Safety Factor targets single Soldiers

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (May 7, 2008) – The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command have teamed to launch the BOSS Safety Factor presentation, an initiative designed to build awareness of hazards that can befall single Soldiers during off-duty activities.

Off-duty accidents claimed the lives of 76 single Soldiers in fiscal 2007 and hundreds more were injured or suffered adverse mental or physical results due to engaging in careless or high-risk behavior.

“BOSS Safety Factor is specifically aimed at the young Soldiers, 18-25 years of age, and addresses healthy eating and lifestyle habits that are so critical for our young men and women in uniform.” said FMWRC Command Sergeant Major Abe Vega. “It takes a common sense approach to daily life in the Army and helps the Soldier understand how to make positive, healthy choices.”

The one-hour training module, which incorporates video, photos and first-person experiences, will be shown at events hosted by the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers organization.

“It is a tremendous opportunity to present Safety Factors at BOSS Council meetings on installations Army wide. It also takes advantage of peer-on-peer training,” said Vega.

The presentation uses the tagline, “It only takes one second to become a statistic,” to drive home the message that the simplest, most mundane of activities can end in injury or death if proper care is not taken.

“Life is about decisions. Decisions dictate how we live the rest of our lives. Soldiers must understand the importance one bad decision can mean,” said Vega.

Soldiers learn that in a single week, there are over a half million opportunities for any one of them to become a statistic.

“If we knew ahead of time about accidents they would be appointments – we can certainly do a lot to prevent them,” said Vega. “Safety Factor urges Soldiers assess any activity for potential risks and hazards.”

Employing humor, Safety Factor characterizes single Soldiers into five, at-risk “personalities”: the Barracks Rat, Sports Star, Thrill Seeker, Club Hopper, and Motor Vehicle Enthusiast. Serious, fact-filled discussion follows, with the facilitator relating hazards associated with activities and behaviors typical of each personality type.

Already producing results, the presentation seems to strike a chord with Soldiers, many of whom express a common sentiment in their feedback comments – It’s a real eye opener. “Some people don’t realize that they would fit into one of these categories. I realized that I do and it was a wake-up call for me,” said one viewer.

A series of tri-fold brochures expands the Safety Factor message by making it available to Soldiers in their barracks, dayrooms and break areas.

For more information on the BOSS Safety Factor presentation, visit https://crc.army.mil.

Ask your councils:

• Are they planning financially for their future?
• Are you saving money?
• Do you have a financial plan? Go to www.militarysaves.org to assist you in
  developing your plan.
• Are you enrolled in Thrift Saving Plan? If not go to www.tsp.gov

The ACS Financial Readiness Program can help with your finances. Invite ACS
to one of your meetings to talk about financial planning, getting out of debt
and becoming a savvy consumer.

To be Army Strong a Soldier should be financially fit