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Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

MEDIA Preliminary Loss Reports

About Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

PLRs are intended to be used as an engagement tool for leaders to discuss the hazards and trends impacting Soldier safety and readiness. A PLR contains only basic information, as the investigation is ongoing, but provides sufficient background to allow leaders an opportunity to communicate risk at the Soldier level.

 

PLR 25-058 – Other Ground Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Other

A 37-year-old Specialist assigned to Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, died from injuries sustained in an off-duty other ground mishap 4 June 2025 at his on-post residence at approximately 2030 local. The Soldier was moving household goods and furniture when he fell down a flight of stairs. He was found unconscious, unresponsive and without a pulse. Emergency medical services personnel arrived and were able to regain a pulse before transporting the Soldier to a local hospital, where he was placed on life support. The Soldier was declared dead 7 June 2025.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of one Soldier a year to off-duty other ground mishaps. This mishap was the second off-duty other ground fatality of FY25 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.  

Safety Tips

Stairs can be a potential hazard if not navigated with care. Here are five key stair safety tips to prevent slips, trips and falls.

1. Proper Lighting: Proper illumination is paramount for stair safety. On a well-lit staircase, each step is visible, reducing the risk of missteps or trips.

2. Handrails: Handrails are not just an accessory for staircases; they are integral to safety. Individuals often rely on handrails for balance and support when ascending or descending a flight of stairs. When a misstep occurs, a strong and reliable handrail can prevent a minor stumble from turning into a serious fall. These handrails must be sturdy, durable and capable of supporting the weight of an adult in case they need to catch themselves.

3. Clear Obstructions: Stairs are meant for walking, not storage. Even small objects can pose significant trip hazards when left on a step. Consistently keeping stairs clear is straightforward, but it can drastically reduce the risk of accidental trips or falls. Regularly checking and clearing the staircase of obstructions ensures the path remains safe for everyone.

4. Sturdy Footwear: The choice of footwear can significantly influence safety on stairs. Shoes that offer a good grip can prevent slips, especially on surfaces that might be smooth or slick. High heels and shoes with worn-out soles can pose a risk, as they might not offer the necessary stability. Furthermore, navigating stairs with just socks on is not advisable, especially if the staircase is made of wood or tile. Socks can be surprisingly slippery on these surfaces, and without the additional grip shoes provide, there’s an increased risk of slipping.

5. Avoid Distractions: Stairs require our attention. Engaging in activities like reading, texting on a mobile phone or carrying large objects obstructing our view can divert our focus from safely navigating the staircase. Giving stairs our full attention is always advisable, ensuring that we’re aware of our surroundings and reducing the likelihood of mishaps.

 

PLR 25-032 - GMV Mishap Claims Two Soldiers' Lives

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Other
A 28-year-old Staff Sergeant and a 24-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia, died in a government motor vehicle (GMV) mishap 30 January 2025 on the installation at 1845 local. The lead vehicle (JLTV) in a two-vehicle LOGPAC was stopped on the road (improved dirt road) staging for movement when the road collapsed, and the JLTV rolled over into a standing body of water. The top-hatch was opened and the cabin filed with water immediately. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is leading an investigation into the mishap.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of five Soldiers a year to GMV mishaps. This mishap was the second and third GMV fatalities of FY25 and is equal to the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) rollover mishaps have gradually increased over the past five years. These mishaps commonly occur while traveling to or from a range or other events. Mishap investigations have revealed that a significant number of the mishaps were due to the limited visibility of the vehicle afforded to the driver. Based on the unique characteristics of the JLTV it is most common to experience a fall-initiated rollover type, rather than maneuver-initiated type, when operating along roads near ditches, bridges, and culverts which incapable of handling the vehicle’s weight. Fall-initiated rollovers usually occur on unimproved roads, possibly near bodies of water where the road shoulders are soft

To mitigate the risk of a rollover ensure you address the top five rollover causes:

1. Driver Inexperience
2. Limited visibility
3. Following Too Close
4. Speeding
5. Fatigue
 
  • Driver Training: Leaders must emphasize driver training because of the JLTV’s high center-of-gravity, high ground pressure, large balloon-style tires, and reduced visibility. The JLTV demands excellent driver skills and knowledge beyond that of most tactical-wheeled vehicles. JLTV operators must know how to operate vehicle equipment effectively in the most challenging environments. Challenge JLTV operators to use safe driving practices and increase awareness for accident avoidance IAW (TC) 21-305-7.

  • Limited Visibility: An increasing number of rollovers occur during limited visibility when conditions involve dust, snow, rain or dark. Ensure that speed and vehicle intervals are adjusted to address conditions.

  • Restricted Visibility: Often, the vehicle pillars and window size block the driver’s forward and peripheral vision of the driver, preventing observation of objects on the ground. The vehicle commander and other crew members must assist the driver in identifying objects in the driver's blind spots. The driver should anticipate approaching objects that may fall into their blind spots as they near them. If in doubt or if approaching a challenging obstacle, the vehicle commander, if applicable, should safely use a ground guide to assist the driver.

  • Drop-offs, Ravines, and Eroded Washouts: These physical terrains are generally darker than the surrounding terrain at night, and it can be difficult to determine the depth of the drop. When encountering a suspected drop-off or ditch, the driver and VC should ensure they have a clear pathway through or around the feature. If a ground guide is not tactically feasible, the driver should slow speeds and cautiously approach unknown areas while adhering to the prescribed vehicle gross weight.

  • NVDs: Leaders must ensure the vehicle operators are adequately trained and possess the ability to safely and effectively drive using night vision devices (NVDs). The vehicle driver and VC must have a clear understanding of the device's limitations and capabilities, for ambient (available) light, driving ability, proficiency with NVDs and familiarity with the terrain to ensure they can safely and effectively drive using night vision.

  • Rollover Training: Leaders must ensure all occupants practice rollover procedures frequently. These drills should include degraded conditions such as doors blocked, injured personnel assessed requiring evacuation and limited visibility. Incorporate the potential for rollovers into risk assessments by assessing bridges and terrain along the route by:

  • Being alert and using caution on roads close to canals.
  • Allowing greater clearance when traveling along the edge of a road.
  • Considering the probability of the road surface collapsing and pitching the vehicle.
  • Ensuring that hazards are briefed to drivers before the mission and considering options for alternate or bypass routes.
  • Rollover drills can be trained in static vehicles using the steps outlined in GTA 55-03-030.
  • Training, Rehearsals, Pre-combat Checks and Pre-combat Inspections: These are key factors for mission success. Driver training is a key staple in any vehicle operation. The Joint Risk Assessment Tool (JRAT) can assist with the development of your deliberate risk assessment worksheet: https://jrat.safety.army.mil.

  • The USACRC has Risk-Management Magazine articles on vehicle rollover prevention which can be found on the USACRC website: https://safety.army.mil/MEDIA/Risk-Management-Magazine/ArtMID/7428/ArticleID/7952/Preventing-Rollovers

 

 

PLR 25-006 - GMV Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Other

A 26-year-old Sergeant assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas, died in an on-duty government motor vehicle (GMV) mishap on the installation at local. The Soldier was pinned between a HEMTT PLS/trailer and a box truck while the vehicle was backing into an enclosed ammunition supply point vehicle holding area. He was transported to University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. No other injuries or damage was reported. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is leading an investigation into the mishap.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of five Soldiers a year to GMV mishaps. This mishap was the first on-duty GMV fatality of FY25 and below the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

Safety tip

While the investigation into this mishap is ongoing, the following tips are based on historical information for like events that could prevent future vehicle mishaps and mitigate injuries:

  • Ensure vehicle operators do a thorough walkaround the vehicle prior to moving it.
  • Proper use of a ground guide will prevent Soldiers from being pinned between vehicles.
  • Ground guides should never position themselves directly in front of or behind the vehicle they are ground guiding.
  • Operators should stop the vehicle immediately if they lose sight of the ground guide.

For more tips and information, see https://safety.army.mil/ON-DUTY/Government-Motor-Vehicle/Ground-Guiding.

 

 

PLR 24-068 - Other Ground Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Other

A 43-year-old Active Guard Reserve Staff Sergeant assigned to the Army National Guard, Kapolei, Hawaii, on temporary duty assignment, died in an off-duty other ground mishap in Motootua, Samoa, at local. The Soldier received a tattoo and experienced post-procedure complications. He was transported to the local hospital, where he died. The cause of death is undetermined.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of two Soldiers a year to off-duty other ground mishaps. This mishap was the second off-duty other ground fatality of FY24 and above the number of fatalities for the same time last year.

 

 

PLR 24-061 - Other Ground Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Other

A Private assigned to Camp Vilseck, Germany, died in an off-duty other ground mishap in Rotterdam, New York, at local. While on block leave, the Soldier attended a party and was found unresponsive the following morning. The unit received a serious incident report from New York Mortuary Affairs. The unit/safety points of contact are awaiting local law enforcement's final investigation report.

Since FY19, the Army has lost an average of two Soldiers a year to off-duty other ground mishaps. This mishap was the first off-duty other ground fatality of FY24.

 

 
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