Reflective vest no longer required on MCB Quantico. MARADMIN came out last year easing up on the reflectiveness.

 

The AF has been at war with motorcycles since the late 80s, gradually increasing the requirements and hassles every couple of years. They do discourage a few people from riding and this is ultimately their goal. I say don't let the bastards win. A vest like this that can convert from stealth to flaming-dork and back to stealth helps a lot.

Actually, almost all military motorcycle policies are aimed at preventing 18 yr olds from crashing their ZX-14s at 180MPH -- which I can understand. I just wish they would leave the old guys alone!

I heard retirees in HI won a lawsuit and are able to ride on the bases with no extra safety training or gear (or even helmets) as long as they comply with HI state law. Don't know the details..

 

My apologies tlb, every time I try to be funny I stick my foot up my arst. Nice scooter by the way and I'll stop there before I really make a fool outta myself.
Respects my friend...

 

[QUOTE=
I heard retirees in HI won a lawsuit and are able to ride on the bases with no extra safety training or gear (or even helmets) as long as they comply with HI state law. Don't know the details..[/QUOTE]


Not true. All military base safety instructions must follow the DODI 6055.04 Traffic Safety Instruction. http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/c...df/605504p.pdf

Base instructions can be more restrictive but not less restrictive than DOD. DOD instruction applies to
"a. All military personnel at any time, on or off a DoD installation.
b All DoD civilian personnel in a duty status, on or off a DoD installation.
c. All persons in or on a Government owned or leased motor vehicle."

"4. f (1) (d) Civilian visitors or contracted laborers that are properly licensed to ride a motorcycle shall not be required to receive service sponsored training, or to prove that they have taken other motorcycle training in order to operate a motorcycle on a DoD installation."

Hickam AFB requires all the gear to enter base. However, retirees and other non GS civilians are not required to have the MSF card when registering their bikes on base at Hickam. Uniformed and GS employees are required to take the MSF every 3 years.

I know I can't get on any base on Oahu without the minimum gear - retired ID or not.
There are other differences for the many different bases regarding vest and reflective gear, but none will let you get away without the minimum DOD requirements - Helmet, long sleves, gloves, footwear, etc.

Some base gate guards or security forces are a bit looser with the regs and don't push the over the ankle footwear or closed finger gloves, but guarantee each bases' safety regs read similar to the DOD Instruction.

"(4) Motorcycle and ATV Rider Protection. Ensure that all individuals covered by this Instruction wear the following PPE while riding motorcycles and ATVs.
(a) Helmets
1. For personnel riding motorcycles and ATVs in the United States, helmets shall be certified to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Standard 22-05, British Standard 6658, or Snell Standard M2005 (References (v), (w), (x), and (y).
2. For personnel riding motorcycles and ATVs outside the United States, helmets must meet the host nation standards. In those instances where the host nation has no standard, helmets must, at a minimum, meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standard. DoDI 6055.04, April 20, 2009 18 ENCLOSURE 3
3. Unit commanders may authorize the use of combat helmets for operating
tactical vehicles (e.g., motorcycles and ATVs) during operations and training based on an operational risk assessment.
4. All helmets shall be properly fastened under the chin.
(b) Eye Protection. Eye protection designed to meet or exceed American National Standards Institute Standard Z87.1-2003 (Reference (z)) for impact and shatter resistance includes goggles, wraparound glasses, or a full-face shield (properly attached to a helmet). A windshield or fairing does not constitute eye protection.
(c) Foot Protection. Foot protection includes sturdy over-the-ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles (durable leather or ballistic-type cloth athletic shoes that cover the ankles may be worn).
(d) Protective Clothing. Protective clothing includes long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, and full-fingered gloves or mittens made from leather or other abrasion-resistant material. Motorcycle jackets and pants constructed of abrasion-resistant materials such as leather, Kevlar®, or Cordura® and containing impact-absorbing padding are strongly encouraged. Riders are encouraged to select PPE that incorporates fluorescent colors and retroreflective material."

 

I can't bring myself to spend the money on $45 one, let alone that $250 one (it is kind of cool though). I have a $4 Walmart piece of junk that comes off at the stop light outside the gate. I get out in 9 months anyway or I might of forked out the dough.

 

I served with the Briish Army for 11 yrs, and there were no issues re what to wear on or off base, Wore black tee.s wastcoats, para boots, the usual biker look, I'm amazed that the US military infoces such crazy rules, and I thought the British were mad, Whats climbing out of a trench and slowly walking towards an enemy machine gun compared to being made to wear flurecent clothing when your on your bike, Ball's to that, give me the machine guns every time.

Reddog

 

No worries, I found it funny. I guess I am self-conscience about my gut, which is why I go to the gym. Besides the fact I still like to hangout and talk with other soldiers, both active and retired. I do not drink so hanging out at the VFW is out.

 

All of those guys who take off all their gear after leaving the base need to pay attention to part "a" in the quote above. You have to have the basics that are in the DOD instruction basically anytime you ride. That, however, does not include the reflective vest. But if you leave base and switch to shorts, t-shirt, and no helmet (in states where helmet is not required) and you get in a wreck, whether it's your fault or not, the military might not cover your medical bills. I'm not sure about life insurance, but that might not get paid out if you're killed either.

 

who cares what you look like riding as long as your enjoying and having fun

 

Part A don't include retirees. Like I said in my original post, I don't care.

And you are quoting the same tired crap I've heard for 20+ years, "If you don't wear the the right safety gear off duty & off base, we won't pay your medical bills. Its an empty threat.