Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Chief Warrant Officer 2 assigned to Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, died in an off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishap 1 November 2026 in Sirena Beach, Guam, at 1700 local. The Soldier was swimming in the ocean when his spouse noticed he was struggling. She ran for help and located an off-duty Security Forces civilian who was fishing nearby. The civilian pulled the Soldier to shore and began CPR. He had to pause chest compressions to run to another part of the beach to get a cell signal and call emergency services. The fire department initially had difficulty locating the scene, but once they arrived, they performed additional lifesaving measures. Despite their efforts, the Soldier could not be revived. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY22, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishaps. This mishap was the first off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training fatality of FY27 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year. This was also the first off-duty water-related fatality of FY27.

Safety Tips

Swimming in open water is harder than in a pool. People tire faster and get into trouble more quickly.

• Never swim alone and swim in a lifeguarded area, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.
• Obey signs. Look for "No Swimming" or "No Diving" signs and obey them. They are there for your safety.
• Stay sober when on or in the water. Alcohol and other drugs increase the effects of weather, temperature, and wave action.
• Be careful when standing to prevent being knocked over by currents or waves.
• Be aware of weather and water conditions.

For more information on water safety, check out the Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation at https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Home-and-Family/Off-Duty-Safety-Awareness-Presentation-2026.

A 23-year-old Corporal assigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, died in a motorcycle mishap 31 October 2026 in Wahiawa District, Hawaii, at 1352 local. The Soldier’s motorcycle encountered a slick spot on the road, lost control and struck a guardrail. Local police and emergency medical services responded to the scene, where the Soldier was pronounced dead. Personal protective equipment use, training, speed, and the involvement of alcohol or drugs are currently unknown. Additional information is unavailable at this time.

Since FY22, the Army has lost an average of 31 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the fourth motorcycle fatality of FY27 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

This tragic fatality underscores that sudden surface traction loss combined with rigid roadside infrastructure (guardrails) leaves zero margin for error. Maintaining continuous surface scanning, smooth control inputs, proper cornering speed, and adherence to Army motorcycling standards are essential lifesaving measures for all Soldiers.

Surface Hazard Identification and Traction Management

• Scan 12-15 seconds ahead: Continuously sweep the roadway for visual cues indicating low traction, including wet patches, fresh asphalt sealant, diesel/fuel spills, loose gravel, fallen organic debris, and painted road markings.
• Respect the initial rain/slick window: In tropical and high-humidity climates like Hawaii, the first 15-30 minutes of rainfall or light mist draw engine oils and roadway contaminants to the surface, creating severe, slick spots.
• Neutralize inputs across hazards: When crossing unavoidable slick or low-friction patches, keep the motorcycle upright, maintain a steady throttle, and avoid sudden braking or aggressive steering inputs. Smoothness preserves remaining traction.

Cornering, Speed Adjustment, and Guardrail Dynamics

• Adjust entry speed early: Approach curves with a “slow in, accelerate out” discipline. Entering a bend above safe visual limits leaves zero margin to adjust if a surface hazard appears mid-turn.
• Recognize guardrails as high-consequence hazards: Guardrails and roadside barriers act as rigid blunt-force hazards for motorcyclists. Maintaining an appropriate safety cushion and choosing a line through curves that maximizes escape space is vital to surviving sudden loss of traction.
• Manage sight lines and lane positioning: Ride in the lane portion that offers the longest sight distance around turns and the cleanest line of asphalt, adjusting away from road crowns where oil pools.

Army Motorcycle Compliance and Rider Readiness

• Mandatory training currency: Ensure complete compliance with Army Regulation 385-10 and DoDI 6055.04. Every Soldier operating a motorcycle must maintain current Level I training (Basic RiderCourse) or Level II training (Advanced RiderCourse).
• Pre-ride inspections (T-CLOCS): Prioritize tire condition (tires and wheels). Check cold tire pressures weekly and ensure adequate tread depth to effectively channel water away from the contact patch.
• Strict ATGATT enforcement (All The Gear, All The Time): Wear complete PPE on every ride, DOT/ECE/Snell-approved full-face helmet, impact-resistant eye protection, full-fingered tactical or riding gloves, long abrasion-resistant sleeves and pants (or CE-rated armored riding apparel), and sturdy over-the-ankle footwear.

Leader Action and Mentorship

• Active motorcycle safety programs: Pair young and newly arrived riders with experienced motorcycle mentors to orient them to local terrain, weather anomalies, and high-risk corridors.
• Enforce safety stand-downs and briefings: Use real-world mishap vignettes during pre-holiday and long-weekend safety briefings to reinforce individual accountability and risk mitigation.

