CONVOY SECURITY(PSD) CONVOY SECURITY-BASIC Personal Weapons Tying It Together Planning the Convoy Continue to Develop the Plan Issuing the Order Battle Drills and Rehearsals Pre-combat Checks and Inspections Special Skills CONVOY SECURITY OPERATIONS Preparation Execution Recovery Conclusion CONVOY DEFENSE TECHNIQUES Artillery Or Indirect Fire Sniper Fire Ambush VEHICLE AND CONVOY SECURITY Preparation Conduct CONVOY SECURITY-BASIC All vehicle commanders are present, they take out pen and paper and prepare to copy. Critical parts and ammunition are required at the outlying operations base. The logistics requirements are assembled and will be transported. This mission will require two light medium tactical vehicles (LMTVs) and three high mobility, multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWVs). All trucks will carry crew served weapons systems, and the HMMWVs will be used for command and control. Headquarters and Headquarters Troop will conduct a ground assault convoy tomorrow to Tal Afar to resupply forward elements. Each ground assault convoy (GAC) in Iraq is a mission and should be treated as such. This article outlines how to prepare soldiers and leaders for such operations. Convoy commanders and noncommissioned officers in charge (NCOICs) must be proficient at the intricacies of these operations, to include preparing and briefing the convoy, ensuring operations orders are mission focused, and preparing a clear and concise mission statement accompanied with understandable task and purpose statements. Individual training and team building will all come into play during convoy operations--each soldier will count on the other. While not necessarily born a combat arms soldier, these headquarters soldiers must become experts at convoy operations to accomplish the mission Physical training is the foundation of a soldier's military service. Every soldier starts his day with physical training. To be prepared for the rigors of battle and increase survivability, every soldier must improve their physical readiness. Cardio-respiratory endurance is by far the most important area. Individuals can improve muscular strength and endurance through normal daily activities, but soldiers seldom improve cardio-respiratory endurance on their own. The sweltering heat of Iraq is unforgiving and pushes soldiers to physical limits--top physical conditioning helps combat extreme weather conditions and allows soldiers to be mission focused. Personal Weapons Apart from the skills of the soldier's military occupational skill (MOS), every soldier must be a warrior. (1) A warrior is capable of using available resources to accomplish the mission. One of the greatest tools available is the soldier's assigned weapon, be it a rifle or a machine gun. It is imperative that individual weapons become an extension of the soldier. This is achieved through proficiency, discipline, and confidence with individual weapons systems. These skills are learned in initial entry training, but are perishable and must be retrained, reinforced, and built on to prepare soldiers for combat. Basic rifle marksmanship is comprised of several training phases, to include preliminary marksmanship instruction, grouping/ zeroing, and qualification. (2) Using individual weapons and training aids not only qualifies soldiers on specific weapons, but also instills confidence and forms a basis for advanced training. Once the basics are learned, the soldier can move on to the fundamentals of marksmanship, which include steady position, aiming, breathing control, and trigger squeeze. Using devices, such as the weaponeer and engagement skills trainer, reinforces these fundamentals. The next step is beginning the qualification process by conducting grouping and zeroing procedures. Qualified trainers and instructors are essential elements in successfully qualifying a unit. The ability to provide assistance and guidance immediately and professionally will have a direct effect on a soldier's overall attitude, which determines how that soldier will approach further training. Weapons training is not just about qualifying particular weapons--it is also about ensuring soldiers are proficient in this warrior task, which builds confidence. Once these basics have been accomplished, it is time to move to advanced marksmanship training. Much of this training may be executed simultaneously. Advanced marksmanship training builds on the disciplines necessary to fight in combat. Training includes alternate positions; close-quarters marksmanship instruction; quick-fire methods; moving engagements; mounted fire; night fire; nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) fire; discrimination fire; and use of devices such as the M68 reflexive sight. At this point, various subject matter experts will be necessary to assist with training to maintain the focus that only a subject matter expert can provide. Close-quarters marksmanship training produces the greatest dividends when advancing to other individual and collective training such as military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) training, convoy training, individual and squad movement techniques, and battle drills. There are four primary-area methods involved, which include slow-aimed fire, rapid-aimed fire, aimed quick kill and instinctive fire. (3) Slow-aimed fire and rapid-aimed fire are addressed throughout the qualification process. Aimed quick kill and instinctive-fire techniques share many of the same characteristics; however, instinctive fire is much quicker due to the eminent threat and is therefore an intensely trained response. Aimed quick kill relies on training fundamentals in a different way, much like the steady position. During early phases of weapons training, soldiers are taught supported and unsupported prone positions and may be introduced to other positions such as the kneeling position. During close-quarters training, soldiers will be introduced to the isosceles/fighters stance. Aiming the weapon focuses on aligning the front sight post with the carrying handle rather than the rear sight post; this makes it quicker to move to the firing position to engage. Soldiers must learn to carry weapons at the low ready regardless of location. They must learn and reinforce the act of moving to the ready position to engage. This training phase can actually be aided if the unit has devices, such as the M68 reflex sight and other close-quarters optics, available. Ranges that provide the ability to react to targets, such as a "shoot house," help culminate this training. Close-quarters marksmanship transitions