Mentor training gives new tools to base riders

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Since the beginning of fiscal year 2014, more than 11 motorcycle riders have been involved in mishaps. Due to this rise of two-wheeled incidents, the 2nd Bomb Wing Safety office teamed up with squadron commanders to mentor more than 700 Barksdale's riders.

The new and improved mentor program allowed squadron commanders to choose more than 19 motorcyclists to take advanced training to improve not only their skills but the skills, and awareness of other riders.

"We started noticing a trend with our motorcycle riders," said Percy Adams, 2nd Bomb Wing Safety. "Most of the incidents this year could have been prevented. From inexperience, mechanical problems to weather conditions, riders should know the risks and how to avoid them."

The improved mentoring program will use mentor training designed to teach riding responsibility.

"We set up a mentor class with our off base motorcycle safety foundation trainer so each of our mentors can give each mentee good information," Percy said. "The class will go over many different things such as emergency braking, minimizing hazards, defensive riding and pre-ride self assessments, just to name a few."

With more than 32,000 motorcyclists in the Air Force, motorcycles are only a small percentage of vehicles on the road. With motorcycles, the only protection offered are helmets, situational awareness and knowing what they are capable of.

"Mentoring is just another tool we will be able to use to protect our Airmen," said Lt. Col. Anthony Smith, 2nd Comptroller Squadron commander. "The MSF course is mandatory and we urge all of our riders to seek additional training to be safe. But, with the improved mentor program we can help each squadron's riders be safer with better knowledge and one-on-one training."

The new course is scheduled to begin training base mentors late February and mentors will soon after pass on these new tools for riders.

"The plan is to have the mentors hold mentoring sessions within their squadrons for each of their riders," Percy said. "After that, the unit motorcycle safety representatives will schedule new riders individual mentoring. We also hope with each squadron having a mentor, any rider can seek their help."

For more information on squadron mentors contact your unit MSR.