Wellington Barracks, London. Master Drivers Conference

On the morning of Fri 8 May, DocBike volunteers Brett (Docbike Somerset & Avon) and James (Docbike Dorset) presented to about 25 Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1)

Master Drivers and others, senior, experienced soldiers responsible across the Army for everything from driver safety and training to trials of new vehicles.

Very engaged, almost half the audience were bikers, half that had done Biker Down or Bike Safe, half that had put their crash card in their helmet!

We had a good discussion about how DocBike can work with the Army, and hopefully the Navy, Commandos and Air Force for Training the Trainer, discussion about getting some Training Objectives written to include our delivering training or developing such for inclusion in DST or unit delivered motorcycle rider skills training.

As the Army rolls out use of small electric battle field bikes to Air Assault units, how might rider type PPE work, without compromising combat mobility and protection and an ability to jump off a bike and fight… how might they have an airbag over their armour and kit… how might PPE be shed quickly to allow airborne infantry and others to engage the enemy without being even more encumbered than they are… what do we do about head protection? Combat helmet is designed for ballistic protection, no face protection… we offered assistance where we can assist, but are not PPE designers!

We also discussed how we might work with the Defence School of Transport at Leconfield, Hull providing driver training across the Armed Services.

Of note we also gained a volunteer.

Watch this space! A great morning.

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