Risk Management Magazine

Motorcycles were my thing growing up. I raced in motocross competitions just about every weekend and worked for the shop that sponsored me. I fell often enough to learn the hard way that my helmet, gloves, elbow and shoulder pads, boots, long-sleeved jersey and riding pants really did work.

The very nature of our profession as Soldiers — training outdoors, wearing uniforms and carrying equipment — practically guarantees we will be exposed to heat stress.

While attending the Aviation Safety Officer Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama, I was reminded of a let’s-not-do-that-again event that occurred while I was deployed to Kosovo in 2012. Such lessons-learned situations shaped how I operated as a young pilot in command.