A 38-year-old Staff Sergeant assigned to Hanson Army Reserve Center, Birmingham, Alabama, died in a motorcycle mishap 1 November 2026 in Jefferson County, Mississippi, at 2330 local. The Active Guard Reserve Soldier’s motorcycle collided head-on with another vehicle. He was ejected and subsequently struck by a third vehicle. Personal protective equipment use, training status, speed, and the potential involvement of alcohol or drugs are currently unknown. Additional information is unavailable at this time.

Since FY22, the Army has lost an average of 31 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the third motorcycle fatality of FY27 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

This tragic loss of a Soldier underscores the persistent hazards associated with motorcycle operations, specifically during late-night hours, reduced visibility, and high-risk traffic environments. Every Soldier must remain vigilant, disciplined, and proactive regarding motorcycle safety.

Nighttime and low-light hazard mitigation

• Avoid late-night riding when fatigue, reduced sight distance, and impaired driver frequency significantly increase the collision risk.
• Adjust riding speed downward to never outrun the motorcycle’s headlight reach, ensuring adequate reaction time to unexpected obstacles or oncoming traffic.
• Utilize retro-reflective garments, high-visibility outer layers, and auxiliary lighting to maximize your visual signature to other motorists.

Defensive lane positioning and head-on collision avoidance

• Maintain an active dominant lane position that maximizes sight lines through curves and intersections while providing an immediate escape route.
• Scan 12 to 15 seconds ahead using the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute / Search, Evaluate, Execute (SIPDE/SEE) process to recognize drifting or crossing vehicles early.
• Avoid lingering near the center dividing line on undivided highways, especially at night or around blind corners, where oncoming vehicles frequently cross into opposing lanes.
• Always identify an escape buffer (such as the paved right shoulder) and be prepared to execute emergency swerving maneuvers if an oncoming vehicle breaches your lane.

Secondary impact and ejection prevention

• Strictly adhere to posted speed limits to minimize kinetic energy transfer during an unavoidable collision or evasive action.
• Wear full-body certified personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against severe multi-impact trauma, including:
  • Full-face helmet: meeting DOT, ECE 22.06, or Snell standards.
  • Abrasion-resistant jacket and pants equipped with CE Level 2 armor.
  • Over-the-ankle sturdy riding boots and full-fingered reinforced gloves.
  • Active protective gear such as tethered or electronic airbag vests, to minimize spinal, torso, and rib cage injuries during primary and secondary impacts.

Pre-ride vehicle readiness (T-CLOCS)

• Conduct a thorough T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection (Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil/Fluids, Chassis, Stands) before every ride.
• Ensure dual-beam headlights, brake lights, and turn signals operate at peak brightness and alignment.
• Verify tire pressures and tread depths to meet operational specifications and maintain maximum traction during emergency braking or evasive swerves.

Regulatory and command compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Army Regulation 385-10, The Army Safety and Occupational Health Program, and service-specific motorcycle directives.
• Complete mandatory progressive motorcycle training (Basic RiderCourse / Advanced RiderCourse) within prescribed intervals.
• Maintain open communication with unit Motorcycle Safety Program Coordinators and leadership prior to extended or nighttime travel.

Leader and Soldier action items

• Leaders should conduct thorough risk assessments with Soldiers prior to weekend passes and holiday travel.
• Engage junior riders through unit motorcycle safety programs to reinforce defensive riding habits and sound judgment.

A Specialist on federal orders supporting the Washington, D.C., mission died in a motorcycle mishap 29 October 2026 in Waldorf, Maryland, at 2215 local. The Soldier’s motorcycle collided with a passenger vehicle that attempted a left turn in front of him. The Maryland State Police responded to the scene, where the Soldier was pronounced dead. Personal protective equipment use, individual training status, vehicle speed, and the potential involvement of alcohol or drugs are unknown. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY22, the Army has lost an average of 31 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the second motorcycle fatality of FY27 and equal to the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

Road safety is an active, shared responsibility across our entire formation, requiring both motorcyclists and passenger vehicle operators to maintain disciplined vigilance, proper training, and proactive decision-making to eliminate preventable fatal mishaps.

Safety Guidance for Motorcycle Riders

Operating a motorcycle requires specialized skills, continuous training, and defensive riding strategies. Riders must actively manage their visibility and prepare for high-risk scenarios.

