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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 21-027 - Off-Duty POW Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Privately Owned Weapons
A Specialist assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in a privately owned weapons mishap 8 January 2021 in Killeen, Texas, at 2130 local. The Soldier was reportedly showing his shotgun to two other Soldiers at an off-post residence and pointed it at himself in a joking manner. One of the Soldiers told him that he shouldn’t do that with the weapon. After stating that the shotgun was on safe, it discharged unintentionally, striking the Soldier. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It is unknown at this time if alcohol was a contributing factor. The mishap is under investigation.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of four Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This tragedy was the second fatal off-duty POW mishap of FY21.

Alcohol is a common factor in POW mishaps, along with indiscipline and complacency. In addition to never mixing alcohol and weapons, you can manage your risk with privately owned weapons if you always THINK weapons safety!

Treat every weapon as if it is loaded.
Handle every weapon with care.
Identify the target before you fire.
Never point the muzzle at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
Keep the weapon on safe and your finger off the trigger until you intend to fire.

 

 

PLR 20-046 - POW Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Privately Owned Weapons

A Private assigned to Nomad Troop, 4th Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas died in a privately owned weapons (POW) mishap 28 April 2020 in Killeen, Texas. The Soldier was with group of Soldiers at a private residence on 26 April 2020 when he picked up a fellow Soldier’s privately owned weapon and accidentally shot himself in the head. He was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries two days later. The use of alcohol was involved. The incident is being investigated by the local police department.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of four Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This mishap was already the fourth fatal off-duty POW mishap of FY20. Every mishap has telltale signs. Some you only recognize in hindsight, while others you can’t miss. Alcohol, firearms, late at night…when do you draw the line between fun and tragedy?

 

 

PLR 20-036 – Off-Duty POW Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Privately Owned Weapons
A PV2 assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in a privately owned weapons (POW) mishap 22 March 2020 in Clarksville, Tennessee, at 1711 local. A Private First Class was showing his newly purchased shotgun to two other Soldiers when one of them pushed the weapon away. A round was accidently discharged, striking the PV2 in the head. Emergency medical services personnel transported the injured Soldier to a local medical center, where he was pronounced dead. Alcohol use is not a suspected causal factor. The mishap is under investigation.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of three Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This tragedy was the third fatal off-duty POW mishap of FY20. Proper POW safety and handling is non-negotiable. Whether you’re at the range, hunting, cleaning, transporting or showing your gun to friends, every weapon must be treated as if it is loaded.

 

 

PLR 20-025 - POW Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Privately Owned Weapons
A 19-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a privately owned weapons (POW) mishap 10 January 2020 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at 0800 local. The Soldier was reportedly attempting to disassemble a handgun when a discharged round struck him in the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner. The mishap is under investigation.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of three Soldiers a year to POW mishaps. This was the second fatal POW mishap of FY20. While the Army is at the same number of POW fatalities for the same time period in FY19, this mishap serves as a stark reminder for leaders to continue to emphasize off-duty weapons safety.

 

 

PLR 20-007 - POW Mishap Claims One Soldier's Life

Posting Date:   /   Categories: Preliminary Loss Reports, Privately Owned Weapons
A Sergeant assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, died in a privately owned weapon mishap 27 October 2019 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at 1830 local. The Soldier was struck by a chambered round discharged from a weapon other Soldiers were handling. Alcohol and drug use are unknown at this time. The mishap is under investigation.

 

 

 
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