Risk Management Magazine

In the modern military lexicon, the term "tactical" is often associated with high-speed, dynamic actions — the kick to a door, the precision of a rifle shot or the stealth of a reconnaissance patrol. Yet one of the most fundamental and perilous aspects of modern warfare is often overlooked: the simple act of moving from one point to another. Tactical vehicle operations, the orchestrated movement of personnel and equipment in wheeled or tracked vehicles, form the lifeblood of any ground force. It is a discipline that demands more than just a driver's license; it requires a unique blend of technical skill, unwavering situational awareness and an institutional commitment to safety that runs from the individual operator to the highest levels of command.

It was another routine daytime mission in Afghanistan: two CH-47 Chinook aircraft loaded with key personnel would conduct an air movement to a landing zone (LZ) that the crew had landed at dozens of times. The crew consisted of a seasoned pilot in command (PC) with about 3,500 hours, an experienced pilot (PI) with 500 hours and two nonrated crewmembers — a crew chief (CE) and a flight engineer (FE) — with unknown flight hours. The crew had recency of flight together, as well as recency in landing at this specific LZ.

When considering the leading causes of boating fatalities, most people picture a lack of operator training, operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or falling overboard. While that is certainly true, there’s a lesser-known danger that can be equally lethal — carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.