1/2 of a rifle platoon

Since the beginning of Oct we have lost 19 Marines to motorcycles.  Can you believe it we have lost almost 1/2 of a rifle platoon not to bullets in Iraq or Afghanistan but to bumpers and asphalt in San Diego and Jacksonville.

How?

Many Marines are coming home from Iraq with money burning a hole in their pocket and they go out and spend it on a bike.  Also more and more people want bikes due to increased prices at the gas pump.

Not a problem with that but Marines are buying too much motorcycle for first time riders.  The majority of these deaths are happenning to young inexperienced riders losing control and traveling at high rates of speed on sport bikes (crotch rockets), or the riders are not wearing helmets and other safety gear.

What has been done?

Well the boss (Gen Conway) has published an ALMAR (014/08) laying out the rules and regulations for motorcycle ownership. 

All Marines regardless of rank were to report ownership of a motorcycle to the command (whether ridden on base or not) and all Marines are required to inform the command if they are considering the purchase of a motorcycle. 

Also all DOD personnel are already required to attend a Basic Motorcycle Safety course prior to operating any motorcycle or ATV whether for street use or off-road use.

What else can we do?

Leadership must take an active role in ensuring that all motorcycle riders are abiding by the rules and regulations set forth.

Marines that are going to purchase a new bike need to do their research and again we as leaders need to help them research the bikes that are available and ensure they pick a bike that is not too big or powerful for their skill level.

What’s Next?

I don’t know what HQMC will do next but I am sure that it will make getting a motorcycle a pain in the ass.  You will probably have to get counseled by your CO before purchasing a bike and other such nonsenses. 

If that doesn’t work they may make it so that you have to be a certain age or rank to lawfully ride a motorcycle.

Maybe they outlaw the crotch rocket or bikes with certain size engines.

These are just my thoughts but nothing would surprise me especially if we kill the rest of that platoon on the streets of the US and not the streets of Iraq.