Risk Management Magazine

As a young Soldier, I was always trained to execute any orders from my superiors without question. This discipline alone defined and ensured my — and many other Soldiers’ — survival at the two-way live-fire range. I remember my platoon sergeant being especially hard on Bradley crews to be disciplined and vigilant before, during and after combat operations.

As pilots, it is our responsibility to minimize every hazard we encounter. In a job such as ours, there is enough inherent danger. There is no need for us to create more.

Motorcycle riders are a demographically diverse group. Some take up riding as a purely recreational pastime, while others choose a motorcycle for economic reasons such as getting 50 miles per gallon. Some like riding in big groups and going to large regional rallies, while others prefer to ride alone. I am more of a loner. I prefer freestyle rides without a map, letting the road be my destination.