NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE, BELLE CHASSE, La -- About five years ago, the Marine Corps noticed an alarming rate of motorcycle related deaths, said Jeffery J. Peters, MarForRes director of safety and center supervisor.
The number of service members injured and hospitalized in motorcycle accidents increased by more than 100 from 2007 to 2008, and deaths increased by 18 over the same period, according to the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center’s Medical Surveillance Report.
In recent years the toll has dropped slightly, however, it is still a serious issue. Something had to be done.
So, after five years of planning and building, Marine Forces Reserve opened the $1 million MarForRes Center for Safety Excellence June 2, mainly to confront a high number of motorcycle fatalities and other recreational vehicle accidents.
The center is the product of a joint Marine Corps and Navy effort set in place to target Marines; however, it is available to all service members.
The facility here is equipped with state of the art virtual simulators that allow students to experience riding on any surface, in any climate and in any traffic scenario without the actual dangers prior to getting on actual bikes.
“I could take a non-rider, put him on there and put the headsets on him…it literally talks you through step by step. ‘This is the motorcycle. This is the clutch. This is the throttle’…and so on. Or I can just turn it on and say, ‘Go drive on the road,’ you start the engine and you’re off,” said Peters.
There is also a multi-vehicle simulator.
“That one we can configure it for a Humvee, 4-wheeler, ATV, dirt bike, motorcycle, sedan, panel truck…I mean you pick a vehicle,” said Peters.
“The program changes the reaction and feel of the controls,” said Peters.
The multi-vehicle simulator is a simpler system used for anyone who would like to try something different, or get a feel for a vehicle they may or may not ever drive. However, these simulators are not the primary focus of the center right now or nearly as advanced as the motorcycle trainers used for the riding courses.
“This really makes you look at riding a little different,” said Gunnery Sgt. Brent N. Ferrell, MarForRes Headquarters Battalion adjutant and MarForRes motorcycle club president.
Marine Corps order 5100.19e w ch. 1-3 requires a rider or operator course for all active-duty Marines operating motorcycles on or off base, and all Reservists that ride to and or from, and during any form of duty.
Due to the inconvenience, lack of interest or poor judgment, many Marines turn to other methods of learning, which can be a serious danger, he said.
The facility provides classes for beginners, as well as experienced riders.
“The drills they run you through during the training are really helpful. It is great refresher training building from the basic course,” said Ferrell, one of first students to attend the course.
A small aircraft hangar is used as a garage to store the collection of student sport bikes and cruisers. Students are given the opportunity to actually ride, explore and become familiar with the capabilities of the bikes in a controlled environment, rather than unsupervised on an open road or highway, said Peters.
The facility also provides recreational events to bring new and experienced riders together to ride and have fun.
One event in particular is called a “Track Day.” Military riders from all over the area come together to build camaraderie learn from one another and, of course, ride.
On the track, riders are allowed to push the limits of their machine without the dangers or risks of the road.
Marines are also able to take courses and acquire certification as safety officers, a secondary military occupational specialty.
Marines can also get temporary additional duty orders to travel here from any point in the United States to take the course.
If you are a service member or family member of one that owns a motorcycle or recreational vehicle, the training is available.
For more information or to sign up contact the MarForRes Safety Office at (504) 678-5069.