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."

Jun 28, 2012

As the wind whipped by at 155 mph, I noticed two things. First, the Porsche I was racing had finally dropped off -- not even he was this crazy. Second, with the turbo kicked in full-bore to hold this speed, I could actually see the needle on my motorcycle's gas gauge dropping. I backed it down and took the next exit as the Porsche screamed past and the driver waved.

Jun 28, 2012

Just like many Army aviators, I've lost friends to helicopter accidents. I'd like to share what happened in one of those accidents so others can learn the hard lessons and correct the way they do business and improve the safety of operations in their units.

Jun 28, 2012

I was tired as I sat in class thinking, "I can't wait to get in my bed." I'd woken up at 4:30 that morning to report to work and, as soon as I got off, headed to class. As I tried to pay attention during the four-hour-long class, I kept wishing it would get over early. I had already worked 40 hours that week and it was only Wednesday.

Jun 28, 2012

Moving large pieces of equipment in tight spaces requires a properly trained and positioned ground guide. However, it only takes a split second to lose sight of your ground guide, or for him or her to make a wrong move that could result in major damage to a piece of equipment or, even worse, a fatal injury. The Army's equipment is often large and can be awkward to move into position, and rough terrain and adverse weather create extra hazards.

Jun 28, 2012

Our mission was to conduct a multiship air assault of ground forces. We were under night vision goggles with less than 20 percent illumination and below 300 feet above ground level. I suddenly noticed out of the left side of my field of view a set of wires perpendicular to our route of flight. At that exact moment, my left-side door gunner announced, "Wires!"

Jun 28, 2012

The process Soldiers use to get their required motorcycling and driving training will change with the coming of the new fiscal year. Since 2007, Soldiers have used AIRS, or the Army IMCOM Registration System, to sign up for the driving and motorcycle riding training provided under the Army Traffic Safety Training Program. Performed under contract for the Army's Installation Management Command, AIRS allowed Soldiers to self-register by going to an online site, search for the training they wanted and then apply for it. The system allowed safety offices to plan riding and driving training, recognizing the needs of Soldiers at installations worldwide. However, when the contract supporting AIRS ends, or Oct. 1, 2012, the Army has to find another way to ensure Soldiers get the needed training. And the Army didn't have to look far for an effective solution that included the Soldiers' leadership into the process.

Jun 27, 2012

Since its very beginning, this wonderful nation we call home has relied on Soldiers to win and defend our cherished freedoms. By donning our country's uniform, you have broken that invisible barrier between citizen and patriot, just as the earliest Soldiers did back in 1775. America's birthday is made all the more poignant by your continued service -- thank you to you and your brothers and sisters in harm's way. May God bless and protect you all.

Jun 25, 2012

In recognition of National Safety Month, members of the Ground Directorate, U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center, encourage everyone in the Army Family to take time and think about safety no matter what the activity may be -- walking across a street, shooting an assigned or privately-owned weapon, swimming at the beach or driving a Stryker.

Jun 22, 2012

Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Edens assumed command June 22 of the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center from Brig Gen. William T. Wolf.

Jun 19, 2012

Despite safety successes in recent years, Army aviation accident rates are rising this year and our Army is missing opportunities to prevent these accidents. As of June 14, 2012, we have experienced 13 Class A manned aircraft accidents with nine fatalities. In comparison to 2011's entire year of 15 Class A manned aircraft accidents and 11 fatalities, it becomes clear this year's trend is one we need to reverse. Current accident trends include breakdowns in standards, discipline and maintenance, with human error cited as a contributing factor in every manned aircraft Class A.

Jun 8, 2012

June isn't just National Safety Month -- it's also the beginning of summer and the season of road trips and vacations, and we all have a responsibility to ensure those journeys don't end with a one-way ticket to tragedy.

May 31, 2012

The night began innocently enough -- just a group of friends celebrating graduating Army flight school. We started with dinner and ordered a round of beers. I was driving that night, and I knew (or thought) one beer wasn't going to get me drunk. As we continued to eat, we ordered another round of beers. With a stomach full of food and two beers, I felt sober and drove everyone to our next location, where the celebration continued.