into several areas, to include closequarters battle or MOUT training, individual and squad movement techniques, and drills. Once individual soldiers are successfully trained, you can build qualified fire teams and sections. Drills necessary to fight and win during convoy operations will be directly effected by a soldier's ability to react while dismounted as an individual or as a team member. As individual weapons skills are being developed, crew served weapons skills should be developed analogously. It is vital that everyone in the unit become proficient in using assigned crew served weapons. Advanced weapons training for crew served weapons is quite similar to that of individual weapons training. Crew served weapons training should focus on night fire, target discrimination, quick reaction/suppressive fire, moving engagements, different firing platforms, and crew drills. While this level of training may be limited due to available assets, the goal should minimally include familiarization with firing the weapons. Remember that these weapons are crew served weapons; many times units fail to have the assistant/alternate gunner complete the same training. Tying It Together Once the individual, squad, and crew weapons skills and drills have been trained and standard operating procedures have been established, it is time for collective training. Collective training should focus on the unit's mission and battle drills for convoys. It is extremely important that each soldier executes these drills, and that the drills are adjusted based on tactics, techniques, and procedures that the unit develops over time. Convoy operations rely on each soldier in the convoy to be trained and ready to execute the mission. A tough and challenging physical fitness training program, coupled with soldiers who are proficient and confident with their weapons systems, will produce lethal warriors ready to accomplish the mission. The goal of individual training is to build highly effective and combat ready units. The convoy live fire exercise should closely resemble actual battlefield conditions. Many different resources will have to be pooled to build realistic training scenarios, such as the proper use of OH-58 helicopters, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) helicopters, and field artillery. These combat multipliers may be available on the battlefield and should be integrated into training. Ground maneuver commanders need to understand the abilities and limitations of these friendly forces Simulating the enemy's posture is also an important part of training. On the current battlefield, AK-47s and RPKs are abundant. Leaders should integrate the use of these weapons into training. These weapons can be fired down range to simulate contact on a convoy. Target discrimination can be used with a simple strobe light attached to targets to simulate muzzle flash and teach soldiers to return accurate fire. The use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is an easy task to simulate as well. Tying M12 detonation cord in a uli knot, packing the M14 blasting cap in flour and attaching it to a M81 igniter, will produce a small but effective explosion in the vicinity of the convoy. (5) This realistic training is imperative to simulating enemy tactics and will build soldier confidence in the face of a real IED and gun fire. Leaders should hone their troop leading procedure (TLP) skills, which may change during convoy operations. Reporting procedures and formats should be trained with a great deal of focus on reports vital to the mission, such as the nine-line MEDEVAC request, contact reports, and unexploded ordnance reports. Rules of engagement (ROE) training should always parallel the operating environment and its changing climate. The unit's standard operating procedures (SOP) should also be adjusted to address weapons control status and weapons readiness posture as they relate to ROE. The use and training of combat lifesavers is very important. Each unit should strive to have every soldier combat lifesaver trained and qualified. These skills are perishable and need to be retrained quarterly. Leaders should adapt training requirements to their specific areas of operation. All training requires a great deal of leader involvement. Get creative and use improvised devices during training, which greatly enhance training and will further guarantee success. Successful training is measured in individual and unit proficiency, discipline, self-confidence, and confidence in fellow soldiers. Planning the Convoy Once soldiers are trained and ready to conduct ground assault convoys, leaders need to refine their planning techniques. Modified TLPs have proven effective in preparing for convoys. The basics include: analyzing the mission; issuing a warning order; mapping reconnaissance; S2 briefing; risk assessment, issuing modified order (convoy briefing); and conducting rehearsals. We start with receiving the mission and determining whether it is a logistics package (LOGPAC), maintenance/recovery, or personnel movement mission. Quite often, several missions will be accomplished during one convoy operation. For example, key personnel may have to be moved to a specific location during a supplies and parts mission. Based on mission requirements, the number of soldiers must be determined, as well as the number of vehicles and crew served weapons. Refer to the unit SOP, but it is recommended that the convoy be at least four vehicles, with two of the four having crew served weapons. If assets are available, use crew served weapons on all vehicles. In 150-plus-vehicle convoys, maintaining an aggressive posture has prevented convoys from being attacked, while other units have been attacked daily. It's not a bad idea to have a mix of HMMWVs, LMTVs, field ambulances, or recovery vehicles. Making a tentative plan and gathering recourses is easily accomplished by selecting vehicles and personnel to man the convoy. The convoy commander will begin to write the mission operations order and compile the manifest and risk assessment. A copy of these documents should be furnished to the operations centers so they can track the convoy. Regardless of the mission, soldiers are not just "catching a ride" on the convoy--they will have weapons postured toward potential threats, scanning their sectors the entire time. The enemy will almost always attack the convoy that seems less prepared, less aggressive, and has the least amount of weapons systems. The convoy commander must determine the specific threat and adjust the posture of the convoy appropriately. This is why