What Is The ATSTP Or The Army Traffic Safety Program?
Not many people are aware of the fact that there is a special army traffic safety program or ATST program that is open for enrolment to a select group of civilians and soldiers. The program was especially set up for members of the military or drivers who would be exposed to high stress situations where evasionary driving procedures would be necessary to deal with emergencies. It also teaches aggressive driving techniques on cars, scooters, military motorbikes, and shielded cars to protect the drivers and the passengers in the car.
Courses are held by private contractors all over the Continental United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Europe and Korea and Europe but only US Army Soldiers and select civilian employees of the Department of Defense or approved by the Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 6055.04 and Army Regulation (AR) 385-10 are allowed to register for the course. Professional instructors trained under the military aegis combine classroom training with on the site training for a range of students.
There are three progressive courses that each member of the army needs to take: the first is called Introductory Training Course I, this course tries to improve individual skills, confidence and a positive attitude. The second course is the Local Area Hazard Training Course II, this is a brief course which is given to anybody newly assigned to an installation or theater, it goes over the specific hazards of that area. The Intermediate Traffic Safety Training Course IIIA is for newly assigned soldiers who are less than 26 years old, it reinforces the subjects learned in the first course.
The army traffic safety program’s that are taught include the following-
Remedial Driver Training (RDT) where drivers are taught in the classroom as well as through real time Instruction. Intermediate Driver Training Course (IDC) which includes real time as well as classroom instruction. Motorcycle Basic Rider Course SM (BRC) which teaches basic as well as advanced driving with classroom and real time training. This is backed up with the Military Sport Bike Rider Course SM (MSRC) which is an advanced course that is primarily taught through real time classes. Students who have completed both basic courses can then opt for the Motorcycle Experienced Rider Course SM (ERC) which is only taught through real time only. People can also register for a Motorcycle Refresher Training (MRT) to brush up on their basic knowledge. However, these same courses are not offered in all the centers that have contracted to offer the course. Check with the online website to find out which courses you are eligible for.
How to register for the courses?
If you are a member of the military then here is how to proceed-
Log on to the site www.army.mil which is the official site for the American military. At the home page, click on the AKO link and login with your name and password. Once logged in, check the sidebar to find the My Training tab. The page will then display a catalog search on the right side. Put in the Accident Avoidance course and click GO. You can then choose from the large range of Army Training Safety Program, Accident Avoidance Courses that are listed. Click on Register and then complete the pre-test test, training and print a certificate
Please note that the course is not open for everyone but it is open for law enforcement personnel and National Guard personnel who are in high risk jobs and who can benefit from this course. However, they will have to get in touch with the right department at the official military website.