Risk management central to Critical Days of Summer Published May 22, 2014 By Natalie Eslinger Air Force Safety Center Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) -- 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 Airmen to be responsible wingmen and to take care of themselves, their families, and their teammates. Last year's Critical Days of Summer ended with the loss of 21 Airmen. There have already been 27 fatalities this fiscal year as of May 15. According to Bill Parsons, the 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 and the Wingman Toolkit website. 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.