ground-guiding accidents.

Jan 14, 2013

The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center recently released accident statistics for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, and the data show a continued overall decline in both on- and off-duty accidental deaths.

Jan 10, 2013

Who'd have known - deer are the most hunted animal in the United States.

Jan 9, 2013

Soldiers and civilians who handle hazardous chemicals as part of their job will soon begin training for changes coming to the labeling and classification of chemicals in the workplace.

Jan 7, 2013

Winters can be brutal at Fort Richardson, Alaska. After being stationed there for two years, however, I thought I could handle just about anything winter could dish out. It took a close call to make me realize we can never become complacent when it comes to winter driving - no matter how familiar you may be with the area.

Jan 7, 2013

Vehicle rollovers remain a serious concern for units deployed overseas. According to statistics compiled by U.S. Central Command, there were 618 tactical vehicle rollovers in Afghanistan between January 2009 and July 2012, resulting in 23 fatalities and 501 injuries.

Jan 3, 2013

The significance of safety is one of many critical lessons our Army has learned after 11 years at war. We have learned that lesson well as demonstrated by a 9 percent annual decline in Soldier accidental fatalities. Fiscal2012 was our third safest year on record. This is a great accomplishment for every member of our Force, and one that will sustain us as we transition to the Army of the future.

Jan 3, 2013

Around the time I joined the Army in 1981, IBM released its first personal desktop computer. Those little boxes, along with their counterparts from Apple, completely changed the way the world does business. Now, more than 30 years later, technology keeps getting better, faster and smaller. As an Army, we have to keep up or get left behind - a fact that touches everything we do, including the way we give you information.

Jan 3, 2013

It was early on a summer morning in Afghanistan as Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mark Foschetti and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mike McGann headed back toward Bagram Airfield, when their morning changed in a way they'd never forget.

Dec 17, 2012

Winter means more than the arrival of cold weather; it's also the height of basketball fans' favorite time of year.

Dec 10, 2012

Typically, the holiday season is synonymous with celebration, but Army leaders want Soldiers, Civilians and Family members to make safety part of their plans.

Dec 3, 2012

Winter has changed the course of many battles in history. Both Napoleon in 1812 and the Germans in the 1940s found Russia had a powerful ally: a giant, icy "sledgehammer" that stopped armies in their tracks.

Nov 30, 2012

As aviators and crewmembers, we are highly trained professionals. We do our job repeatedly to the point of muscle memory. The only thing that changes are the conditions or missions we fly. We are expected to operate with great attention to detail. But once we are off duty, why do we find ourselves taking risks that we might not take on duty?

Nov 30, 2012

The holiday season has arrived, and the time for decorating is in full swing. Most of us trim the tree, hang the lights and hook up our air-filled, oversized Santa, Rudolph and whatever else we have in our arsenal of decorations. Here is the problem -- we forget that our old friend electricity powers most -- if not all -- of our holiday decorations. What we fail to realize is most outlets are generally 15-20 amps, so overloading them is easy.

Nov 30, 2012

This Christmas, choose toys that will make the holidays safe and memorable for your children. Toys should be a source of fun and learning. Too often, however, children are injured -- or even killed -- by toys that are not age appropriate, poorly designed or in disrepair. When choosing a toy, make sure to match it to the child's abilities. A toy that is too advanced or too simple for a child may be misused, which can lead to injury.

Nov 30, 2012

After reading the article "How Do You Shoot Yourself?" in the May 2012 issue of this magazine, I thought my weapons- handling experiences might also be useful to the safety community. If that seems a little narrow-minded and opinionated, it probably is -- but that's OK. I'm a former installation range officer, so weapons safety was my job.

Nov 30, 2012

Author's note: The names of the individuals mentioned in this story have been changed to protect their privacy. In 2001, I was a specialist living in a three-bedroom, two-story condo in Hinesville, Ga. My roommates, Lee and Eric, were also specialists and enjoyed having friends over after work and for pre-clubbing get-togethers on weekends. Every Friday, the guys went out, had a good time and, for the most part, came home when the club closed. On Saturdays, they would get up, wash their cars or run errands, and then get ready to go to the club all over again.

Nov 30, 2012

It was a clear, crisp day in New Hampshire's White Mountains as we flew visual flight rules in our UH-60A. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gray, the pilot in command for this flight, and I had departed the Army National Guard Concord Army Aviation Support Facility for some mountain training. The winds were light enough that we practiced mountain approaches to the helipad atop Mount Washington, not far from an observatory.

Nov 30, 2012

Do you think seat belts, like leather upholstery, are optional in your vehicle? I can tell you from a personal experience they're not optional -- they're essential.