May 31, 2012

It was the start of another beautiful weekend. My wife and I arose at a leisurely hour and loaded our Bronco II with all the things we thought we'd need for a weekend at the family farm. At the time, I was stationed in San Antonio, and the farm was located two hours away. We'd been married three years, and our first daughter was 8 months old. The weather that morning wasn't the greatest, being overcast with frequent showers. However, we loaded our vehicle, fed our daughter and took off.

May 31, 2012

Growing up in northern Maine, I didn't have much experience with swimming in the ocean. My family had taken a handful of camping trips to Maine's coast, but my swimming experience was associated with lakes, rivers or pools. However, I had seen a Discovery Channel show about the dangers of rip currents and tips on how to get out of them. Years later, I recalled these tips when I found myself caught in a dangerous situation.

May 31, 2012

There I was, the "temporary" untracked aviation safety officer for my company, purposely speeding on my motorcycle after work and -- worst of all --right in sight of my company! Looking back more than six years later, I have to shake my head and ask, "Why would I do such a stupid thing?"

May 31, 2012

As Soldiers, we are expected to meet rigorous height and weight standards and perform well physically. Unfortunately, many Soldiers resort to an "easy" solution for weight loss and improvement of their physical prowess in the form of metabolic enhancers. While many of these enhancers are legal and readily available at commissaries and exchanges, as well as local chain stores and online, there are banned products on the market. Soldiers need to be aware that the purchase or use of drugs, supplements or banned products, or the misuse of prescription drugs, is illegal and may be punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Let's take a look at thermogenics and stimulants to see exactly how they affect our bodies.

May 31, 2012

We were on a routine night training mission on Fort Stewart, Ga., to prepare us for combat operations. I was sitting in the jump seat in one of two CH-47s operating in the southeast corner of the range. We were flying south on Blue route heading toward Jaeck landing zone, where another CH-47 was practicing pinnacle landings. Our instructor pilot was in the left seat while the pilot in progression was on the controls in the right seat. The weather was fine and we had good visibility. There were only a few other aircraft operating on the range that night, so we didn't anticipate much risk. That mindset would prove a recipe for complacency.

May 31, 2012

What holiday is better than the Fourth of July? None -- especially when you're an 11-year-old boy fascinated with firecrackers, bottle rockets and anything that goes "boom!"

May 31, 2012

The summer of 1996 changed my perception of invincibility. I was only 16 years old, but I learned an important lesson that forever changed my attitude about wearing seat belts. Until then, I'd worn seat belts because it was the law, but I'd never thought about why they were important.

May 31, 2012

Civilian employees play a vital role in supporting leaders and Soldiers at installations and agencies across the Army, and the first week of National Safety Month is dedicated to preserving the health and wellness of these critical team members, both on and off the job.

May 24, 2012

June is National Safety Month, and senior Army Leaders are asking Soldiers at all levels to use this opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to safety.

May 22, 2012

June is National Safety Month, and here's a tool to support your safety program and get the message out. It features Brig. Gen. William T. Wolf, director of Army Safety and commanding general, U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center, Fort Rucker, Ala. Professionally produced by USACR/Safety Center video producers, it's a :30 WMV format. Thanks for all you do. Army Safe is Army Strong!

May 21, 2012

During the past several years, our Army has reduced preventable accidents to near peacetime levels. This amazing success has been achieved despite the high operations tempo of our continuing missions overseas, proving once again the diligence and dedication of American Soldiers. We commend you for your hard work in making safety a top priority, both on and off duty.

May 21, 2012

Memorial Day is among the most revered of holidays in our Army. We remember those who have fallen before us, and during this era of persistent conflict, honor the memory of those now absent from our formations. Thank you for your continued service, which ensures their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

May 3, 2012

Ground breaking ceremonies for an expansion of Building 4905, headquarters of the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center, were conducted May 3, 2012.

