A Staff Sergeant assigned to U.S. Army Special Operations Command died in an Army combat vehicle mishap 15 May 2019 at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, Louisiana, at 0300 local. The Soldier was riding as a passenger in the rear of an M1165 up-armored HMMWV when it overturned on a gravel downgrade during rotational training on the reservation.
ENGAGEMENT TIPS:
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:
- Convoy commanders, ensure your convoy briefings include safe following distances and speeds appropriate for the conditions. Leaders and vehicle commanders, remain vigilant in enforcing them.
- Vehicle commanders, ensure all vehicle occupants are utilizing seat belts/restraint systems before moving the vehicle. Seat belts save lives!
- Are the Evil Eight creeping into your unit’s operations? The U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center has released a new exportable loss prevention awareness briefing to arm Soldiers and leaders with the knowledge necessary to mitigate on- and off-duty mishaps. Click here to check it out: Evil Eight