Marine Corps Reserve sergeant dies after collapsing during PFT – Marine Corps Times

Incident Report: Service Member Fatality and Institutional Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

A United States Marine Corps sergeant died following a collapse during a mandatory physical fitness evaluation in June. The incident is currently the subject of multiple investigations to determine causality and review existing protocols. This report analyzes the event and the institutional response through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

2.0 Incident Details

• Subject: Sergeant Gordon Reed
• Unit: 4th Marine Logistics Group
• Event: Collapse during a Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
• Date: June 24
• Location: Navy Reserve Center Orlando, Florida
• Outcome: Transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

3.0 Institutional Response and Investigation

The death of Sgt. Reed has prompted a multi-level investigative response to ensure accountability and inform future safety measures. The cause of death has not been determined and is pending the outcome of these inquiries.

1. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS): An NCIS investigation is underway, which is standard procedure for any non-combat, medically unattended death of a Department of the Navy service member.
2. Marine Forces Reserve: A parallel safety investigation is being conducted to assess procedural and environmental factors.
3. Command Investigation: A formal command investigation will commence upon the conclusion of the NCIS inquiry.

Analysis of Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

This incident directly pertains to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. The fatality raises critical questions regarding the health and safety frameworks governing military personnel.

• Occupational Health: The death underscores the inherent health risks associated with physically demanding occupational requirements and the paramount importance of robust safety protocols during such evaluations.
• Preventative Measures: The investigation is a crucial step toward achieving SDG 3 targets by seeking to identify and mitigate risks, thereby preventing future health-related tragedies and strengthening institutional health systems.
• Emergency Response: An evaluation of the incident will necessarily involve a review of the on-site emergency medical response, which is a key component of ensuring well-being in any organized activity.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Within the context of SDG 8, particularly Target 8.8, which advocates for the protection of labor rights and the promotion of safe and secure working environments, this event highlights a critical failure in occupational safety.

• Safe Working Environment: The death of a service member during a routine fitness test represents a breach in the provision of a safe “work” environment.
• Institutional Responsibility: The subsequent safety investigations by Marine Forces Reserve align with the principles of SDG 8, as they function as a mechanism to analyze and improve occupational safety standards and uphold institutional responsibility for its members.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The response to Sgt. Reed’s death reflects the principles of SDG 16, which calls for effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.

• Accountability and Transparency: The initiation of multiple, independent investigations by bodies such as NCIS demonstrates a commitment to an accountable and transparent process to determine the facts surrounding the incident.
• Strengthening Institutions: By conducting a thorough investigation as a matter of policy for all non-combat deaths, the institution reinforces its internal justice and oversight mechanisms, contributing to its strength and reliability.
• Access to Justice: The formal investigative process is the primary vehicle for providing answers to the family and ensuring that institutional procedures are scrutinized, which is a fundamental aspect of justice.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article discusses issues that connect to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The central event of the article is the death of a Marine sergeant after collapsing during a physical fitness test. This directly relates to health, well-being, and premature mortality, which are core components of SDG 3.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The incident occurred during a mandatory work-related activity for a service member. This connects the issue to occupational safety and the goal of ensuring safe and secure working environments for all workers, as outlined in SDG 8.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article highlights that the death is subject to multiple investigations by institutional bodies, including the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and Marine Forces Reserve. This points to the SDG 16 goal of developing effective, accountable, and transparent institutions that ensure justice.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases

   The death of a sergeant during a fitness test is an instance of premature mortality. While the cause of death has not been determined, such events are often linked to underlying non-communicable diseases (e.g., heart conditions). The physical fitness test itself is a measure to promote health, but the fatal outcome highlights a potential failure in preventing such a death.

2. Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers

   A Marine sergeant is an employee of the Department of the Navy. The physical fitness test is a condition of this employment. The death occurring during this mandatory activity is a matter of occupational safety. This target is relevant as it focuses on preventing fatalities in the workplace.

3. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels

   The article explicitly states that “The death is under investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as well as a safety investigation by Marine Forces Reserve. A command investigation will begin once NCIS has completed its investigation.” This multi-layered investigation process is a direct reflection of an institution’s effort to be accountable and transparent regarding the incident.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions or implies the following indicators:

• Indicator for Target 3.4 (Implied)

  The article reports on a single case of premature, non-combat death. This single death is a data point that would contribute to Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease, once the investigation determines the cause of death. The event itself—the death of Sgt. Gordon Reed—serves as a qualitative indicator of a health system challenge within the institution.

• Indicator for Target 8.8 (Mentioned)

  The article provides a direct data point for Indicator 8.8.1: Frequency rates of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries. The report of one fatality (“A Marine sergeant died”) during a work-related physical fitness test is a clear instance of a fatal occupational incident that would be included in calculating this rate for the U.S. military.

• Indicator for Target 16.6 (Implied)

  While not a quantitative metric, the article’s description of the institutional response serves as a qualitative indicator for Target 16.6. The existence of multiple formal investigations (“investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service,” “a safety investigation by Marine Forces Reserve,” “A command investigation”) demonstrates the activation of accountability mechanisms within the institution. The thoroughness and transparency of these investigations would measure the effectiveness of the institution.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: marinecorpstimes.com