May 2, 2012

The aircraft logbook (NSN 7510-00-889-3494) is one of the most important pieces of equipment an aircrew will inspect during a preflight. Aviators are responsible to ensure all sections of the logbook are filled in, checked for accuracy and completeness and the applicable forms are dated. This review is the last informal step in the quality assurance/quality control process.

May 2, 2012

Last October, one of my closest friends, Cynthia, was involved in a fatal accident while touring California on her motorcycle. She was accompanied by her husband and my good friend, Tim.

May 2, 2012

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a good time to reflect on how the responsibility to ride safely rests on the shoulders of the rider. There are those in the motorcycle world who refer to the rider as a pilot. Others, however, might describe a rider as the "loose nut behind the handlebars" or other monikers not suited for print. If you, as a rider, are not in the rider/pilot group, you are not only bringing discredit to yourself, but to the rest of us who ride motorcycles safely. Riding a motorcycle is, of itself, not inherently dangerous. What is dangerous is riding unsafely, which leads to crashes and drives up injury and fatality rates. In many cases, riders are their own worst enemy.

May 2, 2012

What is the No. 1 cause of privately owned motorcycle accidents across the Army today? That question can be answered in one word -- indiscipline.

May 2, 2012

Like most people, I grew up riding bicycles. As the years passed, my use of bikes progressed from fun to a mode of transportation. I covered many miles on two wheels during my college years. Shortly after moving to Italy with my husband, I took up the hobby of mountain biking.

May 2, 2012

In the early morning hours of Dec. 18, 2011, the last U.S. convoys rolled across the desert border at Khabari Crossing, Kuwait, and closed the final chapter of the war in Iraq. The 1st Theater Sustainment Command had not only accomplished the colossal task of withdrawal within two months, but, most importantly, did it with neither loss of life nor serious injury. News camera crews and photographers, perched atop flatbed trailers by the side of the highway, focused on the procession of trucks entering into Kuwait to capture the momentous event. Though invisible to a high-definition camera, the 1st TSC safety program, the linchpin of this mission, had also triumphed in this hour by achieving thousands of hours of safe convoy driving through hostile territory.

May 1, 2012

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- May is Electrical Safety Month, and officials are encouraging everyone in the Army Family to stay aware of potential hazards and understand the importance of electrical safety.

Apr 18, 2012

This May, our Army will observe Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's national campaign to keep riders safe on our nation's highways. The increasing number of registered motorcycles on Army installations shows more and more Soldiers are discovering the freedom and excitement of riding. This hobby comes with significant risks, however, and all Soldiers should be aware the most dangerous hazard they encounter on the road could be themselves.

Apr 11, 2012

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (April 11, 2012) -- In a continued effort to make Soldiers and their Family Members aware of hazards they may face while participating in off-duty activities, the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center launched its annual Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation.

Apr 4, 2012

FORT RUCKER, ALA. -- The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center recently compiled Army-wide accident fatality data for the second quarter of fiscal 2012. From Jan. 1 through March 31, 2012, 30 Soldiers died in accidents, a 6 percent decrease from the first quarter of the year.

Apr 2, 2012

Editor's note: Two pilots assigned to the 160th SOAR (Airborne) received the Broken Wing Award Dec. 12, 2011. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen Love and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bryan Young were presented the award from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center for their skill, judgment and technique during an in-flight emergency. The Broken Wing Award recognizes aircrew members who demonstrate a high degree of professional skill while recovering from an in-flight failure or malfunction requiring an emergency landing. Love and Young were able to safely bring down their MH-47 Chinook after experiencing a complete hydraulic failure as a result of enemy fire.

Mar 30, 2012

Fort Rucker, Ala. (April 1, 2012) -- The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center commences it's official Spring and Summer safety campaign and encourages all Soldiers, Family Members and Department of the Army Civilians to remain prepared for the fun and hazards associated with warmer weather.

Mar 29, 2012

As the spring and summer seasons approach, the likelihood a Soldier will become an accident statistic increases. To counter that trend, the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center is asking service members to take pride of ownership in their personal safety.

