KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The 2014 Critical Days of Summer, May 23 - Sept. 2, focuses on risk management for all summer activities - on and off duty. This year's theme, Risk: Double checks, not second thoughts, reminds you to be responsible wingmen and to take care of yourselves, your families, and your teammates.

Last year's Critical Days of Summer ended with the loss of 21 Airmen. There have already been 27 fatalities as of May 15 this fiscal year. According to Bill Parsons, Air Force chief of ground safety, every Airman has a role in reversing that trend with a summer of zero fatalities. "We can achieve that goal by using all the risk management techniques available, including activity planning and being responsible wingmen," Parsons said. Alcohol, which is a large part of many summer pastimes, impairs decision-making and is a factor in too many of these tragedies. Other significant factors include speed, distractions, and fatigue, he said.

"Each Airman is critical to our mission," Parsons said. "As you plan your summer activities, use the same risk management skills you apply on the job to ensure a safe return and assure mission success."

CDS resources are available through local safety offices, the ground safety SharePoint site, and at Wingman Toolkit.

Also available is a Critical Days of Summer letter from The Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.