Can my chain of command deny me of taking Basic Riders Course?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 17:21:46 -0500

I have been riding since I was 16 blah blah blah and already have my motorcycle here with me. I need to take the BRC classes so I can ride legally on base but my chain of command said my BC has to approve me taking the class..? I never heard such a thing. I thought CoC had to let you take it if you wanted to.

Response by TSgt David L. made Feb 8 at 2021 5:39 PM

TSgt David L. — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 17:39:49 -0500

I don't think they HAVE to let you do it but if you start with your immediate CoC they should support you. Maybe if it was your only reliable transportation?! Hint hint! LOL

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2021 6:02 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 18:02:33 -0500

Commanders can always add to regulation and they love to make it as difficult as possible to ride to discourage it. Keep submitting requests and open door if they keep getting denied.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2021 6:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 18:08:29 -0500

Interesting. I’ve never heard of a CoC preventing an SM from taking safety courses or a course required by base policy, military wide, to operate a specific mode of transportation on base. Maybe someone’s significant other ran off with a motorcycle rider.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2021 6:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 18:14:31 -0500

It's very strange they'd be pushing back against this...so push it up the chain. Submit whatever paperwork they want for you to get it signed off by BC and go from there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2021 7:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 19:27:20 -0500

Hi! Company motorcycle rep here.
So command doesn’t really have to let you go first off. Normally they don’t push back though, we had an issue recently with dudes taking the course just for a few days off work with no real intent to get a bike. Or trying to get out of the field etc...

Getting the BC to sign off is probably a deterrent for dudes trying to play the system. Also, sounds like he wants to have a sit down make sure you’re not some private whose never ridden before with an 800/month paycheck going to buy a liter bike or a 2021 Roadglide CVO. Pretty much just a counseling

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2021 8:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 20:37:53 -0500

Is the BRC a military program, or are state civilian programs sufficient? California has such a program I think is acceptable.

Response by PO2 Kevin Parker made Feb 9 at 2021 1:31 AM

PO2 Kevin Parker — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 01:31:17 -0500

I've heard of Commands discouraging junior enlisted from "getting and riding bikes". Since you brought one with you to the command, it would seem they would allow you to go. I know the Fort here, had like a Safety standdown and didn't alllow any active duty to ride until some sort of training was fufilled. That was after a fatality on a bike, he wasn't wearing a helmet.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Feb 9 at 2021 12:12 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 12:12:49 -0500

Mission comes first. Period. Always has, always will.
Based on what you have written, I don't think it is an issue of your CoC not letting you take the course. It is an issue of finding the right time for you to take the course, and ensuring that the course is appropriate for you to take - kind of like is done with every single training event or class in the Army.
Your CoC will almost definitely allow you to take the course - once they have done their due diligence. Commanders are responsible for your safety, even off duty. I would be exceptionally worried if they DIDN'T have some sort of process to vet training courses and classes before Soldiers took them.

Response by SSG Darrell Peters made Feb 9 at 2021 1:41 PM

SSG Darrell Peters — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 13:41:35 -0500

Some Motorcycle Safety courses are not approved by the U.S. Army. Make sure the one you find is approved. This came as a surprise to me when I took the one in my home town and yes it was the Motorcycle Safety Foundations Curriculum. Oddly enough I found the same course that was Army Approved at a College oddly it was the same Curriculum identical. The only reason i can figure out why one was Army Approved and the other one wasn't was One was at a Business that sold Motor Cycles and the other one was not and was associated with a School.
The one on post always meets the Army Requirement, the course usually lasts two and a half to three days. Finding one on a weekend during your off time might work or take leave.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 9 at 2021 2:06 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 14:06:57 -0500

Try talking to your 1SG or CSM, and get a feel for what the hold up is. I had a BC back in the 80's who hated motorcycles and swore he would not approve anyone for training. Then the Chaplain showed up with an HD Sportster. That policy got heavenly guidance...lol

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2021 6:05 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 18:05:31 -0500

Are you at a military school? Most schoolhouses do not allow for motorcycles to be rode while a student in the course. I’ve seen this in a couple of the rules for schools I’ve attended.

Response by PO1 Todd B. made Feb 10 at 2021 3:41 PM

PO1 Todd B. — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 15:41:17 -0500

Actually they can .. .it is military property.. The only time I have heard of someone being denied however, was for someone that had a track record and history of abusing privilege.. i.e. a traffic record that showed a lot of reckless driving tickets etc. Anything you do on base off hours, is a privilege.. They don't even have to let you drive a POV in fact.