4th Marine Regiment Making Motorcycle Safety a Priority on Okinawa
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CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA – U.S. Marines assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division emphasize the importance of safely operating a motorcycle through mentorship within the unit and during their quarterly rides in Okinawa, Japan.
U.S. Marines and other service members are required to complete the Basic Rider Course, a safety course for all Department of Defense personnel who operate motorcycles on or off base in Okinawa. The two-day course introduces the basics of motorcycle operation and safety. Participants learn how to inspect their bikes, handle low-speed maneuvers, stop safely, and respond to potential hazards. The goal is to reduce risk and improve rider confidence before they take their motorcycles on public roads.
“The BRC is entry level training, and I think it’s the most important steppingstone for anybody that’s going to start riding or returning back into riding, especially for anybody that’s never taken training before,” said Tsutomu Yamashiro, BRC course instructors. “Just like training for the Marine Corps physical fitness test, what you put into it, you get out of it.”
In Okinawa, motorcycles are a popular form of transportation, especially among younger Marines, rider safety is a constant point of focus and concern. The Marine Corps uses programs like the BRC to prevent accidents and encourage responsibility on the road.
In addition to formal training, the Marines assigned to 4th Marine Regiment are required to join the unit’s motorcycle club and mentorship program. This club serves as an extension of safety training, offering ongoing support, education, and accountability.
“We go through all the safety precautions and the best gear to make yourself safer, so that if something like an accident does happen, you will be able to walk away and see another day,” said Gunnery Sgt. James Thomas, 4th Marine Regiment Motorcycle Club President.
The motorcycle club at Camp Schwab, like many others throughout the Marine Corps, includes experienced riders who mentor newer ones. Club members often organize group rides, maintenance days, and safety briefings to help build community and reinforce good habits.
“The club provides a pretty decent range of experience, and they teach you things that you might not know as a solo rider,” said Cpl. Benjamin Voss, an active member and training noncommissioned officer with 4th Marine Regiment armory. “When you have other people in your ear on rides telling you ‘Hey, you need to be more careful on these turns.’ You have a third person view of your own riding, and it allows you to improve in areas you didn’t know you were lacking.”
These clubs also help build morale and provide an outlet outside of daily work. For many Marines, riding becomes not just a hobby, but a way to stay connected, focused, and disciplined.
“Not only are we getting a day off from work to go do these organized rides and other activities as a club, but you’re building a bond with each other as well,” said Voss.
As Marines complete the BRC and continue their journey as riders, the combination of structured training and peer mentorship keep them safe, both on and off duty.
“Find a group of people more experienced than you and learn from them,” Thomas said. “Ride in a pack, always let people know where you’re at, and if you hang out with a bunch of experienced riders, sooner or later you will also become an experienced rider able to guide others.”
For more information about the BRC, contact the Installation Safety Office Motorcycle Training section on Kadena Air Base (Building 908). Scheduling for training is conducted via in-person visiting or by calling their DSN: (315) 634-2450.
AloJapan.com