An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Motorcyclists learn to ride right, arrive alive

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber Russell
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Gleaming chrome, raspy exhaust notes and the sweet smell of high octane gasoline highlight the summer motorcycle riding season around the world.

Team Andrews members who choose to grab gears and chase corners on their two-wheeled symbols of freedom, whether military members, DoD employees or dependants, must complete motorcycle safety training courses in accordance with Air Force Instruction 91-207, "U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program," before setting out on the open road.

"The Beginners Riding Course (BRC) gives motorcyclists the ability to learn how to ride a motorcycle from the ground up," said Master Sgt. Jamison Kesserling, 89th Airlift Wing safety technician. "AFI 91-207 mandates motorcyclists take the BRC and those at joint bases must take a refresher course every 3 years, but not to exceed every 5 years."

The BRC readies rookie riders for the open road, teaching them the basics of motorcycle operation. Motorcycles are provided by the trainers for this course.

No permit is required for the BRC. Potential riders need only register, show up about 30 minutes early to sign in and come prepared to learn, dressed in appropriate riding clothing -- long sleeved shirt or jacket, long durable pants and durable, over-the-ankle footwear.

"There are 16 exercises and a skills-practice training," said Bill Johnston, a motorcycle safety instructor. "We practice how to make 35-degree turns, quick stopping and swerving techniques to avoid hazards, as well as riding smoothly through turns using the correct techniques."

Clutch control, tight turns, shifting gears and learning to press and lean into the motorcycle while turning are on the training agenda. Military riders must pass a written and practical exam at the end of BRC in order to ride their bikes on or off base.

After successfully completing the course, riders receive their motorcycle license free of cost. Then they have 120 days (not to exceed one year) to take intermediate training in the Beginners Riding Course 2 (BRC2) or Military Sport Bike Rider Course (MSRC).

MSRC is geared toward experienced sport bike riders. To take the course, riders must complete or have been waived from the BRC. Riders must also supply their own motorcycle and all appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

"BRC2 and MSRC are more advanced," said Kesserling. "Riders must have their own motorcycle or motorcycle endorsement, or a permit in order to take these two courses."
Members of each branch of service have priority in registering for classes. Retirees, DoD cardholders and dependents can attend on a space available basis.

The first day of training is classroom-based and the next two days are spent applying techniques learned in the classroom out on the course in front of the Home Traditions parking lot.

"The classroom portion had very useful information," said Senior Airman Ramsey Lampkin, 11th Security Forces response force leader. "Without starting out in the classroom, I wouldn't have known anything about the bike."

Gratitude was the attitude among participants in the BRC, which occurred just after Memorial Day weekend.

"The classroom portion of the training is great for beginners," said Senior Airman Marcus Mendez, 779th Medical Group radiology journeyman. "I think this is a great course provided to Airmen as it allows us to get our license free of cost. The instructors are smart and thorough. I look forward to taking more advanced courses later on."

After successfully completing the course, riders receive their motorcycle license free of cost. Then they have 120 days (not to exceed one year) to take intermediate training in the (BRC2) or Military Sport Bike Rider Course (MSRC).

MSRC is geared toward experienced sport bike riders. To take the course, riders must complete or have been waived from the BRC.

"BRC2 and MSRC are more advanced," said Kesserling. "Riders must have their own motorcycle or motorcycle endorsement, or a permit in order to take these two courses."

For more information or to register for the courses, contact your unit's motorcycle safety representative, call 240-612-6380 or visit these websites: www.militarysafepmv.com or www.navymotorcyclerider.com.