Risk Management Magazine

After nearly two decades of riding, my confidence level when operating a motorcycle is quite high. Having experience in varied conditions — from clear and sunny, rainy and overcast, hot and muggy, cold and snowy, and the bliss that is 68 degrees and light clouds — I just love the time spent in the saddle.

Problems don’t just happen. They usually stem from a series of unfavorable decisions. Had we experienced any sort of accident while trying to kick open dog gates, it would have been tough to justify. We set out with great intentions but wandered into undefined territory.

This incident really stuck with me as a leader. I felt my lack of knowledge about the safety features of our welding equipment contributed to this Soldier’s injury. Since then, I have taken the time to reach out to multiple maintenance subject-matter experts to gain a better understanding of my Soldiers’ MOSs.