Image source: topwar.ru
The American ground forces and Marines are going to revise the basic requirements for the training program for drivers of military vehicles. This is reported by the Army Times. The main reason for this decision is the frequent accidents involving military vehicles, including rollovers, sometimes with fatal outcomes for military personnel in cars.
As noted by the head of the US Army Combat Training Center, Brigadier General Andrew Hilms, who oversees the security of the military service, the issues of changing driver training are now of concern to both the army (ground forces) and the US Marine Corps.
One of the main causes of frequent accidents is an error in the concept of driver training in the army. There are no performance criteria required for training and obtaining a driver's license. Drivers are taught to drive in the daytime and on flat terrain, but in other conditions they face problems.
Brigadier General Hilms noted that the Pentagon is considering a complete change in the training of army drivers. It is proposed to create a centralized course for drivers and driver mechanics, distribute the duties of instructors and other military personnel involved in training specialists, and improve control over training programs.
Hilms noted that every fifth serviceman, entering the service, does not know how to drive a car. 20 years ago, such people were only 10% of the total number of military personnel. This is due to a change in the approach to driving on the "citizen": many Americans abandon the car in favor of less expensive and less complex vehicles - like bicycles or scooters.
According to Hilms, it is now planned to develop different sets of standards for different driving conditions. After all, in the current situation, drivers are taught only simple driving on a flat surface, and driving at night and over rough terrain is taught only in separate special forces. As a result, ordinary army drivers cannot cope with these tasks.
The program announced by the military department is likely to include a structured model for drivers, similar to the model of aviation pilot training. Hilms said that the Ministry of War is inclined to introduce skill levels for drivers, which will indicate that a soldier has experience working with a specific vehicle and driving in appropriate conditions. After the driver has accumulated a certain number of hours without incident, he will receive a mid-level qualification. For higher qualifications, stricter requirements will also be introduced.
Changes in the training program, according to the command, will force the US military to more closely monitor the training of drivers in the units. It will also be possible to combine experienced and inexperienced drivers to help the latter acquire higher-level driving skills.