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Twentynine Palms, California
Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
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Combat Order 1630.8D states service members must wear a reflective belt before morning colors, after evening colors or participating in any activity other than a military formation.

Photo by Pfc. Medina Ayala-Lo

PT Safety aboard Combat Center

24 Sep 2014 | Pfc. Julio McGraw Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms

Light weight, highly reflective and a silent life saver. The Combat Center’s Provost Marshal’s Office reminds all personnel and family members that reflective safety belts and reflective safety vests are a required addition to physical training gear when walking, running or bike riding.

“It is for safety, because safety is always paramount,” said Maj. Kim Keefer, the Combat Center’s provost marshal.

Combat Center Order 1630.8D states that service members, during hours of low visibility, before morning colors and after evening colors or performing any activity other than a military formation, must wear either a reflective vest or a reflective belt to ensure that they are seen by motorists.

“It doesn’t have to be a belt, but as long as the clothing has reflective material and you can be seen by people driving,” Keefer said, “the more reflective the better.”

On formation runs, road guards responsible for keeping the formation safe from vehicles must wear a reflective vest to ensure that they are seen.

Preparation is always a key component in any plan. As daylight saving time approaches and physical training goes into periods of darkness it is wise to go ready.

“If you are going to take off on a long run, and you know that you are going to be out after dark, go prepared [with a reflective belt],” Keefer said.

Along with having a reflective belt, service members should keep some things in mind when running or jogging in heavy traffic areas.

“If you are going for a run, run on the side facing oncoming traffic, so drivers are aware of your presence,” Keefer said.

The order also states that service members are not permitted to run on Del Valle Rd. Service members should run with no more than two individuals side by side. Headphones are also not permitted while running.

Physical training is important, but safety is always paramount. Although a reflective belt is a small piece of gear, it plays a vital role in the safety of family members and service members.

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms