The Mobility Forum The Mobility Forum

Like proton streams in the iconic 1980s film Ghostbusters, electronic warfare (EW) and the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) seem like elusive concepts. The main difference is that although crossing the streams “would be bad,” not understanding how to use and counter EW could be the difference between going home victorious or the victory going to the adversary.

Although everyone wants to avoid cavities, dental health extends far beyond tooth decay. In fact, poor oral health has been linked to a range of serious health problems, such as periodontal (gum) disease, dental erosion, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Although motorcycling offers unparalleled freedom on the open road, its liberation comes with inherent risks. In 2022, 6,218 motorcyclists were killed—fifteen percent of all traffic fatalities. Data produced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that this considerable portion of fatalities is the highest number of motorcyclists killed since 1975.[1] The Air Force Safety Center recorded that in the last five years, we have lost eighty-eight Air Force personnel to motorcycle deaths. Despite the safety advancements in modern motorcycles and in motorist awareness, motorcyclists remain vulnerable to accidents. Airbag vests have emerged as a plausible solution in mitigating such risks. This article explores these vests, their pros and cons, and their effectiveness in protecting riders.

Sunshine, beaches, and exotic locales can make for an exciting—or relaxing—trip. However, when traveling abroad, it is important to remember that other parts of the world may be vastly different from what you are accustomed to when it comes to staying safe in and around water.

As we head into summer, Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, and Marines around Joint Base Charleston, SC, are already eyeing their calendars in anticipation of the warmer weather to come so they can get back to enjoying motorcycle riding; other, more stalwart personnel have not stopped. Moreover, other personnel may be eager to participate in the upcoming riding season but are rather intimidated by the perceived labyrinth of requirements that seem to obstruct their path to riding. Air Force military members must meet certain requirements before riding a street motorcycle. These requirements are laid out in Department of the Air Force Instruction 91-207, The Traffic Safety Program. Your major command or installation may include additional requirements.

Installing smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors is an important step toward ensuring a safe home. According to Consumer Reports, both are inexpensive, easy to install, and can save lives. Whereas smoke alarms can notify residents of a fire, CO alarms are just as important because CO, a poisonous gas that is colorless and odorless, cannot be perceived except by a CO detector. CO poisoning incidents can occur when equipment, appliances, or vehicles are improperly used or vented. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 150 people die yearly from accidental CO poisoning.

According to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, heat waves are occurring more often than before—increasing from more than two heat waves per year during the 1960s to more than six per year during the 2020s. Heat waves, or extreme heat events, are unusually high temperatures for an extended period that can cause illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially among vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, those who are pregnant, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Increasing extreme heat events can lead to heat-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among those unprepared.

Are you afraid of snake bites? That fear is perfectly normal. Snakes cause more than eight thousand deaths in the United States and more than 100,000 deaths around the world every year. Spiders and other bugs can also injure people with their bites and stings, and even kill people in rare cases, but that is no reason to stay indoors. There are many ways to treat venomous wounds, ranging from powerful antivenoms to basic at-home treatments.

When servicemembers experience illness or injury, it can lead to a wide array of thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Some even experience a sense of loss of community or purpose. The evidence-based concept of recreation therapy has led to gains for servicemembers and veterans in helping restore quality of life.

As I write this article in January, I see a foot of snow on the ground in the St. Louis area. Among other hazards, snow on the road leads to traffic events, as my wife recently experienced. Despite all of her preparations, another driver ran a red light and ran into the vehicle she was driving. Thankfully, her injuries were minor, but now we are experiencing all the joys of dealing with tow trucks, insurance, and rental cars. As we reviewed the situation in the context of Integrating Risk and Readiness, some thoughts came to mind. She was going to a dental appointment that could have been postponed. Perhaps postponing the appointment would have resulted in someone else being in this situation. I did postpone an appointment the following week during the second wave of snow.

Airmen assigned to the 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing participate in a challenge during the Air Mobility Team (AMT) Rodeo at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI, Feb. 27, 2025. The AMT Rodeo is intentionally designed to exercise team dynamics and challenge members across Command and Control, Aerial Port, and Maintenance operations.