Nov 30, 2012

Let's face it, we aviators are can-do people. When confronted with adversity, we find a way to accomplish our mission. However, even with the best of intentions, we occasionally do things we later wish we had done differently.

Nov 26, 2012

The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center officially launched the Army Safe Winter campaign today, providing leaders, Soldiers and safety professionals valuable information to augment their seasonal safety programs.

Nov 19, 2012

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- On Jan. 7, 2011, Public Law 111-383, also known as the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 or NDAA, was enacted.

Nov 15, 2012

This Thanksgiving, our Army has many blessings to count. But you -- our Soldiers, Family members and Army Civilians -- are the most precious blessings of all. Whether you celebrate the holiday with loved ones at home or with your battle buddies in the fight overseas, please know you and yours are in our thoughts. Thank you for your dedication to our nation and our way of life, and for the sacrifices youmake every day!

Nov 15, 2012

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Command Sgt. Maj. Richard D. Stidley, U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center, recently addressed the Fort Rucker Community Spouses Club on the importance of Family involvement in Soldier safety.

Nov 14, 2012

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- As this year's Combined Federal Campaign reached its end, officials at the USACR/Safety Center were celebrating a historic milestone.

Nov 14, 2012

Twelve Army units and individuals have been named recipients of the Director of Army Safety Risk Management Award for their efforts in reducing accident rates and promoting safety awareness.

Nov 13, 2012

If you're driving slowly past the big rigs parked alongside the interstate because of snow and ice, you know you're in a situation.

Nov 13, 2012

Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Edens, director of Army Safety and commanding general, USACR/Safety Center, recently joined a group of new and returning riders here for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic RiderCourse.

Nov 8, 2012

Seventeen Soldiers and two Sailors joined the ranks of specialized medics when they graduated from the U.S. Army School of Aviation Medicine's Flight Medic course, Class 13 - 500, here Nov. 2.

Nov 6, 2012

Do you have drooping eyelids, persistent yawning or wandering thoughts, or feeling irritable, restless or impatient behind the wheel? Are you having trouble staying in your lane and can't remember the last few miles you drove? How about driving at abnormal speeds, tailgating and ignoring traffic signs?

Nov 1, 2012

Fellow Soldiers, Our veterans occupy a special place in the hearts of Americans. Nowhere else on earth are a country's armed forces as revered and as trusted as here in the United States. That trust has come at a price, however, and this Veterans Day we honor not only our fallen heroes, but also the daily sacrifice you and your Families make in service to our nation. Your continued dedication to the cause of freedom ensures the story of every veteran will be heard and honored for generations to come. Thank you for a hard job well done!

Oct 31, 2012

It was the week I took my pilot-in-command ride in Korea. I was stationed at Camp Humphreys with C Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, General Support Aviation Battalion (MEDEVAC). It was December and I was tasked to fly to Camp Casey with a fairly new lieutenant. We were given four hours of flying time, so after returning, we still had more than an hour left for medic training.

Oct 31, 2012

Living in northeastern Pennsylvania, where the deer population is abundant, I've had more than my fair share of run-ins with our four-legged friends while riding my motorcycle. Despite my previous encounters, it took a more serious accident before I truly learned to expect the unexpected.

Oct 31, 2012

Driving in winter weather can create many challenges for motorists who aren't properly prepared. Growing up in the South, I didn't have many encounters with snowy days and icy roads. That lack of experience nearly proved costly for me one winter on a long trip from Colorado to Georgia.

Oct 31, 2012

It was two weeks before Christmas, and I'd decided to put up lights on the outside of our house. My wife had been telling me to do it for over a month, but, always the procrastinator, I naturally put it off until the last minute.

Oct 31, 2012

The day started like any other. I had no idea that soon I'd come dangerously close to killing two of my friends.

Oct 31, 2012

Early May in central Alaska is a beautiful time of year. The mountainous landscapes, longer periods of daylight and warmer temperatures are truly a sight to behold. However, that's assuming you've got good weather …

Oct 31, 2012

Most of us probably don't give much thought to slip, trip and fall hazards, but they pose a danger as we go about our daily routines. Perhaps you've seen someone at a store stretching for an item on the top shelf that's just out of reach. The next thing you hear is a loud crash.

Oct 30, 2012

Soldiers depend on their weapons, and when one fails, it could mean the difference between life and death. But by taking precautions like thorough preventive maintenance checks and services and proper storage, they greatly reduce the likelihood of malfunction and possibly an accident.