Mar 28, 2012

Outdoor activities are one way to enjoy the warm weather of spring and summer, but Soldiers and Family members should be mindful that high temperatures pose a significant risk for heat injury.

Mar 28, 2012

Have you ever heard someone threaten to jerk a knot in your head and wondered what that would look like? One Soldier who had too many under her belt and skipped wearing her seat belt found out the hard way.

Mar 28, 2012

Summer is coming and with it the kind of weather that draws riders to the road. If you're a dedicated rider or thinking about taking up the sport, the Army can help you ride safely.

Mar 28, 2012

A number of Soldiers have been killed or seriously injured in pedestrian-related accidents during recent years, and one goal of this year's Army Safe Spring/Summer campaign is to heighten awareness of unsafe behaviors and the hazards of distracted walking.

Mar 28, 2012

Playing hard can be fun and rewarding, but indiscipline and too much enthusiasm can take a Soldier out of duty status or put Family members in a world of hurt.

Mar 28, 2012

Just because you made it safely through the day at work doesn't mean you can forget safety when you get home.

Mar 22, 2012

I looked in the rearview mirror and couldn't believe my eyes. There, maybe a car length and a half behind me, was a woman doing her eyebrows. She appeared to be using a mirror attached to her sun visor. I couldn't believe it. We were doing 55 mph in afternoon rush hour traffic in Kansas City, Mo.

Mar 22, 2012

The Soldier was short on sleep when he nodded off behind the wheel at 11 p.m., taking out a railroad crossing guardrail at 70 mph. When he woke again he was in the hospital. According to the county sheriff's report, he hadn't been drinking or using drugs -- he'd just been "dog" tired. Fortunately, he survived with only some cracked ribs and cuts on his forehead. However, things could've ended much differently -- he could've wound up "dead" tired.

Feb 29, 2012

If you don't have a Motorcycle Mentorship Program supported by senior Leaders, then maybe you don't have one at all.

Feb 29, 2012

I was in an AH-64 battalion, and we were at gunnery. The mission was to move an aircraft from the rearm pads to a holding area -- a simple 30-second flight. My stick buddy was in the front seat and flying the aircraft as we departed from the rearm pads and headed for the holding area -- a long, narrow open spot in the trees. The aircraft in the holding area were parked nose to tail, and he set up for an approach between two of the parked aircraft.

Feb 29, 2012

It's amazing how fast a battle buddy can get hurt. Most of us take as many precautions as possible and strive to accomplish all assigned tasks. Occasionally, though, no matter how we go about it, we get caught up in the moment.

Feb 29, 2012

With summer approaching and temperatures rising, there is a natural tendency to worry about heat injuries. But another equal concern is the increase in musculoskeletal injuries due to more vigorous outdoor summer activities. Winter conditioning does not necessarily translate to being conditioned for your summer activities. This creates the need to physically train the body for warm-weather activities.

Feb 29, 2012

The few lights near the road flashed by on either side of Staff Sgt. Harold Myers as he accelerated on his Suzuki Hayabusa. He could hardly imagine what the nearly 200 horsepower of his first motorcycle could do. Nor could he imagine what was about to happen to him.

Feb 29, 2012

Air Force weather has a history of being wrong, and tonight was no exception. We were briefed to expect a 4,000-foot ceiling with visibility of four to seven miles -- in other words, a beautiful night. We were flying a UH-60A medevac aircraft, and our plan was to depart Lexington, Ky., and airport hop to the outer edge of Nashville's Class C airspace before heading back west to Fort Campbell. Little did we know what was in store for us.

Feb 29, 2012

I was the incoming battalion commander and it had been a wonderful couple of days familiarizing myself with what appeared to be a great unit. After reviewing the brigade commander's Officer Evaluation Report support form in preparation for my initial counseling, I noted the usual comments about meeting or exceeding standards for the commander's unit status report, individual weapons qualification, Army physical fitness test and the unit's successful external evaluation. However, what I hadn't seen before was an objective to "implement and maintain an effective unit safety program supporting unit readiness and combat capability."

