Risk Management Magazine

The Profession of Arms can be difficult. At times, it involves missions in the extreme heat while wearing body armor and carrying weapons, ammunition and other gear. The Army’s answer for preventing Soldiers from becoming heat casualties is proper water intake. So, for decades, we’ve transported that water to the front lines via the 400-gallon M149 trailer — otherwise known as the water buffalo.

Of all the lessons learned during our brigade’s yearlong deployment, none have returned to me more than the words “Complacency Kills.” That warning was emblazoned on a T-barrier in the center of the forward operating base as a daily caveat to our greatest planning measures: pre-combat checks (PCCs) and pre-combat inspections (PCIs).

When operating or riding in a tactical vehicle, always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, including a combat helmet and proper restraints. They can save your life.