Military & motorcycles?

Question

I've heard a vicious rumor that you have to get a waiver or some kind of special permission to ride a bike, true or false?

it will be my only transportation.

Answer 1

Like most said, you'll have to take a motorcycle safety course.  Installations offer this course for free.  Some units up this by requiring this certificate before they will allow you to ride your motorcycle.  It's a matter of safety that some units do this.

You must have an approved helmet (FULL helmet), gloves, steel toed boots (uniform boots suffice) reflective vest (worn at all times day or night).  You must have on long sleeves and pants.  This is all part of your PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).  

Although some states do not require you to wear any PPE, because you are in the military, you will have to wear your PPE for life insurance purposes.  If you were to get into a fatal accident (hopefully not) and you don't have any PPE at the time of your accident, your survivors may not get the benefits owed to them in your SGLI.  In our unit, if we catch anyone in our unit NOT wearing their PPE, they have to go through the whole MSC all over again.

Like I said, it's a safety issue....

Answer 2

We shop often on a base and there are many motorcycles in the parking lots all over base, so I don't think so. Be advised that the military has their own regulations for riding on-base.

Answer 3

False, however you must wear proper clothing while on any military installation including gloves, long sleeves, and long pants.  At night time reflective gear is also required.

Answer 4

That may apply overseas, but the general policy in the states is that you must have insurance, wear the proper safety equipment, and take a motorcycle safety course to drive on post. Your local command may vary, of course.  

Answer 5

THey will make you attend a motorcycle safety course. Every post offers them and it only takes a few hours.  

Answer 6

Not a waiver but a Base or Fort Commander can require an Experienced Rider Course before they allow the Motorcycle to ride on the Installation.  I took the course and it was really good.  I had ridden since 10 but I still learned a trick or two.  Besides, with trafic like it is, any edge I can get while going for a Putt - the better. You also have to wear all safety equipment and a reflective vest while riding on base.

Answer 7

You are required to wear certain types of protection, boots, safety vests, helmet, etc on base. Anything not duty related or off base you are required to wear these things to be eligible for the SGLI.

Answer 8

I'm not sure where you live, but I live in a military post, my husband just purchased a motorcycle. He had to attend a motorcycle course provided by the military for free, he has to wear a reflective belt (at all times) and has to wear proper gloves, long sleeves as well as long pants...if found without, it can be up to a $400.00 fine