Feb 29, 2012

Some crewmembers aren't taking the time to brief their passengers in accordance with their aircraft checklist. And some are only giving the passenger brief "lip service," or just going through the motions. Are these fair statements? Before you shoot the messenger, first look at how your unit is doing business. Are you taking the time to complete the required brief? Do you cut the brief short because of time? You've flown this VIP before, so one brief is enough, right? Wrong! What if the aide to the VIP says he is too busy to be bothered? What other excuses have you accepted or made in the past?

Feb 29, 2012

My wife and I had always dreamed of the day we'd own a home with a white picket fence, two-car garage and backyard. When our dream became a reality, we were ecstatic and invited friends, neighbors and Family to our humble abode. As we settled into our new home, time flew by. I guess my wife and I both hit a plateau at the same time with work and getting into the routine of life. So it was a shock to us when we received a call from relatives wanting to come for a visit.

Feb 29, 2012

As colder temperatures fade away for another year, warm weather flying hazards should now be on your checklist of things to worry about. Warmer weather hosts a variety of severe and even violent conditions that can develop rapidly: thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes and their companions -- turbulence, wind shear, hail and, most significantly, lightning, the leading hazard associated with thunderstorms.

Feb 21, 2012

If you're looking for materials to set up, maintain or improve your unit's driver's training program, then check out Driver's Training Toolbox from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center. The toolbox is a web-based program and repository of drivers training resources aimed to assist Leaders, commanders, master drivers and instructors.

Feb 16, 2012

Here's a weapons safety video from the latest series on weapons safety produced at the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center at Fort Rucker, Ala. Our thanks to the pros at the Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning, Ga., for their assistance. Safe shooting and remember: Army Safe is Army Strong!

Feb 16, 2012

The Army's newest accident investigation training facility officially opened with a ribbon cutting at Fort Rucker, Ala., Feb. 14, 2012.

Feb 16, 2012

Here's a weapons safety video from the latest series on weapons safety produced at the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center at Fort Rucker, Ala. Our thanks to the pros at the Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning, Ga., for their assistance. Safe shooting and remember: Army Safe is Army Strong!

Feb 16, 2012

Here's a weapons safety video from the latest series on weapons safety produced at the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center at Fort Rucker, Ala.

Feb 16, 2012

Another video in the latest series on weapons safety produced by the USACR/Safety Center, Fort Rucker, Ala.

Feb 16, 2012

The 2012 Winter Army Senior Safety Symposium was held Feb. 14-16, 2012, at Fort Rucker, Ala., with 65 of the Army's senior safety Leaders in attendance to assess current Army Safety Program efforts and chart a path forward to ensure continued success of the program.

Feb 8, 2012

One of the latest video series on safe weapons handling. Check it out and use it to keep our Soldiers, Families and Civilians safe!

Feb 3, 2012

Army accident investigators from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center at Fort Rucker had a point to make to 50-60 members of the science club Feb. 1 at Dauphin Junior High School in Enterprise, Ala.

Jan 31, 2012

Vehicle water crossings are an inevitable yet necessary task for Leaders, Soldiers and personnel to accomplish their mission. Because of the inherent danger in water crossings, it is imperative units conduct proper terrain analysis, personnel training in fording operations, equipment preparation and apply composite risk management during the planning process and well before the execution phase.

Jan 31, 2012

In the combat arms profession, many Soldiers engage in competition daily. Based on my experience, one of the most common competitions is the art of pushing weights. When I say pushing weight, I mean working out in the gym using free weights as a means to test one's strength and ability. No service member wants the notoriety of being the weakest individual. Since many Soldiers work out together, it's common to push each other to, and even past, our physical capabilities.

Jan 31, 2012

While stationed in the southwest as an explosive ordnance disposal specialist, one of our unit's missions was to clear Air Force aerial bombing and gunnery ranges of unexploded and "practice" ordnance. Practice ordnance, while sounding innocuous, contains explosive charges to produce a white marking smoke and can, depending on the particular round, have explosive charges that are equivalent to 5 pounds or more of high explosives.