RICO WILLIAMS
Joint Readiness Training Center
and Fort Johnson Safety Director
Fort Johnson, Louisiana
At the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Johnson, Louisiana, our team is dedicated to guiding personnel through all aspects of tactical safety, including aviation and ground operations. The effectiveness of tactical safety — and the importance of maintaining a safety mindset — hinges on the small details. The military's most valuable assets are its personnel. Our safety team collaborates with end users to ensure impractical ideas are transformed into effective practices, like fitting a round peg into a square hole. We achieve this by integrating safety measures in several key ways.
Tactical safety is essential for conducting military operations while safeguarding the well-being of personnel and equipment. Often referred to as garrison safety within a combat environment, tactical safety combines the practices seen in stable, controlled settings with the unpredictable nature of field operations. Military leaders at all levels must recognize that tactical safety is not merely an operational requirement, but a fundamental aspect that influences the overall success of missions.
When discussing tactical safety, it's crucial to consider various activities that take place during field operations. These activities include driving vehicles, managing dining facilities, setting up explosive storage areas, performing equipment maintenance, communication processes, power generation, resupply operations, refueling, conducting guard duties and establishing life support areas (LSAs). Each of these elements necessitates careful planning and execution to ensure compliance with safety protocols while maintaining mission effectiveness.
There are significant challenges associated with executing these tasks in the field. Unlike the predictable environment of a garrison, characterized by stability and controlled conditions, the field presents numerous variables that can escalate risks. Inclement weather, rough terrain, wild animals and the possibility of enemy engagement all impact operations. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of tactical safety is vital for military personnel operating in such environments.
A key component of tactical safety is practical training and equipment maintenance. When personnel are well-trained and familiar with their gear, the likelihood of mishaps decreases significantly. For example, if power generation equipment, such as a generator, is transported to the field and connected without the necessary expertise or a licensed operator, and preventive maintenance checks and services have not been conducted for an extended period, serious consequences can arise. Equipment failure may lead to power outages, disrupting communication and essential operations. Thus, regularly maintaining equipment and ensuring operators are adequately trained is a non-negotiable aspect of tactical safety.
In addition to equipment management, conducting pre-combat checks and inspections is vital for maintaining high safety standards. These checks should ideally occur before loading out and executing the serial lineup. Failing to conduct them can lead to injury and mission failure. Operational success relies on leaders preparing their personnel, equipment and vehicles long before departure.
Establishing an LSA is another crucial consideration in tactical safety. This space is essential for the well-being of personnel and must be designed to facilitate cooking, sleeping, sanitation and the overall operational site maintenance. A poorly organized LSA can lead to various health issues, affecting morale and combat readiness. Tasks such as fueling operations, managing waste and providing clean water are not merely logistical details; they are critical components that ensure the safety and health of every unit member.
Military personnel can maintain operational capability and health by integrating appropriate hygiene standards alongside daily equipment maintenance. Hygiene within the LSA is essential. Neglecting it may lead to disease outbreaks, potentially incapacitating essential personnel and jeopardizing mission success.
Tactical safety should be viewed as a comprehensive strategy that involves all ranks within the military framework. Everyone — from leadership to entry-level personnel — must understand their role in fostering a safe operational environment. This requires ongoing education on safety protocols and a culture that prioritizes safety rather than treats it as an afterthought.
Moreover, communication is a cornerstone of tactical safety. Clear and concise communication among units ensures that all members know potential hazards and the measures to mitigate them. In the heat of operations, misunderstandings can have catastrophic consequences. Cultivating a culture where teams feel encouraged to voice safety concerns, report unsafe conditions and suggest actionable solutions is crucial.
Tactical safety encompasses much more than just running range operations. An organization that prioritizes safety protects its personnel and enhances its operational effectiveness.