SECDEF Demands 50% Reduction In Accidents Over Next Two Years

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld (right) wants the Department of Defense to arrest a troubling rise in the number of military accidents - aviation incidents chief among them. "World-class organizations do not tolerate preventable accidents," Rumsfeld wrote in a letter to the secretaries of the various military services. "Our accident rates have increased recently, and we need to turn this situation around."

Rumsfeld's May 19 memo came on the same day four Marines were killed when their Blackhawk helicopter snagged a high wire on take off, sinking the helicopter in a canal. A fifth soldier drowned trying to save his comrades (below).

Alarming Rise In Military Accident Rates

Since Oct. 1, 2002, military aviation mishaps have claimed the lives of 68 troops. That's up from 48 who died in accidents during the same period a year earlier.

Rumsfeld wants to see accidents reduced by half in the next 24 months, a challenge that applies to all active and reserve units, whether on duty or off. "These goals are achievable, and will directly increase our operational readiness," the Secretary wrote to service honchos. "We owe no less to the men and women who defend our nation."

FMI: www.defenselink.mil