Big news for Air Force and DOD Riders

The NEW AFI 91-207, dated 12 Sep 13, is now out.  The paragraph everyone has been waiting for, 3.5.4, discussing PPE HAS CHANGED...brightly colored during the day and retro-reflective at night is now SUGGESTED (should) rather than mandatory. 

Here is the paragraph from the new AFI...

3.5.4. Personal Protective Equipment. Motorcycle, ATV and Three-Wheeled vehicle riders will wear: (T-0)

3.5.4.1. Head Protection. A helmet, certified to meet current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 (DOT), United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Standard 22.05, British Standard 6658, or Snell Standard M2005 or higher, shall be worn and properly fastened under the chin. For personnel riding motorcycles and ATVs outside the United States, helmets must also meet the host nation standards. Commanders may authorize use of combat helmets for operating tactical vehicles (e.g., motorcycles and ATVs) during operations and training based on a formal risk assessment IAW AFI 90-802. If time critical, a real time risk assessment will be used.

3.5.4.2. Eye Protection. Goggles, wrap around glasses, or a full-face shield designed to meet or exceed American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z87.1, or UNECE 22.05 or BS6658 in effect when manufactured, will be properly worn. A windshield does not constitute proper eye protection. Host nation equivalent is acceptable if it meets or exceeds ANSI Standard Z87.1.

3.5.4.3. Protective Clothing. Wearing of long sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers and full-fingered gloves or mittens is required. Gloves or mittens will be made from leather or other abrasion-resistant material. 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.

3.5.4.4. Foot Protection. Foot protection includes sturdy over-the-ankle footwear that affords protection for the feet and ankles.


And for those inquiring minds, here is the same paragraph from DoDI 6055.04, incorporating change 2, 23 Jan 13.

(d) Protective Clothing. Protective clothing includes long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, and full-fingered gloves or mittens made from leather or other abrasion-resistant material. Motorcycle jackets and pants constructed of abrasion-resistant materials and containing impact-absorbing padding or CE armor are strongly encouraged. Riders are encouraged to select PPE that incorporates fluorescent colors and retro-reflective material.