Safer motorcycle operators for the 128 ARW

  • Published
  • By AB MORGAN R, LIPINSKI
  • 128 ARW
MILWAUKEE --  The 128th Air Refueling Wing's Safety Office hosted its first Motorcycle Operator Training refresher class here on May 17, 2014.

To drive motorcycles on base, 128 ARW service members must attend Motorcycle Operator Training classes on the initial level as well as maintaining their training with intermediate and refresher classes, said Senior Master Sgt. Peter J. Scott, the ground safety training manager for the 128 ARW Safety Office
.
The initial training class should be taken before first operating the motorcycle due to its focus on general procedure and basic safety precautions.

The intermediate training class is required to attend within one year of completing the initial training class in order to drive on base. During this class, motor cyclists must meet or exceed the initial training requirements as well as expand their knowledge on operator safety and situational awareness.

During the newly introduced safety refresher course, motor cyclists reviewed the initial and intermediate skills of motorcycle safety that become useful even in the routine operation of motorcycles.

"This training process is important because it gives you the foundation for riding safely," said Scott.

After the first refresher training class had been completed on May 17, 2014, motor cyclists rode in a single file line out to the ramp where they posed proudly in front of a 128 ARW KC-135R Stratotanker for a photograph.

Because this year's Motorcycle Operator Training refresher class fell on the same day as Armed Forces Day, the motor cyclists were fortunate enough to leave class and immediately put their training to use.

The motor cyclists drove together to Hal's Harley Davidson in New Berlin where a free pancake breakfast was served in celebration of Armed Forces Day.

After the breakfast was finished, the 128 ARW motor cyclists rode alongside other military and civilian personnel in the 11th annual "Support the Troops" motorcycle ride event. The ride ended at the Harley Davidson Museum where an appreciation ceremony took place that honored all past and present U.S. military service members.

During the ceremony, 128 ARW Chaplain Matthew M. Friese gave the opening and closing invocation in front of hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts.

The classes provided at the 128 ARW are not required, unless one desires to drive a motorcycle on base, said Scott. But the techniques and training taught during the classes ensure that motor cyclists enjoy their time riding while remaining safe.