AR 670-1 IAW Motorcycle PPE, can you help me find the reg?

2015-05-21T10:07:07-04:00

Last Monday I was stopped by a long tabber for a uniform correction. I was exiting a building enroute to my motorcycle and I had my PPE on and was about ten feet from the door I was exiting to my bike. The long tabber had stopped me about five feet out the door, while standing in the door, and asked if I had a soft cap. I repmied yes, however I was walking to my bike and had my saftey equipment on was my reply, and pointed to my bike that was five feet away.

His argument was in a regulation it stated that the gear is to be put on next to the bike. I stated "roger, got it" and continued to walk to my bike.

I have looked through the regs and understand if i was walking further then 50 feet it would be common sense to wear my soft cap then put my gear on, but i could find nothing on distance, or anything in regards to motorcycle PPE when off the bike.

If I was wrong then okay, I just want help finding the reg.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 21 at 2015 10:10 AM

2015-05-21T10:10:53-04:00

Can't help you with the regulation but I have a question --- what is a "long tabber" (never heard that one before)?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-05-21T10:24:39-04:00

To answer your question.

AR 670-1

3–12. Personal protective or reflective clothing
a. Protective headgear. Soldiers are authorized to wear commercially designed protective headgear while in uniform when operating motorcycles, bicycles, or other similar vehicles and are required to do so when installation regulations mandate such wear. ***Personnel will remove protective headgear and wear authorized Army headgear upon dismounting from the vehicle.***
b. Protective and/or reflective clothing. Soldiers may wear protective and/or reflective outer garments with uniforms when required per AR 385–10, when safety considerations make it appropriate, or when authorized by the commander.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 21 at 2015 10:31 AM

2015-05-21T10:31:05-04:00

I remember going through the Camp Pendleton Motorcycle Safety Course years ago, and one of the questions the instructor asked was "how do you salute with a helmet on?" Simple response, is you don't. PPE is worn, while you are on the bike, or getting ready to get on the bike.

Although it is convenient to put it on immediately prior to leaving the building "en-route to the bike" that doesn't make it right.

I believe what the long-tabber was pointing out was, there isn't an exception for wearing PPE when not riding, therefore it shouldn't be done. Sure it's common sense, but common sense and military protocols don't always line up.

That said, the reg likely doesn't grant an exception therefore prohibited by default as part of the uniform reg which would say "only the following are authorized..."

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made May 21 at 2015 10:33 AM

2015-05-21T10:33:37-04:00

Oh the irony...a long tabber (beards, out of regs uniforms and gear, hands in pockets because green beret, etc) pointing out your "against regulation" infractions...priceless.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 10:43 AM

2015-05-21T10:43:15-04:00

Great question! Glad to see someone actually looking for the regulation to get better informed rather than just taking someone else's word for it.

Response by TSgt David L. made May 21 at 2015 1:56 PM

2015-05-21T13:56:24-04:00

Good question. The way it was explained to me (AF anyway) is that it was not a hard fast reg but that the spirit of the specfic service uniform reg (AR 670-1, AFI 36-2903, etc.) would be followed. The example was even if your POV was 15 feet from the building you would still wear your cover to and from, therefore you would be in uniform to and from you motorcycle as well. Seemed to make sense so I tried to follow that example and passed it on to folks I ran into with the same dilema. Just my 2 cents...take it for what it's worth,

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 3:39 PM

2015-05-21T15:39:12-04:00

I got explained to by a Security Forces chief that I should have all of my gear off including jacket and reflective vest. I understand they are not uniform items however depending what I have brought to work with me that may not be in my backpack that is A LOT to carry, helmet, leather jacket with the safety vest on it plus anything else (I know its my choice to ride). I find it IRONIC that walking across the parking lot they don't want me to have any PPE (reflective vest) on (where I don't have headlights, taillights, cool engine noise but when im on my loud motorcycle with bright lights I better have that darn vest on so people can see me and I am protected

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made May 21 at 2015 5:35 PM

2015-05-21T17:35:45-04:00

I understand his intent..... and I also understand the vague-ness of the instructions. Never the 2 shall meet. I have had similar discussions in the past with others. General consensus is that I will wear my protective gear (jacket/reflective vest) to/from my bike. I carry my gloves (personal preference. I TEND to take the helmet off at the bike and just out of habit I apply soft cap (both directions). I am also getting old and grumpy, so if I ever get corrected because I didn't put on the soft cap, I will acknowledge the correction, but will continue doing what I want.... ;-) I know....such a bad person I am.... ;-)

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 21 at 2015 11:55 PM

2015-05-21T23:55:10-04:00

I ran into this issue a lot when I was in the Navy. It got to the point where I would carry a copy of the Navy Uniform Regulations paragraphs that covered motorcycle protective gear (chapter 6 section 8 article 6804):

6804. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR OPERATING VEHICLES OTHER THAN AUTOMOBILES

1. WEAR. Naval personnel may wear protective clothing with their uniform only while operating or riding as a passenger on two or three wheeled vehicles, and while going between a parking area and immediate work space.