Oct 22, 2012

While two things can't occupy the same place at the same time, some people try it anyway. When one of those people is a driver and the other a pedestrian, it's pretty obvious who's going to lose.

Oct 16, 2012

The command sergeant major of the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center at Fort Rucker, Ala., helped a local firm celebrate two years of work with no time lost due to accidents.

Oct 15, 2012

Each year, numerous people are injured and killed from dangers lurking in the places they least expect - at home and at work. The culprit is slips, trips and falls.

Oct 11, 2012

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Data recently compiled by the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center show fiscal 2012 was the second-safest year for Soldiers on record, with a 9 percent annual decline in accidental fatalities continuing a downward trend first begun in fiscal 2007.

Oct 9, 2012

Bad decisions, not bad skills, kill more Soldiers on motorcycles than any other cause.

Oct 1, 2012

Hunters who bag a buck, a bird or nothing at all still agree it's great just to be outdoors.

Oct 1, 2012

It's that time of the year when cold weather is upon Afghanistan. For those in theater, everyone should possess a working knowledge and understanding of the basic cold injury prevention methods. Cold weather is no joke back at your home station, and it's certainly a serious matter while performing combat duties in Afghanistan.

Oct 1, 2012

In 1995, I was a drill instructor stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. Recently divorced and financially burdened, I couldn't afford a car. Instead, I purchased a 1994 red and silver Suzuki 750 motorcycle so I could get out and enjoy the San Diego weather and activities. The Suzuki was the first motorcycle I had ever ridden, so I began by riding it around base to get accustomed to it.

Oct 1, 2012

In 2011, during Operation New Dawn, I was serving as a Shadow unmanned aircraft system standardization operator at Forward Operating Base Warhorse. After a seemingly uneventful mission supporting my brigade combat team's collection requirements, I was called to the hangar by a ground crewmember to look at an aircraft that had just landed.

Oct 1, 2012

In the quest to be the best-trained, best-equipped military in the world, Soldiers and equipment are pushed to the limit during grueling exercises and operations. However, we cannot forget that safety must always be considered and integrated into any activity, both on and off duty.

Oct 1, 2012

Equipment maintenance is a necessary and inherently dangerous task. To ensure the safety of our Soldiers and Civilians in maintenance facilities, we're required to use risk management as well as acknowledge the potential health and safety hazards present in the workplace. We also need to determine where and how personnel are likely to become injured or killed. The path to success starts with the application of the five steps of risk management outlined in Field Manual 5-19.

Oct 1, 2012

The hot, humid days of summer are slowly giving way to the cool, breezy days of fall, signaling that football season is once again upon us. And if the seasonal changes aren't a dead giveaway, we can certainly tell something is in the air as sports fans proudly display their team's colors on their vehicles and houses. Not to be outdone, the long NASCAR season has worked fans into a frenzy, and we have only a handful of races to go. So what do football and racing have in common? Good times, for Pete's sake! And by good times, I'm talking about tailgating and camping with family and friends. Throw some meat on the heat, crack open a cold brew and relax. Oh yeah, this is living.

Sep 24, 2012

Quick: Which of these activities injured more Soldiers in 2011: weapons firing, parachuting or off-duty sports?

Sep 17, 2012

Cold weather is on the horizon, and as members of the Army Family begin their preparations for winter, officials want them to pay special attention to one area in particular - their homes.

Sep 12, 2012

Accidents involving trains and Soldiers always favor the trains.

Sep 4, 2012

What's the first image that comes to mind when someone mentions distracted driving? Is it someone texting or talking on a cellphone? If so, here are a few Army accident reports that might surprise you:

Aug 23, 2012

With nearly 1.5 million Soldiers (Active/Reserve/Guard) and Civilians in the workforce, our Army is one of the largest employers in the United States and the world. This Labor Day, we honor you for not only defending the American workplace, but for being such a vital and vibrant part of it. Thank you

Aug 22, 2012

FORT RUCKER, ALA. -- The Army is changing the way leaders, Soldiers and safety professionals receive seasonal safety information, and also are asking that everyone keep their eyes open for the signs they or their buddy might be at risk of an accident.

Jul 30, 2012

Coming into any new job is an adventure, and in our Army, you'd better be prepared to hit the ground running. In my short time as the new director of Army Safety and commanding general of the USACR/Safety Center, I've been sprinting! I never imagined how busy and rewarding these first couple of months would be, and I want to commend you all for the incredible work you've done to keep accidental fatalities at historic lows these past few years. I couldn't have asked for better teachers than the leaders, Soldiers, Family members and Civilians doing the hard work for safety every day -- thank you for being a wonderful example for me to follow.

