Reflective Belt Wear Published Feb. 2, 2009 ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- During winter in Alaska, we experience more hours of darkness than our counterparts in the Lower 48 and elsewhere. Because of this, it is more difficult to see one another during the long, cold winter months, especially in unlit parking lots and portions of the flightline. Fortunately, there is an easy way to increase our visibility to vehicle traffic in these poorly lit areas- the reflective belt. While in uniform during hours of limited visibility, we are required to wear a reflective belt. Each individual, both uniformed military and DoD civilian, should be issued a reflective belt as part of their in-processing. When worn properly, the reflective belt provides a significant increase in one's personal visibility to vehicle traffic over an individual not wearing one. More than once, you have probably been driving through a parking lot early in the morning and almost run over a pedestrian not wearing their reflective belt. Likewise, under the same conditions, you were able to see an individual wearing their reflective belt at a safe distance. Fortunately, the former incident did not end in a minor mishap or worse. Furthermore, even while off duty, it is a good idea to wear clothing that is light in color and has reflective qualities to increase your visibility to others when walking near traffic. No one wants to be injured or responsible for injuring another member of the Air Force team, especially in an accident that is preventable. We are all responsible for taking the necessary safety precautions to prevent mishaps to include wearing required personal protection equipment. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the 3rd Wing policy (3 WGI 91-202 paragraph 11) on reflective belt wear: "Personnel exposed to vehicle or aircraft traffic during hours of darkness or periods of reduced visibility will be provided and use reflective accessories or will use organizational clothing sewn-on reflective tape (red or orange reflective colors provide better contrast in a snow or white environment). NOTE: This applies to DoD civilian employees only while in a paid duty status. Personnel wearing the Air Force PT uniform either participating in, or traveling to or from fitness activities, are exempt from wearing the reflective belt. The issued top and bottom reflective garments must be exposed and not covered by cold weather gear, back packs, and so forth." Finally, if you see someone not wearing their reflective belt during the prescribed times, please give them a friendly reminder to put their belt on. You may have just prevented the next ground mishap at Elmendorf. This information provided by the 3rd Wing Safety Office