2. DESCRIPTION

a. Protective clothing is clothing which could prevent or limit accidental injury.

b. Protective clothing includes a helmet, long sleeve shirts or jacket, long trousers, chaps, leather jacket and gloves, and hard soled shoes with heels (boots).

c. Boots or heavy shoes, worn instead of uniform shoes, must be plain. The jacket and chaps are plain leather or other protective material, unadorned except for safety markings. Leather gloves or other protective gloves are authorized.

3. PROCUREMENT RESPONSIBILITY. Individuals are responsible for buying their own protective clothing. Protective clothing may be stowed aboard ship, if space permits.

Notice it specifically states "between parking area and immediate work space." A lot of higher ups, especially non motorcycle riders, would try to interpret this and say "Well you still have to wear a cover." My argument (and I was proven right time and time again) was that "the instruction does not mention ANYTHING about wearing a cover. Furthermore, I am not in a complete uniform since I am wearing my jacket, protective vest, safety boots, and gloves. How am I authorized to wear a cover if I'm not in a complete uniform?" I would also generally wear my helmet since it was easier than carrying it.

It got to the point that a few times (at 2 different commands) we had to have command-wide motorcycle safety gear wear training, so that the uneducated would know exactly what the instruction really said, rather than what they interpreted it to say.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2015 5:38 PM

2015-05-24T17:38:32-04:00

I think he was Qouting AR- Make some stuff up. The AR 670-1 does state you are authorized to wear Motorcycle PPE when preparing to ride. That doesn't mean standing next to the bike. A reasonable person would know that dressing in the building prior to riding is the appropriate thing to do. However, if the parking lot is 50 Ft from the door, wear the soft cap and the put the helmet on at the bike to avoid some one getting their feelings hurt.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 2:17 PM

2015-05-27T14:17:33-04:00

I'd also look into currently on-post regs that sometimes tops current regs. Due to who ever is in on post in charge of overall PPE.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 3:12 PM

2015-05-27T15:12:44-04:00

So, you were actually wearing your helmet as you exited the building and walked to the bike? I guess I would not look upon that favorably for a few reasons, not necessarily in order of importance:

1) safety. You didn't mention the style helmet. I wear a full-face helmet, and do not have the same field of vision as I do in a soft-cap. I want Soldiers walking in parking lots to see as much as they can, because I want them to be able to see/avoid distracted drivers (regardless of policies against texting and driving and talking and driving and reading the paper and driving and eating and driving it happens).

2) military bearing. the appearance of a Soldier in a motorcycle helmet walking around quite honestly doesn't project the image I want people to see. Like it or not, we are on display. But, I am getting into NCO business, so I'll leave this to a crusty old CSM to elaborate upon. And especially if that's you on the bike in the picture above, while it's a cool looking helmet, honestly, it's far from anything you would expect/want to see paired with a uniform in a parking lot.

3) training/habit. while you could argue with me that ensuring you have properly secured your helmet to your head has the same training value as making you wear military headgear when you exit the building, I would fall back on our training is to always make sure we are wearing military headgear when we exit a building. If you get in the habit of exiting the building wearing your helmet, the chances of you forgetting your military headgear at home or the workplace grow. If you always leave the building wearing military headgear and put the helmet on while at the bike, you always have your military headgear.

4) looking at SSG Houde's AR quotation below and as you pointed out, if the reg specifies "dismounting," I would also assume "mounting" as an implied task/condition.

5) motorcycle etiquette/custom. I have never seen someone walk a significant distance with their helmet on. They put the helmet on at the bike, and take it off as they get off the bike. What would you do if the headgear was not an issue? Would you carry your helmet? If so, then you should wear a soft cap and carry your helmet.

Those are my thoughts. That's what I do. That's what I would expect. This advice is worth what you paid for it.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 3:21 PM

2015-05-27T15:21:07-04:00

Here at JBER of yo go more than 5-10 ft from your motorcycle all ppe must be removed and if going to your bike you must put it on at your bike.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made May 27 at 2015 5:28 PM

2015-05-27T17:28:33-04:00

As a MSR, I have fielded the question a few times. This is how I handle it. PPE is intended to be worn when doing a task that requires it. AFI 36-2903 (our AR 670-1) does not address MC PPE at all. It is addressed in our AFI 91-207 (Traffic Safety) states "while operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle, ATV or three-wheeled vehicle. " for PPE requirements. Is walking from the building to your bike or visa versa "operating or ride"? Nope, so take it off/put it on at the bike just prior to or just after riding.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 7:20 AM

2015-05-28T07:20:08-04:00

You need to check your post motorcycle policy, you won't find the answer your looking for in a regulation. Post Commanders can make changes regarding operation of motor vehicles on post including motorcycles and PPE. For example, on Ft. Campbell we don't have to wear a PT belt and "when walking a short distance to or from your motorcycle" then no head gear is required. Check the post motorcycle policy and your post "blue book".

