Convoys

Introduction Convoy Organization and

Planning Non Tactical convoys must

adhere to all state and consider federal regulations:

Weights Ammunition / Weapons

Security. Hazardous Materials POL’s

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Overweight / Wide Loads. Begin Planning - Use the

acronym METT / TSL. Mission - gives the desired

convoy objectives or results. Enemy: - Enemy poses no threat -

Security takes a low priority. - Enemy poses a threat-

Available security forces and Fire support take high priority.

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Terrain - must be considered when choosing the route.

Troops / Fire support - security forces availability.

Time - make use of all time available.

Space - relates to the distance the convoy will cover.

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Logistics - two basic types used for convoys:

- Tactical Convoy - Assumes that enemy contact is possible.

- Administrative Convoy - Enemy contact is unlikely.

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Orient all subordinate leaders using the five paragraph order.

Situation: - Friendly Forces. - Support Units. - Enemy Situations. Mission: - Type of Cargo. - Origin. - Destination.

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Execution: - General organization of

convoy. - Time schedule. - Routes. - Convoy speed. - Vehicle distance / Speed. - Checkpoints. - Accidents / breakdown. - Separation from convoy.

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- Action of the convoy / security forces in the event of attack.

Admin and Logistics. - Cargo loading and

unloading. - Control of personnel. NOTE: PROCEDURES AND

PRIORITIES OF HANDLING DETAINEES, WOUNDED AND A PLAN FOR MEDIVAC.

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- Cargo security. - Uniform and Equipment. - Billeting Arrangements. - Refueling and servicing

vehicles. - Vehicle recovery. - Off load instructions. Command and Signal. - Location or position of

leaders and key personnel.

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- Succession of command. - Action of security forces

commander. - Arm and hand signals. - Radio frequencies and call

signs for all key personnel. Safety: - Hazards of route. - Defensive driving - Weapons safety / security.

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Convoy Commanders Primary responsibilities.

Issues Orders. - Creates convoy and

operations orders. - Assigns appropriate

subordinate leaders. Tactical Vehicle Loading. - Must provide space for

security forces and vehicle reinforcements.

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- Provision will sacrifice cargo space and affect load calculations.

- Requires spread loading of critical cargo.

- Request escort vehicles if available.

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Administrative vehicle Loading.

- Requires Convoy Commander to use logistical skills.

- Utilize all cargo capacity. Convoy staging. - Top off fuel. - Pre stage vehicles in a

guarded area prior to departure

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- Place in desired order of march (dispersed accordingly).

- Camouflaged while in assembly area.

NOTE: IF A SECURITY FORCE COMMANDER HAS BEEN ASSIGNED, THEY SHOULD BE DEVELOPING PLANS ACCORDINGLY. CONVOY COMMANDER CAN ASK RECOMMENDATIONS ON PLACEMENT OF SECURITY AND ESCORT VEHICLES PRIOR TO

VEHICLE STAGING.

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Conduct briefing. - Convoy commander must

continuously brief subordinates.

- Keep subordinates updated on the enemy and immediate logistical situations

NOTE: THIS INCLUDES BRIEFING THE DRIVERS ON IMMEDIATE ACTIONS IN RESPONSE TO ENEMY ACTIONS

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Route Reconnaissance. If possible - Convoy

commander should conduct a physical reconnaissance of the route(s) prior to departure.

- Best method - Fly the route.

- Next Best - Drive the route. - At a minimum a thorough

map recon should be done.

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Check S-2 for updates on recent enemy sightings.

If a physical reconnaissance can be done:

- Convoy Commanders primary personnel will accompany.

- Ensures a good decision on timing, speed, and order of march.

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- Alternate routes must be identified.

- Danger areas and roadblocks should be recorded as well.

Tactical Vehicle Preparation. Vehicles are designed and

configured around logistical considerations.

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Vehicles must be modified and or reinforced to weather enemy action.

Alter existing equipment; remove or secure the following:

- Canvas and bows. - Straps across the rear. - Lower or remove

windshield.

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- All reflecting surfaces should be taped or removed.

- Tape over headlights. Harden vehicles against the

effects of the enemy using sandbags.

NOTE: SANDBAGS PROVIDE PERSONNEL PROTECTION ONLY.

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- Driver compartment: Floor and seat with double interlocked layers.

NOTE: DRIVERS COMFORT AND ABILITY TO CONTROL VEHICLE MUST BE CONSIDERED.

- Hood, and fender wells to protect personnel from the effects of mines.

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NOTE: BLAST AND FRAGMENTATION VECTORED UPWARDS CAN EASILY PENETRATE THIN METAL AT THOSE POINTS.

- External fuel tanks and batteries: Cover to contain flames and spraying acid.

- Truck bed; Double interlocking layers.

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NOTE: SANDBAGS CAN CAUSE FRAGMENTATION THROUGH SANDBLAST. THIS CAN BE PREVENTED BY COVERING BAGS WITH RUBBER MATTING OR ANY OTHER STURDY EQUIVALENT.

- Sides of truck bed; Stack to provide lateral protection.

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Mounted Security Force. Squad Leader / Vehicle

Commander. - Position where best control

of the vehicle / troops can be obtained.

