3rd BCT Public Affairs, 101st Airborne Division (AASLT)
Fort Campbell, KY – Rakkasan soldiers are well-known for how hard they train for the dangers they face on the battlefield. Similarly, they prepare for the unpredictable hazards they may encounter on the roadways.
On March 21st, 2012, soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), gathered to stress the importance of safety during the Rakkasan Motorcycle Mentorship Course here at Fort Campbell, KY.
This mentorship course is the only one of its kind within the division. The uniquely designed course pairs less experienced soldiers with seasoned riders to help teach them how to properly operate their motorcycle while leaders from the soldier’s chain of command gain knowledge of their subordinate’s skill level on a motorcycle.“One of the keys to this training is for leaders to get an eyes-on their soldiers and identify high risk riders,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bantosch, Command Sgt. Maj., 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 101st ABN DIV (AASLT). “Also, veteran riders, like me, get a refresher course,” Bantosch said.
The brigade planned the course in late March to help prepare their motorcyclists for the upcoming riding season.
“It’s March, soldiers might have just pulled their bikes out of storage and dusted them off,” said Skip Stuck, safety manager, 3rd BCT, 101st ABN DIV (AASLT). He also added, “This helps them get reacquainted with their bikes thus helping them be safer on the roads this spring.”
The course is broken down into three sections; an inspection of their bike, a safety video and or safety class, and a motorcycle obstacle course.
All participants start by reviewing the safety checklist published by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
“We went through the recommended checklist with the soldiers, step by step,” said Stuck. “By going through this checklist, we helped identify four motorcycles with deficiencies.”
Thanks to the checklist portion of the course, instructors were able to identify and correct various safety concerns such as: bad brakes, low air on tires and potential oil leaks.
“We were able to fix the bikes right there and then, allowing the soldiers to leave here with a bike that wouldn’t be a danger to them or anyone else on the road,” Stuck expressed proudly.
Once all bikes passed inspection, it was time to move onto the safety class.
During the class, Command Sgt. Maj. Bantosch and 1st Sgt. Anthony Cristosomo, 1st Sgt., Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 3rd BCT, 101st ABN DIV (AASLT), explained the dangers of sharing the road with cars, the foolishness of reckless driving, and also explained the basic principles of riding during in-climate.
“Most accidents that involve motorcycles, the rider did everything right; It was the driver of the car, who wasn’t paying attention that causes the wreck,” Cristosomo explained to the group. He also stressed to the soldiers, “You have to anticipate every car and what they could do. Keep your eyes open and always pay attention.”
Once the bikes were given the green light, riders were educated on safety; time to maneuver an obstacle course, showcasing their ability to properly navigate the roadways.
“We designed the obstacle course to ensure the soldier is riding the correct bike that is the proper size for the individual, as well as if they are in need of additional training,” Stuck explained. “We condensed the obstacle course with sharp turns to expose a soldier if they are riding a bike that may raise a red flag or if their skill level is a cause for concern.”
If a soldier is identified as needing additional training, they’re immediately given one-on-one assistance.
Once every rider had successfully completed the course, participants were encouraged to conduct the Rakkasan esprit de corps ride. The Rakkasan-pack rode from Fort Campbell to Dover, TN. Returning on a route along the Cumberland River, concluding in downtown Clarksville, TN.
“The brigade takes their well-being and safety serious and this course proves that,” said Stuck. “We want all Rakkasans to enjoy themselves. However, we want all of them to come home at the end of the day.”