2nd MLG chooses safety on two wheels
2nd Marine Logistics Group
Story by Lance Cpl. Wayne Edmiston

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (March 9, 2006) -- Campaign medals are one of many things Marines receive after returning from a deployment. Two others are a wallet full of hard-earned combat pay and a desire to seek a good time.

This desire sometimes leads servicemembers to purchase a motorcycle, a favorite among many for their inexpensiveness, adrenaline rush, sense of freedom and camaraderie among other motorcyclists, according Gunnery Sgt. Daniel P. Schismenos, the Provost Marshal’s Office Accident Investigation Division Chief here.

Since the start of the fiscal year in October, there have been 12 serious motorcycle accidents off and on the base involving Marine riders, three fatal were accidents investigated by AID, Schismenos said.

With 2nd Marine Logistics Group Marines and Sailors returning from deployment and motorcycle accidents on the rise, 2nd MLG has decided to crack down by setting a unit-wide standard of safety, soon to be implemented on the battalion level.

“The purpose of the program is to prevent motorcycle mishaps and significantly reduce motorcycle related injuries to personnel on or off base,” said Chief Petty Officer Jose A. Vargas, the safety staff noncommissioned officer in charge of safety for 2nd MLG.

This is going to go beyond the already Marine Corps-wide standard of specific riding attire to include Motorcycle Safety Foundation approved reflective vests, riding regulations and the Marine Corps’ and Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic Rider Course being required here.

The additional guidelines will require the battalion level leaders to enforce and ensure all motorcycle riders are properly trained and ready for the vigors of motorcycle riding, Vargas said.

According to the Headquarters Marine Corps Safety Division, a motorcycle rider is 16 times more vulnerable to injury and death than when driving a car, which is one of the many reasons such rider safety programs are important.

“This program is of the utmost importance to the MLG,” Vargas explained. “Losing a servicemember in a motorcycle mishap can negatively impact a unit’s ability to fulfill its mission requirements.”

Also, further motorcycle restrictions are outlined in Base Order 5560.2 which states how motorcycle operators are expected to conduct themselves aboard Camp Lejeune.

“The base rules were created to ensure each motorist operates in a safe environment,” Vargas said. “Combining motorcycle safety skills with the required personal protective equipment can mean the difference between life and death.”

Corporal Louis A. D’Amico, a Navy-Marine Corps Intranet project representative with G-6, 2nd MLG, a motorcycle enthusiast and rider for three years believes ignorance is the cause of most incidents and does not look at the new program as an inconvenience.

“If you are not careful and you don’t know what you are doing you will get yourself or someone else hurt or even killed,” said D’Amico.

The program 2nd MLG has established ensures Marines have the proper experience before they hit the road and this program has the seal of approval from the members of the AID as well.

“I agree with 2nd Marine Logistics Group implementing battalion level motorcycle training requirements as long as the requirements conform with and are stricter than current Department of Defense and Marine Corps regulations,” Schismenos said. “The idea of lower levels of leadership taking an active role in the safety and well-being of their Marines is an outstanding concept.”

Ellie