Jul 30, 2012

Climbing on or off Army equipment sounds easy enough, and Soldiers accomplish this task daily without injury. However, those who don't complete this task safely are risking a severe hand injury or possibly even the amputation of a finger.

Jul 30, 2012

If your confidence and decision-making skills behind the handlebars are generated from experiences while riding, when do you actually become an "experienced" motorcycle rider? To determine that answer, ask yourself certain questions. For example, how much have you ridden and on what types of motorcycles? Or, are you simply an experienced owner; someone who has had a bike for a long time but only spends a limited time riding?

Jul 30, 2012

How do we teach our young Soldiers to "Do it right ... the first time?" Doing things right the first time is a philosophy, a mentality and a performance standard. Too many people today want to cut corners, get out of work and overlook the little things. In the world of Army aviation, this philosophy costs time, money, resources and, most importantly, lives. Taking your time and doing the job right the first time will not only improve and build a much needed trust between the maintainers and users, but also increase morale, productivity and trust across any organization.

Jul 30, 2012

As deer season draws near, there's undoubtedly a heightened sense of excitement among the most avid -- and even novice -- hunters. The anticipation of a successful opening-day hunt or a trophy buck appeals to most hunters just as Christmas morning does to a child.

Jul 30, 2012

While I've always worn my seat belt, it wasn't until last year that I personally understood why it was important.

Jul 30, 2012

I was 18, airborne and invincible. I'd just received my enlistment bonus and decided it was time to get some transportation. I got one of my fellow troopers at Fort Bragg, N.C., to take me to the nearest Suzuki dealer. I wanted to buy a 650 GSL, but my credit wasn't good enough to qualify for a loan, so my only option was to pay cash for a 450 GSL. Being the highly intelligent and experienced (translate that young and dumb) person I was, I quickly purchased the motorcycle. After a quick lesson on how to ride by the salesperson, I was on my way.

Jul 30, 2012

No one truly knows what it's like to fly in a combat zone during instrument meteorological conditions until they're in the middle of it. As young aviators, we're lectured repeatedly about the horrors of entering inadvertent IMC and trained to manage it as an "emergency" flight only.

Jul 30, 2012

Editor's note: The names used in this article are fictitious to protect the Soldiers' privacy. I'd been in country for several months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom when my unit was tasked to conduct missions with coalition forces. Sgt. Smith, who was the unit's supply sergeant, and I immediately volunteered for the mission. I wasn't permitted to go because of my position as the motor sergeant and, initially, Smith wasn't able to participate either. However, the command eventually relented and allowed Smith to go.

Jul 30, 2012

Foreign object damage is an important program to Army aviation. FOD prevention is mandated by DA Pam 385-10, which states FOD prevention programs will be in writing, all unit personnel will be trained in FOD prevention (paragraph 2-8b.) and FOD prevention will be discussed at all unit safety meetings (paragraph 2-8 d. (1)(c)). Army aviation units are doing well to implement these programs and meet the regulatory guidance; however, many publications don't address real-world challenges. It's necessary for units to thoroughly analyze their specific FOD-related hazards and respond to them to mitigate damage and injury.

Jul 24, 2012

On September 29, 2008, Army Private Karen Risser's life changed forever.

Jul 20, 2012

Here's a motorcycle safety public service announcement for you to put into your safety program. Produced by the video pros at the U.S. Army combat Readiness/Safety Center at Fort Rucker, this is 'the good stuff' that gets the attention of motorcycle riders. It features REAL riders talking about their love of motorcycles and how they stay safe. Download it and put it to work for you today!

Jul 12, 2012

U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center data show the third quarter of fiscal year 2012 has been the deadliest yet this year regarding accidents, with 42 Soldiers lost between April 1 and June 30.

Jun 28, 2012

Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal got an in-depth look at the daily operations of the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center at Fort Rucker, Ala., during a visit June 26, 2012.

Jun 28, 2012

"Dakota" was announced over the Air Battle Net, indicating the flight of four CH-47s with dual shotgun HMMWVs on long lines had reached the release point and would starburst to four separate landing zones. After about one minute of flight, all aircraft lost communication with each other due to the limited line of sight and aged, failing equipment. In zero illumination, I was in the lead aircraft using my limited experience and flight training to find an LZ, which was located along the border of a non-allied country in a very austere environment. Once we delivered the load and our passengers, we exited the LZ en route to the start point. Our plan was to link up with the flight as we returned to the pickup zone for one more trip into the objective area. Just shy of the SP, I heard a broken radio transmission over the ABN: "The HMMWVs are in a pile, but we're OK."