Motorcycle AFSO 21 Event: New process for Team Little Rock

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LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  The Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century program continues to improve processes across Little Rock Air Force Base, as most recently observed in the Team Little Rock Safety office. Faced with a cumbersome motorcycle-rider-training-and-accountability process, a cross-functional team gathered in September to develop a new way ahead. The team's two main focus areas were accountability and training; their rationale being if there is a solid accountability process, personnel requiring mandatory rider training can be identified earlier and scheduled in a timely manner.

First, the team attacked the accountability process. The motorcycle rider database was standardized, and made accessible to all unit motorcycle safety representatives. All extra steps were removed, reducing "hand offs" by 64 percent. Unit inprocessing verbiage was standardized, and suggestions to improve the AMC Form 91, Commander's Motorcycle Interview Worksheet, were also forwarded to AMC safety personnel. Thirty-day waiver cards were also developed to help unit commanders identify, track and counsel their untrained riders. In order to identify untrained riders, installation security guards are required to check the rider's training sticker (placed on motorcycle, license plate frame, etc.), Motorcycle Safety Foundation training card or 30-day waiver card. If the rider doesn't have one of these items, but still is wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment, the rider will still be allowed access to the base, but their name and unit will be recorded for unit commander follow-up action. The goal of this accountability process is to ensure these individuals receive the appropriate safety training.

Second, the team addressed the training aspect. All DoD military and civilian motorcycle riders are required to complete the Basic Rider Course, and all 19 AW and 314 AW sports bike riders are required to complete the Sports Bike Rider Course. All training courses are provided free of charge and are taught by a MSF-accredited instructor. The AFSO 21 team looked at the course sign-up process; personnel are now signed up for training via unit reps, as well as individuals signing up at Joint Intro sessions. Additionally, the team validated the proposed design for the new motorcycle training pad, currently under construction on base, to ensure it would meet MSF criteria. By conducting the sports bike training on base, riders will save fuel by avoiding the commute to Camp Robinson's range. Metrics were also developed to keep senior leaders apprised of the motorcycle training program's status.

Bottom line: Commanders are now better equipped to identify their riders and get them critical safety training, which has been proven to save lives when used in conjunction with proper PPE.

If riders have additional suggestions to improve these processes, contact the 19 AW or 314 AW Safety Office.

(Courtesy of the 19th Airlift Wing safety office)