FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Safety Factor presentation has been updated by the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center, incorporating humor to spread off-duty safety messages to Soldiers.
Comedians Patrick Garrity, Eddie Gossling, Jimmy Rice, Woody McAdams and others reinforce safety messages in video clips dispersed throughout the new safety presentation.
"The performers are either Soldiers who became comedians or they are entertainers who have performed for the troops on various occasions," said Joan Blackwell, a research psychologist assigned to the Human Factors Task Force at the USACR/Safety Center.
The BOSS Safety Factor brief was specifically developed for use during BOSS meetings and targets younger Soldiers prone to high-risk activities, she said.
"The Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command asked us to provide a safety presentation for them (in 2008)," Blackwell said. "The updated version covers more topics and uses comedy clips to disarm the Soldiers and draw them in."
Comedic riffs highlight the behaviors and traits of four common personality types identified as high risk: the lone wolf, the thrill seeker, the club hopper and the motor vehicle enthusiast. The presentation is separated into four 15-minute segments covering hazardous activities for each of the four personalities. Comedic clips also introduce topics for discussion that include alcohol use, suicide, sexually transmitted diseases, speeding, seat belt use and other safety-related issues that affect Soldiers.
Brochures and posters are available now and can be downloaded from the USACR/Safety Center and FMWR websites. Part one of the presentation and a training video will be available online beginning Oct. 1, with a new presentation module scheduled for release at the beginning of each quarter through fiscal 2011.
Local BOSS groups may also participate in an Army-wide contest that begins Oct. 1. For more information, visit the USACR/Safety Center and FMWR websites.
BOSS is a Department of the Army program that single Soldiers can participate in to enhance their quality of life, contribute to their community and plan and take part in recreation and leisure events, according to the FMWR website. In addition to active duty Soldiers, BOSS activities are open to all FMWR patrons in the National Guard, Army Reserve and other branches of service, Department of Defense civilians, Foreign Service members and geographical bachelors.
Visit the new BOSS site on the web at https://safety.army.mil or http://www.armymwr.com.
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