Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs

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Motorcycle Safety – TAG Policy Memorandum 20

14 August 2020

MEMORANDUM FOR The Department of Military Affairs
SUBJECT:  Motorcycle Safety – TAG POLICY MEMORANDUM 20

  1. References:
    1. DODI 6055.04 (DoD Traffic Safety Program), Change 4, 31 August 2018
    2. ANSI Safety code Z87.1 (Eye Protection Standard)
    3. AR 385-10 (The Army Safety Program), 24 February 2017
    4. AFI 91-207 (The US Air Force Traffic Safety Program), 17 November 2015
  2. This policy applies to all Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen while operating a motorcycle. This policy also applies to traditional Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen while in a military status and civilian employees whenever they operate or ride a motorcycle while on government business or while on government property.
  3. Personnel will wear the following personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating or riding a motorcycle or moped:
    1. A helmet certified to meet Department of Transportation safety standard No. 218, as defined in DODI 6055.04, shall be worn and properly fastened under the chin.
    2. Impact and shatter resistant goggles, wraparound glasses or full face shield properly attached to the helmet that must meet or exceed ANSI Safety Code Z87.1, for impact and shatter resistance. A windshield or fairing alone does not constitute proper eye protection.
    3. Sturdy, over-the-ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles.
    4. A long sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers and full fingered gloves or mittens made from leather or other abrasion-resistant material.
    5. Riders are encouraged to select PPE that incorporates fluorescent colors and retro-reflective material.
    6. During off-road operations, operators and riders must use additional PPE, such as knee and shin guards and padded full fingered gloves.
  4. All personnel as outlined in paragraph 2 above must maintain a valid driver’s license, with motorcycle endorsement, issued by their state of residence. In addition, they must have successfully completed a motorcycle safety class sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or a MSF-approved motorcycle rider safety course. Based on the type of motorcycle owned and operated, personnel must complete either Basic RiderCourse (BRC)-2 (License Waiver or Skill Practice)/MSF equivalent course (i.e. Experienced Rider Course (ERC)) or Military SportBike RiderCourse (MSRC)/Advanced RiderCourse (ARC) within 12 months of completing the BRC. Based on the type of motorcycle owned or operated, personnel are required to complete motorcycle sustainment training within 5 years of completing an ERC/BRC-2 or MSRC/ARC which consists of, at a minimum, retaking an ERC/BRC-2 or MSRC/ARC.
  5. Leaders and supervisors must reinforce that our Soldiers, Airmen and civilian employees are our most valuable resources. As such, compliance with AR 385-10, AFI 91-207 and this policy is mandatory. If a Soldier or Airman is not in compliance with the AR 385-10, AFI 91-207, or this policy and injuries occur, such injuries may not be found in the line of duty due to a service member’s negligence. Civilian employees and military technicians in violation of this policy who are injured may have workers compensation claims either denied or limited.
  6. POC for this policy is Deputy Chief of Staff-Aviation and Safety, 608-242-3140.

Paul E. Knapp
Maj Gen, Wisconsin National Guard
The Adjutant General