- Preferred location; Immediately to rear of cab in truck bed.

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Assistant Driver, in ambush or other enemy action.

- Will remain in vehicles vicinity.

- Assists the driver in providing vehicle security.

Sentries - Armed with M203 or

Service rifle on automatic. - Stationed at each corner of

vehicle.

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- Collective role; Provide a 360 degree arc of observation.

- Return suppression fire immediately, in case of enemy contact.

Air / Sniper Sentinel. - Close to vehicle

commander. - Scans sky and high ground - Provides warning of sniper

or air attack.

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Attached machine gunner. - Augment to security force. - On board vehicle; gunner

positioned in the center of bed, facing the rear.

- Position allows gunner to fire to the rear.

- Provides good lateral protection and quick exit.

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Remaining Squad Members - Face outboard. - Split between port and

starboard sides of vehicle. - Assist in observation. - Return fire when directed. Additional areas Convoy and

Security Commanders must consider.

Communications

Convoys - Rarely will every vehicle

have a radio. - If a security force is

designated, a radio goes with the force.

- Various type nets should be requested for fire support assets available.

- Obtain information that will cover all units whose zones the convoy will move through.

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Fire support. - Rear area will be covered

by a target list. - If not; Submit a list to FSC

of targets that address enemy locations or possible ambush sites.

- Contact FSC if moving out of unit’s area, to process and coordinate fire support request.

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Ambush Instructions: Before ambush. - Be alert for changes in

familiar scenes along route. - Expect ambush upon

demolition of mines, automatic weapons fire, and heavy sniper fire.

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During ambush. - Notify security force by

radio call using pre-arranged signals.

- Continue moving, maintain vehicle distance if possible.

- If disabled steer off the road to allow passage of other vehicles.

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- If disabled while moving through kill zone, mount a passing vehicle.

- Don’t enter a kill zone if it can be avoided.

- Provide flanking support fire into kill zone.

- Security vehicles; Apply maximum base of fire, FIGHT AS A TEAM, and deploy upon command.

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- Prime targets: Enemy automatic weapons, mortars, rocket positions and assaulting ground forces.

After ambush. - Protect and care for

wounded, MEDEVAC, ASAP. - After contact has been

broken, reopen roadway insuring it is free of mines.

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- Do not attempt to remove mines, mark mines and contact EOD.

- Provide flank security while convoy passes through area.

- When contact is broken, do not give chase.

- Stay alert for counter attack.

- Remember details.

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Convoy Defense Techniques. Snipers. - Do not stop, if anything

speed up. - If wind conditions allow,

throw smoke to screen enemy observation.

- Sentries can return fire in general direction to suppress sniper.

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- Escort vehicle or FO’s can bring suppressive fires.

- Convoy Commander should immediately inform higher headquarters.

Air attack: - Shoot at attacking aircraft

using all available weapons. - Put up large volumes of

fire, accuracy is not important, volume!

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- Fire at nose of aircraft. - Take cover if you have

time. - Lie on your back if caught

in the open. - Mounted crew serve

weapons should aim slightly above the aircraft’s nose for head on targets.

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Ambush (Road not blocked, Hasty Ambush)

- Vehicle caught in the kill zone, continue to move until clear, find cover and concealment, stop and dismount.

- Vehicle which has not entered the kill zone, find cover and concealment, stop short and dismount.

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- Vehicles caught in kill zone that become disabled, conduct a vehicle unloading drill.

NOTE: DEPENDING ON SITUATION DISMOUNTED TROOP PROVIDE SUPPRESSIVE FIRE ON ENEMY OR ASSAULT THROUGH ENEMY POSITIONS.

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- Escort vehicles, find positions to return suppressive fire, this will support maneuver of security forces.

- Security forces maneuver and assault based on rehearsals or frag orders.

- Indirect fire and / or air strikes are called in on fleeing or fighting enemy.

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Ambush (Road blocked, deliberate ambush)

- Vehicle which has not entered kill zone, find cover and concealment, stop short and dismount.

- Vehicle trapped or blocked in kill zone, after conducting vehicle unloading drill, assault or return fire as a base of fire.

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- Escort vehicles find positions to return suppressive fire, this will support maneuver of Security forces.

- Security forces maneuver and assault from outside kill zone based on rehearsals or frag order.

- Indirect fire and / or air strikes are called in on fleeing or fighting enemy.

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Rehearse Actions at Danger Areas.

- Stress simplicity, aggressiveness, and rapid execution.

- Use small unit tactics, battle drills, and patrolling techniques.

- Counter ambush techniques when needed.

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Direct Combat Loading of Equipment and Personnel.

- Objective Area: Equipment needed to accomplish mission.

- En route: Equipment which enables or assists in reaching its objective.

- Routine: Equipment carried by all members.

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- Control: Equipment used in assisting the Convoy or Security Commander controlling the convoy while moving and during actions at objective areas.

- Water and food specified by Convoy or Security Commander.

Vehicle Hardening

Vehicle Hardening

Vehicle Hardening

Security Vehicle

R-1

SL

R-1

R-2

R-1

40

CR-2

Security Vehicle

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