Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Private First Class assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a government motor vehicle (GMV) mishap 4 October 2021 at 1300 local. Five Soldiers were returning from land navigation training in an up-armored HMMWV when the vehicle abruptly turned and rolled over on a four lane hard surface road. During the rollover, the truck commander, two passengers, and the gunner were ejected. The Fort Bragg emergency medical service transported the Soldiers to a local medical center for evaluation and further treatment. The emergency room physician pronounced the gunner deceased at 1401.

Since 2016, the Army has experienced an average of 12 GMV mishaps per year. This mishap is the first GMV fatality of FY22 and below the number of similar mishaps during the same time period last year.


Per AR 385-10 Chapter 11
11–4. Safe motor vehicle operations
a. Occupant protection (HSPG Number 20)
(1) Occupant protective devices will be worn by all persons in or on an Army-owned motor vehicle whether on or off the installation.

Tips:
Stay Alert – Avoid Distractions
Distractions are everywhere today and becoming more and more difficult to avoid. Remember that, as a driver, your primary task is to operate your vehicle safely. It only takes a few seconds to get yourself and your passengers in a situation that could start a chain reaction that leads to a motor vehicle mishap. Always keep these tips in mind when driving or as a passenger.

1. Avoid distractions while operating a vehicle.
2. Always wear your seat belt and ensure your passengers do the same.
3. Your focus should be on the task of driving safely.
4. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area where you’re driving.
5. Focus as far to your front as possible using peripheral vision to scan for obstacles.
6. Maintain the posted speed limit.

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A Staff Sergeant assigned to the Army National Guard, Draper, Utah, died in a combat skills/military unique mishap 21 September 2021 on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, at approximately 1440 local. The Soldier was participating in a 1,500-meter surface swim at Joe Swing Park Quarry during the 5th Special Forces Group (SFG) (Airborne) Maritime Assessment Course, when he submerged and never resurfaced. The search began immediately with 5th SFG (A) divers who were then joined by local search-and-rescue support elements. At approximately 2100, the search was suspended due to weather and limited visibility. The search resumed the following morning and the Soldier’s remains were recovered at approximately 1103. The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is leading a safety investigation into the mishap.

Since 2016, the Army has lost an average of three Soldiers a year to combat skills/military unique mishaps. This tragedy was the fifth combat skills/military unique fatality of FY21.

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An Active Guard Reserve Soldier assigned to the North Carolina Army National Guard died in a mishap 5 June 2021 at 0601 local. The Soldier was at his residence in Creedmoor, North Carolina, when he fell approximately 4 feet off of his open back porch deck. His wife found him and called 911. Emergency medical services personnel arrived and pronounced the Soldier dead at the scene. The preliminary investigation indicated his injuries and death were the result of his fall. It’s unknown at this time if alcohol was involved. The mishap is under investigation.

This is the first Soldier fatality resulting from a fall in FY21.

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A Specialist assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia, attending Ranger School, died in a combat skills/military unique mishap 25 March 2021 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, at approximately 1826 local. The Soldier was crossing a rope bridge constructed on Weaver River when he became submerged at the halfway point. Four instructors attempted to render aid but were unable to maintain contact. The instructors lost sight of the Soldier for several minutes before locating him unconscious and without pulse. On-site medics began immediate trauma care and air evacuated the Soldier to the local hospital. He was pronounced dead upon arrival by the attending physician.

Since FY16, the Army has lost an average of three Soldiers a year to combat skills/military unique mishaps. This was the first combat skills/military unique mishap of FY21.

Consider the following controls related to post-mishap response:

- Qualified and equipped medical personnel will be present to respond to any mishap.
- Medical transportation must be available. Identify locations and routes to the nearest medical treatment facilities.
- Verify level of care available at local medical treatment facilities.
- Verify availability and request procedures for MEDEVAC.
- Brief all Soldiers on medical evacuation procedures and communication methods.
- Ensure multiple forms of communication are available; primary, alternate, contingency, emergency (PACE) and operational.
- Conduct mishap response rehearsals.

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A Staff Sergeant assigned to Camp Eagle, South Korea, died in a Government Motor Vehicle mishap 4 January 2021 on Camp Casey, Korea, at 0330 local. The Soldier was driving a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) and arrived to a live-fire complex as the advanced party for a field training exercise. The Soldier and a passenger were in the LMTV near the entry road to the live-fire complex when the vehicle overturned. The Soldier suffered fatal injuries. The passenger is currently being evaluated at the local hospital for minor injuries. Ice is believed to have played a role in the mishap, which is under investigation.

Since 2016, the Army has experienced an average of 18 GMV mishaps per year. This mishap is the fourth GMV mishap of FY21 and slightly above the number of similar mishaps during the same time period last year.

Snow and Ice Reduce Traction:

1. When driving on snow or ice, make sure the vehicle is equipped with chains, snow tires or studded tires.

2. When roads are dangerous because of weather, drive with extra care and at reduced speed according to conditions.

3. Even when a road appears to be generally clear of ice, use caution. There can always be small patches of black ice on the road that can cause even the most experienced operator to have a mishap.

4. A good winter driving rule is to slow down before coming to bridges and shaded places. Be especially careful in late afternoon and after dark.

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