Reservists must complete training to ride motorcycles Published May 21, 2012 By Tech. Sgt. Brannen Parrish 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Reservists planning to ride motorcycles while on orders, during annual training or while completing unit training assemblies should plan to complete an approved motorcycle training course. "Any time a motorcycle mishap occurs while you are in status, whether you are driving to or from base for UTAs, on annual tour or on orders, it's a reportable incident," said Tech. Sgt. Jesse Fuller, 931st Air Refueling Group Safety Office. According to Air Force Instruction 91-207, Traffic Safety Program, at a minimum, Airmen are required to complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation-approved basic rider's course before operating a motorcycle. Reservists who have prior motorcycle riding experience may complete a more advanced course, provided it is certified by the foundation. To ensure maximum compliance with the requirement, McConnell's 22nd Air Refueling Wing has contracted with a local organization to provide the courses at no cost to Airmen. The course is free, but Airmen must check with their unit motorcycle safety representative and receive written permission from their chain-of-command before taking the course. At McConnell, reservists who want to attend the course can request to be placed on orders to complete the training. "We're trying to make it easier on the member to ensure compliance," Fuller said. "We'll put them on orders for two and a half days to complete the course." All Air Force members are required to wear the following personal protective equipment when riding motorcycles: - A Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 certified helmet - Eye protection if the helmet lacks a visor - Long-sleeve shirt or jacket - Long trousers - Full-fingered gloves or mittens - Sturdy over-ankle footwear, such as high top sneakers or boots - Upper garments with high-visibility colors, such as fluorescent yellow-green, red-orange or red during daylight hours - Retro-reflective upper garments at night Failure to comply with the mandatory training can result in punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or a loss of the member's death benefit in the event of a fatal accident. "The idea is to give them the skills and training to avoid dangerous situations and to get out of potentially dangerous situations because accidents aren't always the rider's fault," Fuller said. "We're trying to encourage people to ride safely and to learn the skills to ride safely."