Improper training led to Foot Hood crash that killed 9 in 2016 – PB/TK
‘Apathetic Safety Mentality’ Cited in Ft. Hood Wreck that Killed 9 – By Jeremy Schwartz / June 11 2017
Just before 11 a.m. on June 2, 2016, at the tail end of a torrential rainstorm, Pvt. Tysheena James drove the military transport vehicle carrying 11 of her comrades to the edge of a water crossing. The truck was built to withstand 30 inches of moving water. Officials estimate the rain-swollen Owl Creek was nearly three times higher.
Hours earlier, Fort Hood’s Installation Operations Command had issued an alert closing the crossing at Owl Creek and dozens of others throughout Fort Hood due to the historic rainfall, an alert that never reached the unit.
James, 21, hadn’t been properly trained to drive the large troop carrier, especially in adverse conditions. In fact, investigators would later learn, the unit lacked a formal driver training program, a requirement under Army regulations.
At James’ side was Staff Sgt. Miguel Colon Vasquez, 38, an experienced “Master Driver” leading the training patrol. Army officials say it was Colon who made the decision to try to cross Owl Creek, even though a functioning bridge was just about 200 feet away.
Continue to military.com article: http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/06/11/apathetic-safety-mentality-cited-in-ft-hood-wreck-that-killed-9.html
