Can your command give guidance that conflicts with regulations defining proper tiedown procedures and securing of TRICONs?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 01:22:08 -0500

Since I have arrived to my unit back in January, I have been trying to convey my concerns about them using 10K straps to secure TRICONs to CROPS, LMTVs and LMTV trailers. I have been told that we were given permission from BN years ago to use them despite the proper procedures IAW the CFR.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 1:34 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 01:34:44 -0500

Point to the Reg's, SOP's, Service Manuals, etc for proper use of 10K straps. If a memo hasn't been published authorizing 10K strap use outside of norm then permission doesn't exist. If such permission was given and published, then I'll bet there are conditions tied to that authorization such as:
1) only when stronger straps are not available
2) double and triple up
3) which equipment it would be authorized to tie down
4) road conditions of transportation
The list could be endless.

Point it out to you proper chain of command (PS, PL, 1SG, Company CO), and then make it visible to your Battalion Safety Officer. Keep that documented because no one wants to be the last person of highest authority holding the bag of crap when an investigation is being conducted because of injury, loss of property or life.

********
Send your concerns and documentation via Mil.Mail.

If they talk to you off line, in person, or on a phone be sure to follow up such communication with ANOTHER Mil.Mail if only to confirm such a conversation occurred and what was discussed.

Do not delete these e-mails until you are free and clear of the risk associated with the straps (for example, transfer out of the unit).

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 8:41 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 08:41:24 -0500

What does Roadmaster say?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 10:53 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 10:53:13 -0500

War story.

When I was returning home from deployment we were flying home on a chartered 747. They just piled us all in and the lowest ranking (me among them in this case) were tasked with loading the plane and securing the cargo.

We did not have a Load Master to direct us or check our work.

I had never been in the cargo area of a 747. The packing strap/webbing was completely foreign to me. I came into the Army from the civilian sector in Finance, and was a 35F Military Intel Analyst.

I just remember thinking, hmm.... this is how I'm going to die. No one knows how to disperse this weight and secure it down.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 12:00 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 12:00:14 -0500

Not without SERIOUS justification and paperwork from higher ranking brass. However, if YOU know it's wrong...then do the right thing even though others say to use what is wrong. Keep pointing out the regs and standards for your actions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2020 1:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 13:43:35 -0500

It's simple. You show them the regulation and ask to see the WRITTEN and SIGNED exception to policy from the higher headquarters. As others have pointed out, when an accident does eventually happen - and it always does eventually - in the investigation you will be found liable because your job is to stop bad decisions. Of course, everyone else will be held responsible as well, but that's not going to make you feel any better when you end up paying some portion of the damage.

So, what do you do when they ignore your objections? You refuse to do the work without a direct order in writing ordering you to violate laws and regulations.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Dec 7 at 2020 1:58 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 01:58:32 -0500

I never had to worry about THAT part of 49 CFR. But when I was certifying ammo, no Commander short of CinC was going to tell me to ignore my CFR I may have, MAYBE accepted Chairman of Joint Chiefs or Army Chief. Maybe.
Code of Federal Regulations. Army is a Federal Organization. Which means unit Commander doesn't have the authority to override it, even if they DID put it in writing.

At least that's *my* take on it.

Response by SPC Michael Sanders made Feb 21 at 2021 5:56 PM

SPC Michael Sanders — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 17:56:12 -0500

I would never I always used chains when I tied them down never straps