2025 Fall-Winter Safety Message

1.  "Safety isn't luck, it's leadership!"  The 
coming fall-winter holiday season offers all Marines, Sailors, and 
Civilian Marines an important opportunity to rest, recharge, and 
reconnect with family, friends, and loved ones.  Whether celebrating 
at home or traveling, take the time to look out for yourself and 
those around you.  Practicing sound risk management isn't just about 
avoiding mishaps, it's about taking care of yourself, your 
teammates, and ensuring the readiness of our Corps.
2.  The holiday season brings new risks as the weather changes and 
our routines shift.  Slippery roads, reduced daylight, fatigue, and 
busy schedules can increase hazards both on and off duty.  
Recognizing these risks and making smart, deliberate choices protect 
not only you, but your fellow Marines, your families, and the 
mission.
3.  If you're traveling, plan ahead and stay alert.  Whether you're 
close to home or crossing the country, take a moment to evaluate 
your risks.  Don't drive fatigued or under the influence.  Keep an 
eye on changing weather and have a plan if delays or emergencies 
arise.  If something changes, communicate with your chain of 
command.  They would rather get a phone call than a casualty report.
4.  Commanders and Leaders:  As we enter the holidays, make it a 
priority to connect with each Marine and Sailor under your charge. 
Ask about their plans, listen, and ensure they have what they need 
to make safe choices.  These personal conversations matter.  They 
reinforce that leadership doesn't stop when the day ends or leave 
starts, and every Marine and Sailor should know their leaders care 
enough to ask.
5.  When we return in the New Year, lead a strong reset through Back 
In The Saddle (BITS) training.  Set the tone for 2026 by emphasizing 
standards, discipline, and ownership.  Re-zeroing topics should 
include reinforcing that every task must be executed in accordance 
with law, order, and policy, and if something feels unsafe or 
unclear, stop and elevate it.  Speaking up is not hesitation, its 
professionalism, courage, and loyalty to your team.
6.  Start 2026 sharp, ready, and accountable.  Ensure all Risk
Management Information (RMI) reports are current or closed out and
have Safety Shops dive back into RMI to learn the new modules and
tools.  These systems only work when we do.  Let's use them to
strengthen how we identify hazards, track progress, and protect our
Marines and Sailors.
7.  Lead from the front and set the tone.  Bring your Marines and 
Sailors back focused, recharged, and ready to train, fight, and 
win—safely.
8.  Enjoy the holidays, make smart choices, and come back stronger. 
This season is about family, reflection, and gratitude, so take care 
of one another.  We look forward to seeing every Marine, Sailor, and 
Civilian Marine back in 2026, ready to continue the mission with 
energy, purpose, and pride.
9.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Paul J. Rock Jr., 
Director, Marine Corps Staff.