FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Dec. 11, 2014) -- More than 8,500 and Soldiers-in-training and cadre members attended the Victory Block Leave consolidated safety briefings, Friday and Saturday at the Solomon Center.
Nine subject matter experts provided information to promote safety, health and communication. The Fort Jackson Safety Office hosted the event, which included five sessions over a two-day period.
Mary Reardon of the Safety Office shared that 80 percent of off-duty military fatalities involve privately owned vehicles, or POVs, and urged all to make sure their POVs were road-ready and drivers well-rested before traveling. Safety Office representatives also encouraged all cadre members to complete the Travel Risk Planning System, or TRiPS, at https://trips.safety.army.mil.
Three South Carolina Highway Patrol officers were present to promote driving under the influence prevention and seatbelt use by using videos and live demonstrations. While donning "beer goggles" -- a device that simulates the effects of a 0.18 blood alcohol level -- Soldiers demonstrated how motor skills were impaired during a simulated traffic stop. Troopers also promoted the use of seat belts to prevent ejections during roll-over accidents through a demonstration with a roll-over vehicle -- a chassis mounted on a trailer with two mannequins as passengers.
Two investigators of the Criminal Investigation Command briefed the consequences of poor decisions that may result in prosecution, fines, prison, dishonorable discharge, and loss of benefits, to include future education grants or loans and disqualification from employment.
Sandra Barnes of the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program stressed the Army Values by pleading with the Soldiers to do the right thing by refraining from using illegal substances, other peoples' prescription medication or by partaking in or facilitating underage drinking or alcohol abuse. She reminded all of the urinalysis following the Soldiers' return from block leave.
Maj. Collazon Bracete, of Moncrief Army Community Hospital's Department Preventive Medicine, delivered information to prevent influenza, Ebola, sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. The Soldiers were encouraged to stay healthy, avoid sick people and seek medical care if they become ill.
Wilfredo Solis of the American Red Cross provided information on the role of the organization in providing emergency messages and assistance. Only military commanders can approve or extend leave, however, the Red Cross can facilitate message delivery and verification of emergency situations involving a Service member or a Service member's immediate family member around the clock. Service members or family members who need to deliver an emergency message should call 1-877-272-7337.
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