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 12:23 PM

2015-05-28T12:23:50-04:00

It sounds like the AR does state cover on/off next to the bike. The question then might go to the extent of the gear.

I've asked the question of multiple Wing/Base Motorcycle Safety chief personnel, unit Commanders, First Sergeants, and Superintendants (along with other NCOs and officers) each time I PCS to be sure I'm not going cross-wise to anyone's intent when it comes to gear to/from the bike and/or work area. The following (for the AF view I've gotten so far and a few Joint ones) is the following:

If you're just wearing a helmet and/or jacket, where your uniform can be readily seen, it needs to be put on/taken off at the bike. It's obvious you're in uniform and need to be that way when not riding.

If you're wearing full gear, where very little to none of the uniform is visible, I've yet to have anyone give me a problem walking to or from the bike in it then taking it off when I get there (or putting it on there if leaving). Boots don't mean anything on their own, many wear them in jeans or whatever. It has been rare but the once or twice someone has said something I've addressed it with my superior and was told if they have a problem again to direct them to that person's office as they probably have a power trip issue.

This also carried over to stopping for gas. Ours has generally just said it's required while riding. Nearly everyone talked to has agreed that while riding does occasionally require getting gas just like driving a car, and pending on distance/weather possibly hydration requirements. So while I'v eheard of people having others address them on it I've yet to have any leadership have issues leaving a jacket/vest on while pumping gas or running in quick for a drink then out again. If you're going into the BX/PX though, or hanging out in the Shoppette, etc for a bit then take it off. Again, if in full gear it doesn't apply as you're not in uniform.

It's generally not considered 'couth' to walk around with your helmet on regardless, most just seem to think you're trying to be cool or something and it has no real reason unless you're at your bike. But if the above applies and you feel like it I guess it's up to the individual as well.

This is all with a grain of salt. As mentioned I always clear this first with my immediate leadership to be sure they don't have a different viewpoint, as theirs rules the roost. If they're good with it and will back you up you're in the clear. If they'd rather you didn't, don't. Overall it makes everyone's lives easier, and gives you clear rules of the road. Basically just be sure anything you do has the backing of your leadership and nothing prohibiting it in the regs/instructions.

Sorry for the rambling. This has become a bit of a pet peeve with people in the past making up their own versions of requirements based on their opinions and making my life difficult for no reason, especially on motorcycles. Gate guards requiring a vest when a vest isn't required comes to mind as well.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 5:21 PM

2015-06-04T17:21:58-04:00

Wanted to respond again with an update from my base, and it looks like the Air Force Instruction changed the verbage requiring PPE. I am not sure if there are coinciding changes for other branches or not.

1. By Order of the Secretary of the Air Force, this is an Air Force Guidance Memorandum
immediately changing AFI 31-218, Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision. Compliance with this
Memorandum is mandatory. To the extent its directions are inconsistent with other Air Force
publications; the information herein prevails, in accordance with AFI 33-360, Publications and
Forms Management.
4-2c(1)(c) is changed to read, approved protective helmets, eye protection, hard–soled shoes,
long sleeved shirt or jacket, full-fingered gloves or mittens and long trousers will be worn by
operators and passengers when in operation. Wearing of a motorcycle jacket and pants
constructed of abrasion resistant materials such as leather, Kevlar® and/or Cordura® containing
impact absorbing padding is strongly encouraged. Riders should select PPE that incorporates
fluorescent colors and retro-reflective material.
Table 5-2, Violation #22 is also changed to read, Failure to wear an approved helmet while
operating or riding a motorcycle, MOPED, or a three or four-wheel vehicle powered by a
motorcycle-like engine.
2. The guidance in this Memorandum becomes void after one-year from the date of the
Memorandum or when superseded by a guidance publication, whichever is earlier.

Response by SGT Curtis Earl made Jun 11 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-06-11T13:48:08-04:00

I've taken the motorcycle safety course (paid for by my RSC). I've read Department of Defense Instruction 6055.4- DoD Traffic Safety Program (located here - http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/605504p.pdf). The best time to put on your headgear isn't addressed in any of them. AR 670-1 mentions dismounting and we can all assume that mounting is the same. Do I put on my service cap before getting out of my car, or can I put it on as I stand up? Can I walk as I mount my headgear? Is it really worth stopping someone because they put on their cap 5 steps after they got out of their vehicle? My answer to all those questions is 'NO!'

