Risk Management Magazine

Between fiscal year 2010 and to date in fiscal year 2026, the U.S. Army recorded 49 off-duty hunting-related mishaps that resulted in nine fatalities and over $58.5 million in injury costs. While hunting is a valued tradition for many service members, the data reveals that these mishaps, though infrequent, carry disproportionately severe consequences.

Let me tell you a story about how "get-there-itis" and a little bit of exhaustion can turn a hero move into a $150,000 nightmare in about four seconds flat.

As a surface maintenance mechanic, I have installed countless MDS units across the fleet on a wide variety of Army vehicles. Having also served as a platoon sergeant and motor sergeant, I witnessed firsthand how this specific HMMWV retrofit endangers crews.