Photo By Lance Cpl. Jason Hernandez | With a bike helmet hanging off one handlebar and a relective strap stretched from one...... read more read more
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AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – It's a typical scene on Al Asad – a major puts on a helmet as he mounts his bicycle and heads to work. On the street beside him a military police vehicle passes. The staff sergeant and corporal inside are both wearing seatbelts. The private jogging in the opposite direction can feel sweat soaking into the glow-strap around his waist.
Though the idea of wearing safety helmets, reflective belts and seatbelts may seem petty compared to the other dangers of Iraq, there are actually plenty of reasons for such safeguards. In the past year alone, for example, there were more than 35 tactical vehicle accidents and rollovers throughout Iraq that resulted in injury.
"It is force preservation," said Maj. Benjamin Krippendorf, safety officer for Multi-National Force - West.
The safety office is responsible for the proposals that make many of the practices Al Asad service members undertake before operating a vehicle or going for a run seem almost second nature. In addition to their responsibilities on Al Asad Air Base, the safety office is also in charge of supervising safety specialists, military and civilian alike, on all MNF-W installations.
The safety office is charged with not only making sure that Marines are operating as safely as possible on Al Asad, but also ensuring that safety coordinators on other installations are doing the same.
In order to maintain a proactive stance on safety, a few new ideas were needed, said 2nd Lt. Kathryn Fahrner, MNF-W assistant safety and inspection officer.
Some are already in place. Just beyond the front door of their building, a table has been set up with free reflective belts, hearing protection, and pamphlets on a variety of subjects ranging from suicide prevention to dealing with combat stress.
Future plans for Al Asad safety range widely.
"We'd like to put up small boards with various safety topics at the different dining facilities on base," said Fahrner. "The subjects would be changed every two weeks. For example, one subject would be bicycle safety, then next week would be hydrating while doing physical training."
Hands-on safety training is also becoming more readily available aboard Al Asad.
"I just completed a course on how to conduct all terrain vehicle safety classes," said Michael Gallagher, a government service employee contracted to work with MNF-W. "So I'll be making sure ATV classes will be available to all personnel who operate similar vehicles on base."
However, no matter the number of pamphlets and classes, safety for many Marines begins with the example set by their leaders.
"One of our biggest challenges will be getting the leadership to lead the way by following these rules as well," said Gallagher. "It's hard to ask a lance corporal 'Where's your flashlight?' when the lieutenant beside him isn't carrying one either."
Fahrner and her team will continue to help service members battle everyday hazards that present themselves across MNF-W installations throughout Iraq's Al Anbar province.
"It's common sense," said Fahrner. "If we do our job right, Marines will be able to do theirs."
| Date Taken: | 02.19.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.19.2009 09:12 |
| Story ID: | 30187 |
| Location: | AL ASAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 391 |
| Downloads: | 306 |
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