My main issue with on-the-spot corrections is that most NCOs have no idea what they're talking about. So when someone is addressing me, I always politely ask them to cite the reg. If they can't give me a reg and a line number, I say thank you and walk away. I'd have looked at the distance and had I any questions, looked at your rank and assumed you were an E-7 and knew what you were about.

From junior enlisted and til finally making NCO, I've always amazed at how someone will try to correct you with half-remembered knowledge. I'm pleading with every NCO I know: if you don't know the actual reg line for line, don't say anything. We don't need a male MSG explaining the position of ribbon racks on the female ASU to female SSGs. I saw that a recently as a few months ago. The MSG was wrong and we literally had to google 670-1 on our smartphones to get him to go away. He wasn't even in our unit.

As a bandsmen, I'm in ASUs or Mess dress more often than ACUs. And I'm always having to defend my uniform and equipment from overzealous NCOs. I've gotten messed with so often that I now carry one of those uniform guides with the ruler in my laptop bag at all times. I've also printed my ribbon rack off of rackbuilder.com and keep that in my uniform bags.

Ask me one day about the CPT and my blue gear bag.

DoD Issuances Website: 404 Error Page

If you tried downloading a DoD Form from the old url, please proceed to the updated DoD Forms Management Program. A search bar is in the upper right corner of the screen, or you can proceed directly to the DoD Forms search page.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 5:29 PM

2015-07-15T17:29:36-04:00

I had a similar run-in about a year ago because I was wearing my motorcycle backpack (which is bright orange, and functions as my safety vest as well) on my back while in uniform. Sure I can carry it in my hand, but when the parking lot is .25 miles away from work, and that sucker weighs a lot, it feels a lot better on my back where it is designed to be. I took it off because I was violating the regulation, and there wasn't any policy to help me.

In an ideal world, we would have commanders apply common sense when writing policies...mine would allow people coming into/out of work to wear their PPE as they head out to their bike...it incentives safe behavior for the MC operator, and sets a good example for other Soldiers. Headgear isn't hard (in my opinion) to throw on or off, but jackets and backpacks are a pain.

Then again, I do wear a reflective belt when I PT at noon or walk to chow on the FOB, so I shouldn't be surprised.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 13 at 2015 3:06 PM

2015-10-13T15:06:46-04:00

Is this an isolated incident?

Response by SSG Tom Pike made Oct 25 at 2016 10:23 AM

2016-10-25T10:23:10-04:00

This is one of those points where I am so glad I am a civilian now. I can put on my riding gear wherever I want, even if I have to walk 3 blocks to my bike.

I think the simplest answer is, absent of any local instructions, you are allowed to wear protective gear that is not part of your military uniform when you are riding a motorcycle. If you aren't riding the bike you take off the protective gear as soon as you get off the bike. You put the protective gear on just before you get on the bike.

It might be a mild PITA to carry your gear to your bike, but be proud of your uniform, wear it properly.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2017 10:10 AM

2017-01-20T10:10:40-05:00

I ride. IF in uniform, I will put on proper PPE at my bike in the parking lot and after a dismount I make sure I'm in the proper uniform with head gear. If the AR isn't clear to you then remember you are an NCO and set, hold, and enforce standards. I have saddle bags on my bike for these items as well, just a suggestion.

Response by SSG Michael Bryant made Jan 27 at 2017 11:15 AM

2017-01-27T11:15:17-05:00

AR670-1 (31MAR2014) Pg16,
"3–12. Personal protective or reflective clothing a. Protective headgear. Soldiers are authorized to wear commercially designed protective headgear while in uniform when operating motorcycles, bicycles, or other similar vehicles and are required to do so when installation regulations mandate such wear. Personnel will remove protective headgear and wear authorized Army headgear upon dismounting from the vehicle. b. Protective and/or reflective clothing. Soldiers may wear protective and/or reflective outer garments with uniforms when required IAW AR 385–10, when safety considerations make it appropriate, or when authorized by the commander.
3–13. Organizational protective or reflective clothing. When required by AR 385–10 or when safety considerations apply, commanders may require Soldiers to wear organizational protective or reflective items, or other occupational health or safety equipment, while in uniform (such as during physical fitness training). If required by law or DOD or Army policy, commanders will furnish necessary protective or reflective clothing to Soldiers at no cost."
Under 3-13 you could argue that the unit is responsible for providing you with the required reflective vest. However, it would most likely be the crappy road guard vest. Look at your base policy regarding the wear of MC PPE as well.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2017 1:09 PM

2017-01-27T13:09:30-05:00

Things like this are why I have no regrets about joining the National Guard. Nit picky crap like this that's completely uncalled for.