2026 Marine Corps 101 Critical Days of Summer Safety Message

1. Risk management is a core warfighting function -
on and off the battlefield. This ethos is never more
critical than during the 101 Critical Days of Summer
(CDS), which occurs Memorial Day weekend through
Labor Day (22 May to 7 September 2026).
2. The 101 Critical Days of Summer is historically
our deadliest off-duty period. We lose more Marines
to preventable mishaps during the summer than at any
other time as Marines take well-deserved leave and
engage in high-risk recreational activities.
3. Over the past five summers, we lost 51 Marines to
off-duty mishaps, not to combat operations. The
primary causes were private motor vehicles (25),
motorcycles (16), pedestrian incidents (5) and
water-related activities (5). Every one of these
deaths was preventable.
4. Poor decisions while off duty have operational
consequences. They cost lives, degrade readiness,
and place unnecessary burden on families, units,
and first responders.
5. Leadership engagement off duty is decisive.
Off-duty risk mitigation training, delivered before
the CDS period and during PCS check-in, is a proven
tool for preventing these needless losses.
6. Per the reference, all Marines and Sailors shall
receive documented summer safety briefs prior to
extended liberty periods. Commanders will ensure
training addresses the primary risk areas: Private
motor vehicle and motorcycle operations, water
safety, alcohol use, and environmental hazards.
Leaders are accountable for enforcing these
standards and intervening when risk is mismanaged.
7. Commanders and Noncommissioned Officers drive risk discipline.
Make this training relevant - get out of the classroom
and make it real. Leverage resources from the
Naval Safety Command and installation safety
offices. (https://navalsafetycommand.navy.mil/
Off-Duty/101-CDOS/)
8. Safety is leadership. Intervene early and stop
bad decisions before they become mishaps. That is
the standard.
9. This summer, enjoy your hard-earned time with
family and friends, but do not relax your standards.
Apply risk management in every decision. Look out
for each other. Preserve combat power. Bring every 
Marine back.
10. Release authorized by Lieutenant General Paul
J. Rock, Jr., Director, Marine Corps Staff.