SGT. 1ST CLASS THOMAS E. IRVIN
1-14th Aviation Regiment
Fort Novosel, Alabama
I began riding motorcycles at the age of 12. That was 28 years and 15 motorcycles ago. I have always considered myself an experienced and safe rider because of the time I’ve invested in motorcycles. That remained my attitude until my last Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) training course, where I learned I wasn’t as skilled as I previously thought.
My love for riding started on a 350cc dual-purpose motorcycle on unapproved trails without professional training or personal protective equipment (PPE). At the time, I could not kickstart my bike or reach the ground with both feet, so I would usually take off from a picnic table bench. Safety wasn’t a concern for me because I learned to ride unsupervised and no one ever instructed me of its importance. Without realizing it, I had created the perfect accident setting from the beginning.
When I was finally old enough to obtain a motorcycle license, I promptly went to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and took the test. I continued riding motorcycles well above my experience level and without PPE, even on the street with other traffic. One year later, I had my first street accident, and because I came away unscathed, I kept riding as I had in the past. It wasn’t until my second street accident a year later that I learned the importance of PPE the hard way, when I suffered severe road rash on my right shoulder.
I joined the Army with eight years of riding “experience” and was ordered to attend the MSF’s Basic RiderCourse (BRC). There, I was formally educated on the importance of motorcycle training and the required PPE. To attend the riding portion of the course, I had to wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved motorcycle helmet. I learned that even though I had a motorcycle endorsement from a no-helmet state, I was required to wear one, along with other mandatory PPE, for the Army. I also learned those PPE requirements for motorcycles applied to off-duty and off-post operation as well. My BRC instruction was the beginning of an attitude change and the start of my formal progressive motorcycle training.
My most recent motorcycle training was mandated by my command following a deployment. Realizing that motorcycles are an increasingly popular mode of transportation for many Soldiers, my command placed this requirement on the unit to mitigate post-deployment risk. Most of the instruction was the same as the prior courses I attended; however, some of it was new to me. I learned additional cornering skills that were not covered in my previous training, braking techniques from the instructor and other riders, and how to apply the MSF pre-ride inspection sheet (T-CLOCS) to my routine.
Riding a motorcycle may look easy, but it takes a great deal of practice, coordination and mental attention to do it safely. Motorcycle skills are perishable and need to be refreshed occasionally with proper training. Failure to do so increases a rider’s risk of mishaps — even those who consider themselves experienced. Through progressive professional training, I finally realized my years on a bike didn’t necessarily equal safe riding.
FYI
Army Regulation 385-10 requires Soldiers to successfully complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) Basic RiderCourse (BRC) before operating a motorcycle. Within 12 months of completing the BRC, Soldiers must undergo a second round of training in the Advanced RiderCouse (ARC). Sustainment training in the form of the ARC is mandatory every five years after initial completion.
For individuals who have been deployed for 180 days or longer, there is an additional requirement to attend the Motorcycle Refresher Training course. This course can be taught at the local level without a certified MSF RiderCoach. These classes are free to Soldiers.