SHAW Air FORCE BASE, SC –
U.S . Army Central Teammates,
With the 101 Days of Summer occurring from Memorial Day through Labor Day, we want to take a moment to speak directly to each one of you about something that matters deeply to us, your safety and your life.
Every year, this period represents one of the most dangerous times for our force. Historically, more Soldiers are lost during the 101 Days of Summer to off-duty, preventable mishaps than to combat. That is a sobering reality and one that we have the power to change. Helicopter and motorcycle mishaps, drowning, heat-related illnesses, vehicle mishaps etc. claim the lives and livelihoods of too many of our teammates. This is not acceptable, and it is not inevitable. Every year, this period represents one of the most dangerous times for our force. Historically, more Soldiers are lost during the 101 Days of Summer to off-duty, preventable mishaps than to combat. That is a sobering reality and one that we have the power to change. Helicopter and motorcycle mishaps, drowning, heat-related illnesses, vehicle mishaps etc. claim the lives and livelihoods of too many of our teammates. This is not acceptable, and it is not inevitable.
We are asking each of you leaders and Soldiers alike to make a personal commitment this summer. Leaders at every echelon: you own this; conduct meaningful, face-to-face Pre-Departure Risk Assessment briefings; create a command climate where Soldiers feel empowered to make the right decisions and where peers hold each other accountable without hesitation. The United States Army Central is a force projection platform for the most contested and complex theater in the world. We cannot deter adversaries, assure partners, or win in competition and conflict if we are not ready and readiness starts with a healthy, whole, and alive.
Patton’s Own!