CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 4 THOMAS MOORE
Ground Division
Directorate of Analysis and Prevention
U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center
Fort Novosel, Alabama
Imagine driving too fast for the road conditions in your tactical vehicle due to fatigue, haste or complacency. Suddenly, you feel the vehicle tipping, losing control. This disorienting phase occurs as gravity and momentum take over. Once the tires lose contact with the ground, preventing a rollover is nearly impossible. The severity of injuries can vary widely, from none to fatal, and is significantly increased if occupants are not secured in their restraints or if equipment inside the vehicle is not properly stored or strapped down. Now, all that is left is hoping everyone survives the mishap.
There is good news to report: Over the past five years, the Army has seen a decline in rollover mishaps and fatalities. In FY24, three Soldiers were lost to rollovers, totaling 16 over the last five years. Comparing rollover mishaps from FY20 to FY24, there was an average yearly reduction of 9 percent. This positive trend reflects improvements in the Army's safety culture and leadership engagement. However, rollovers remain dangerous and costly. Senior Army leaders must continue to focus on vehicle rollover trends to implement sustainable preventive measures for the future.
- Rollover mishaps have decreased overall, but rollovers for the High-Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) and Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) platforms have nearly doubled in the past three years. The HMMWV leads with an average of 21 rollovers annually due to its common usage, followed by the JLTV, which has steadily increased due to operator inexperience in challenging conditions. In FY21, the JLTV had its highest rollover percentage relative to its fielded numbers at the time of the event, primarily due to human error among inexperienced drivers and vehicle commanders.
- The three rollover fatalities in FY24 occurred in two mishaps, both of which could have been prevented. One fatality occurred when a HMMWV rolled over during convoy operations, and the other involved two Soldiers being thrown from an MTV when the driver lost control during an icy descent. In both mishaps, the operators and vehicle commanders were found to be inexperienced, and leaders did not enforce vehicle restraint use.
It would be easy to simply state that this typically happens in an on-duty vehicle mishap, and you should wear your seat belts to prevent injuries and fatalities. But that would not provide the full awareness of the hazards and guidance to improve control measures to reduce or eliminate on-duty rollovers. Mishap data reveals that every fatal vehicle rollover over the past decade shares several common causal and contributing factors: 94 percent stem from poor decision-making by the leader and driver. Factors like haste, fatigue and complacency contribute to these mishaps. Excessive speed while cornering with heavy loads significantly increases the risk, especially on challenging road conditions, such as ice, snow or soft shoulders. Mishap investigations often reveal that an inexperienced driver's impulse to oversteer or overcorrect leads to loss of vehicle control. Tipping from a curb or pothole can trigger rollovers, and a lack of route and terrain reconnaissance often plays a role in these incidents.
Leadership plays a crucial role in maintaining readiness at the battalion and company levels by training Soldiers and preventing accidental losses. Unit leaders must implement ongoing training to ensure competency through Train the Trainer policies and consider risk and safety during operational planning. They are responsible for enforcing standards as per Army regulations and local policies. Risk management strategies can help address factors contributing to rollover mishaps, such as inadequate checks, rehearsals, maintenance and crew coordination, especially when the vehicle commander and driver lack experience.
The Army is actively updating policies and training to reduce ground vehicle mishaps. Revisions to Army Regulation 600-55 and driver training materials will enhance driver and vehicle commander certifications, incorporating written and hands-on exams. Training programs should focus on six key factors: vehicle center of gravity, load security, road curvature, speed, trailer towing and vehicle condition. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center website offers a Lessons Learned webpage and risk management videos addressing common tactical vehicle mishaps since FY20, along with the Joint Risk Assessment Tool (JRAT) to aid leaders with the risk management process.
The Army is also engaged in upgrade and retrofit efforts to reduce ground vehicle mishaps. Because these adjustments can be costly and time-consuming, the focus remains on preventing rollovers through enhanced equipment safety compliance with technical manuals and safety precautions. Since 2019, more than 10,000 up-armored HMMWVs have received upgraded antilock braking systems/electronic stability control (ABS/ESC), improved doors and restraints. The JLTV features an enhanced cab structure, five-point seat belts, display cameras, a driver enhancement system and self-adjusting ride height. Since its introduction, there have been no Class A rollover mishaps or fatalities in the JLTV. The Joint Program Office continues to collect rollover data and has issued over 25 rollover warnings since FY23, actively seeking platform improvements.
Every Soldier's death or injury in training is a tragic loss to the unit and families. We must act at every level of leadership to prevent these needless losses. The last lines of defense are the first- and second-line leaders who continuously strive to make safety a multiplier in readiness. Training and enforcing standards are the essence of caring for Soldiers. Let's get to it.