Active Scanning and Intersection Dominance

Intersections and oncoming left-turning vehicles represent the single greatest lethal hazard for riders. Proactively execute the Search, Evaluate, Execute (SEE) / Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute (SIPDE) framework well before entering intersections:

• Continuously monitor oncoming vehicle front wheels for initiation of turns.
• Assert a dominant lane position to maximize your visual sightlines.
• Always designate an immediate escape corridor if a driver turns across your path of travel.

Nighttime Conspicuity and Full Impact Protection

Night riding and low-light conditions significantly degrade other drivers’ depth perception and distance judgment. Adhere strictly to All The Gear, All The Time (ATGATT) by wearing a certified full-face helmet (DOT, ECE 22.06, or Snell); high-visibility, retro-reflective outerwear to break through visual clutter; abrasion-tested jacket and pants with CE-rated impact armor; full-fingered reinforced gloves with palm sliders; and rigid, over-the-ankle boots with crush-resistant soles.

Army Progressive Motorcycle Program (PMP)

Motorcycle survivability relies on continuous skill progression rather than one-time qualification. Maintain currency across all required Army PMP courses (Basic RiderCourse, Advanced RiderCourse, and mandatory refresher training) and actively coordinate with your designated Motorcycle Safety Program Coordinator (MSPC) to track required unit mentorship rides, pre-ride inspections, and ongoing training validation.

Safety Guidance for Passenger Vehicle Drivers

Passenger vehicle drivers must remain actively aware of motorcycles sharing the road. Due to their smaller size, motorcycles require extra attention during common maneuvers.

The “Look Twice” Protocol at Left Turns

Oncoming motorcycles present a narrow, single-headlight profile that can easily deceive drivers regarding true closing speed and physical distance. Prior to initiating any left turn across oncoming traffic lanes, pause deliberately; scan both directions twice, specifically looking for two-wheeled profiles; and never commit to a turn across traffic until you have unequivocally confirmed the approaching rider’s actual closing velocity.

Eliminating Blind Spots with Physical Shoulder Checks

Due to their compact profile, motorcycles can easily become obscured behind vehicle structural pillars (A-pillars), side-view mirrors, or blind zones, especially under nighttime lighting conditions. Always signal your intentions early, adjust mirrors to minimize blind spots, and perform a deliberate physical head check over your shoulder before executing any lane transition, merge, or turning maneuver.

Maintaining Adequate Buffer Space and Anticipating Maneuvers

Motorcycles frequently decelerate through engine braking and downshifting without immediately activating rear brake lights, and riders must routinely adjust lane position to avoid potholes, painted lines, or road debris. Maintain a disciplined three- to four-second following distance behind motorcycles to provide sufficient reaction time and prevent dangerous tailgating during sudden stops or lane shifts.

A Sergeant First Class assigned to the Louisiana Army National Guard died in a motorcycle mishap 25 October 2026 in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, at 0130 local. The full-time Soldier was ejected from his motorcycle when it departed the roadway for unknown reasons and entered a ditch. The Louisiana State Police responded to the scene, where the Soldier was pronounced dead. The use of personal protective equipment, training, speed, and the involvement of alcohol or drugs are currently unknown. Additional information is unavailable at this time.

Since FY22, the Army has lost an average of 31 Soldiers a year to motorcycle mishaps. This mishap was the first motorcycle fatality of FY27 and equal to the number of fatalities for this same time last year.

Safety Tips

See and Be Seen: Because a motorcycle has a small profile, other drivers often have difficulty picking your single headlight or taillight out of the surrounding traffic lights.

• Wear retro-reflective gear: Choose riding gear, helmets, or lightweight vests with retro-reflective strips.
• Keep your lights and face shield clean: Road grime on your headlight can severely cut down its brightness. Ensure your visor or goggles are clear and completely scratch-free. Never use tinted shields at night, as they drastically reduce contrast and visibility.
• Use high beams strategically: Use your high beams whenever you are not actively following or meet another vehicle to maximize your forward view.
• Reduce speed: Ride slower than you would during the day, especially on unfamiliar roads.

Watch Out for Critical Hazards: Riding late at night introduces specific dangers that you must actively anticipate.

• Scan the shoulders of the road constantly: If riding through wooded areas, reduce your speed further to give yourself time to swerve or brake safely. Deer and other nocturnal animals are highly active and difficult to spot until they enter your headlight path.
• Maintain a clean headlight: Ride defensively and avoid sudden swerves by scanning as far ahead as your headlight beam allows.

The Golden Rule of Night Riding: Never outride your headlight. If you cannot safely stop your motorcycle within the illuminated patch of road ahead of you, you are riding too fast for the conditions.