Motorcycle Safety Course Available For Reservists

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Traveling around on two wheels requires more than proper balance. At MacDill, a motorcycle safety class is offered to active duty and reservists who operate a motorcycle.

The training consists of videos and in-classroom learning followed by a motorcycle course which prepares motorcyclists for complex situations in which safety measures must be implemented. In addition to that, an instructor takes each rider off to the side for teaching moments that make the rider more aware of what they might experience on the road.

Statistics from the Air Force Safety Center show that Team MacDill continues to ensure that motorcycle riders are well equipped for the dangers that loom, but instructors of the course aren’t letting their guard down.   

“Our overall goal for these classes are to provide riders with a knowledge of how to better protect themselves while on the road,” said Kelley Latham, 927th Motorcycle safety representative. “If we can save even one life through these classes, then we feel as though it’s all worth it.”

According to a study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the state of Florida had the most motorcycle crashes in the country. With Hillsborough County and Pinellas County in the top five with 75 combined deaths.  

“Many of our reservists live in the surrounding Tampa area where they are in counties of some of the highest crash rates in Florida,” explained Latham. “So with that in mind, it’s even more imperative for them to be properly trained for a multitude of scenarios.

Latham, who has been riding motorcycles for over 20 years, knows vividly the dangers that exist out on the road.

“So one day, I was just out riding going straight on this road when another car from the next lane over abruptly turned left in front of me,” Latham said. “The moment happened so fast that I couldn’t react in time, but it also made me aware that I should’ve seen this coming, I should’ve had a plan in my mind when the accident occurred.”

The year 2019 will provide plenty of opportunity for motorcycle riders to partake in the exceptional training program hosted by United States Special Operations Command. In fact, MacDill is one of few military installations that offer numerous training opportunities for different riding levels.

The training schedule is as follows:

BRC – Basic Rider Course: This course is for new members that have never ridden or have very little riding experience and are obtaining a motorcycle endorsement for their driver’s license. Motorcycles and helmet are provided by USSOCOM.

BRC2 – This is for the more experienced rider that has the motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license and a motorcycle. Rider experience – 6 months on your bike.

MSRC – Military Sport bike Rider Course. This course is for the sport bike rider. Rider experience level – 6 months on your sport bike.

ARC – This is an Advanced Riders Course. Typically motorcycle riders will have 2+ years riding experience.

CRC- Circuit Rider Course. This course is designed for the advanced rider. This is a closed circuit course with a focus on advanced rider techniques. 3+ years riding experience.

If you are interested in becoming a rider coach and unit motorcycle safety representative, please contact:

927ARW Motorcycle Safety Representative

Kelley Latham 813-828-9461, kelley.latham@us.af.mil