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Joint Base Andrews News

NEWS | May 30, 2014

Critical Days of Summer 2014 - ORM style

By Amber J. Russell 11th Wing Public Affairs

With the Critical Days of Summer at-hand, it is time to shine light on a fundamental value instilled in Airmen since Basic Military Training - Operational Risk Management.

This year's CDoS Air Force-wide theme, "Risk: Double checks, not second thoughts," encourages Airmen to continue to be responsible wingmen and take care of themselves and those who rely upon them.

Along with the Risk Management Campaign, leadership here has chosen 16 weekly movie-title themes to implement proper safety guidance throughout the summer, Tech. Sgt. Cody Sturgeon, 11th Wing Safety NCO in charge of ground safety, said. For example, the theme for week one's "chapter" is "Wild Hogs" which focuses on motorcycle safety.

"We are disseminating our CDoS chapter objective information via websites, public service announcements, videos, logos, etc., to provide information to unit members and encourage open discussion on each weekly chapter topic," Strugeon said. "The emphasis is on risk management, core values and the Airman's Creed."

These presentations can take any form, such as commander's calls, Wingman Days or "down day" activities, unit presentations, safety meetings, small group discussions, printed or electronic media, etc.

The additional weekly chapters will address topics such as summer sports safety, travel, zero tolerance for drinking and distracted driving, heat illness prevention, Fourth of July activities, water sports safety and more.

As always, the goal is zero fatalities.

"We can achieve that goal by using all the risk management techniques available, including activity planning and being responsible wingmen," Bill Parsons, Air Force chief of ground safety, said. "Each Airman is critical to our mission. As you plan your summer activities, use the same risk management skills you apply on the job to ensure a safe return and assure mission success."

Below are the topics JBA are highlighting in the 2014 CDoS.

CDoS Chapters

Chapter 1: "Wild Hogs" Motorcycle safety (Week 1)
Determine if your motorcycle and you are road ready before riding

Chapter 2: "Iron Man" Summer sports safety (Week 2)
List some injury prevention techniques to use when participating in sports

Chapter 3: "National Lampoon's Vacation" Summer travel (Week 3)
Discuss the planning steps and potential hazards associated with taking a vacation

Chapter 4: "Zero Tolerance" Drinking and driving/other activities (Week 4)
Relate the precautions needed to take to be responsible when drinking alcohol

Chapter 5: "Some Like It Hot" Heat illness prevention (Week 5)
Identify some methods of treating and or preventing heat illness/stroke

Chapter 6: "The Jerk" 4th of July activities (Week 6)
Determine the preparation needed prior to and while engaging in sports activities

Chapter 7: "On the Waterfront" Boating/Personal water craft (Week 7)
Discuss tips to be safe when boating, jet skiing or water skiing

Chapter 8: "American Flyers" Bicycling (Week 8)
Explain the rules of the road when riding a bike

Chapter 9: "The River Wild" Swimming safety (Week 9)
Identify areas of concern when swimming

Chapter 10: "Traffic" Driving preparedness (Week 10)
Discuss various tips and tools to be aware of when driving a vehicle

Chapter 11: "In the Line of Fire" Grilling/BBQ (Week 11)
Identify several safety tips to be aware of while using a grill

Chapter 12: "The Big Sleep" Fatigue (Week 12)
Identify some reasons we get fatigued during the summer time

Chapter 13: "Singin' in the Rain" Weather safety (Week 13)
Explain necessary steps and cautions to take to prepare for bad weather

Chapter 14: "The World's Greatest Athlete" Physical preparedness (Week 14)
Determine the preparation needed prior to and while engaging in sports activities

Chapter 15: "One Foot in Heaven" Safety for last summer holiday (Week 15)
Identify some safety tips to employ while traveling over the Labor Day weekend

The final week of the summer closes out with Chapter 16: "Risky Business," and the campaign continues after the Critical Days of Summer with Risk Management Programs into the Fall season and the Winter Campaign. Look for more materials throughout the summer.