it is important for convoys to look aggressive at all times, regardless of the mission. When the mission preparation phase has been accomplished, a warning order should be issued to the soldiers who will crew the vehicles. Based on the mission, the convoy must have the correct make-up of vehicles. For instance, a maintenance mission would require a wrecker or at least a HMMWV manned with mechanics, tools, and a tow bar. For a LOGPAC mission, a LMTV or cargo vehicle large enough to carry parts and equipment is required. Continue to Develop the Plan Obtain a detailed S2 brief on any significant events within sector over the past 24 to 48 hours. The S2 can also provide the convoy commander with current enemy information in the area of operation and may provide insight that would help with route planning. Using reconnaissance helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles can also provide detailed route information. Once the crews, vehicles, and weapons systems are identified, it is the convoy commander's responsibility to put together a manifest and order of march. The convoy commander must account for available weapons systems and types of vehicles in the convoy. The manifest should include order of march by vehicle bumper number, vehicle type, crewmember names, onboard weapons systems, combat lifesavers in each vehicle, and available communications, to include the BFT. Once the manifest is complete, it is time to complete the risk assessment. Take into account hazards, such as fratricide, injury from fragments/ricochets, negligent discharges, fatigue, traffic, route familiarity, enemy contact, weather, fire, IEDs, vehicle-borne IEDs (VBIED), and NBC IEDs. A thorough risk assessment is necessary and vital to protecting personnel and equipment-complete a risk assessment for every mission. Issuing the Order The convoy commander is responsible for issuing the convoy brief, which includes the mission, route orientation, times, checkpoints, road conditions, danger areas, and enemy activity. Ensure all vehicle commanders are present, as well as applicable gunners and passengers. Vehicle commanders are responsible to brief their crews and disseminate all information. This is especially true if it is a new mission or a different route. The execution portion covers order of march, start points, march interval, march speed/catch-up speed, air support, actions on contact/emergency actions, and timelines for vehicle line-up and pre-combat checklists (PCC)/pre-combat inspections (PCI). While the service support portion includes classes I, III, and V, as well as maintenance, medical, and NBC. The final portion, command and signal, covers locations of the officer in charge/ NCOIC, primary and alternate means of communication, required frequencies, final commo checks, start point times, and safety concerns that the convoy commander may have, such as ensuring all crewmembers have eye protection and a hydration system. Vehicle commanders should ensure that meals ready to eat (MREs) and plenty of water are on the truck. Vehicle commanders should also have a folder, which contains a manifest, route maps, VBIED list, PCI/PCC checklist, chemical IED report format, and a nine-line MEDEVAC format posted in each vehicle. Once the vehicle commander reaches this point, he is left to brief and inspect his soldiers. During this time, he is responsible for packing and conducting maintenance. All the information presented in the convoy brief will be considered vital information that must be memorized by each person in the convoy. The next day is reserved for rehearsals and inspections. Battle Drills and Rehearsals Battle drills should complement your unit's vehicle and personnel structure. We did not have any combat arms soldiers to conduct our convoys, except for the first sergeant, executive officer, and commander. The drivers and gunners were signalers, cooks, mechanics, or supply clerks. These soldiers embody the warrior ethos and have trained hard to become tactical convoy experts. They always stand ready to engage and destroy the enemy. While lacking squads of dismounted soldiers to close with and destroy the enemy, our appearance always exuded an offensive posture, which is a proven deterrent to enemy aggression. React to crowd/traffic obstruction. This battle drill occurs most often in built-up urban terrain and could involve civilian crowds, a vehicle accident, or a herd of animals impeding the route. The lead vehicle determines if the obstacle is the enemy's effort to shape an attack, or if it is a simple random occurrence. If no enemy is detected or suspected, convoy vehicles will close their interval and continue to move, pushing through using any means necessary. Quite often, convoys will have to use sidewalks and curbs, or even encounter oncoming traffic. Avoid stopping at red lights, but check for oncoming traffic before moving through the intersection cautiously. The trail vehicle is responsible to report that all convoy elements have passed through the obstruction and are continuing the mission. React to small arms/IED without casualties. Shoot, move, and communicate. At the onset of small arms fire or an IED explosion, all weapons in sector will return aimed fire. Within several seconds, vehicle commanders should report contact to the convoy commander and continue to develop the situation. Drivers should increase speed to exit the kill sack. Commanders/NCOICs should consolidate reports and send a situation report to higher headquarters. React to small arms/IED with casualties. This battle drill is similar to the previous one, except this time there are casualties. If the vehicles can move after contact, they should leave the kill sack. Gunners should return fire to suppress the enemy. In the event a vehicle is damaged and unable to move, the vehicles to the front and rear of the damaged vehicle should move away from the immobilized vehicle. This isolates the damaged vehicle in the enemy kill sack. The convoy commander now coordinates fires to suppress the enemy before sending recovery and medical assets to begin recovery. Once the convoy commander deems the situation stable, medical and maintenance assets should be sent forward. If applicable, the vehicle should be recovered and, at a minimum, all sensitive items should be removed from the vehicle. Depending on the severity of the casualties, combat lifesavers should assess the situation so the commander can decide whether a ground evacuation or air MED-EVAC should be used. Unexploded IED identified. A crewmember identifies a suspicious looking object on the roadside, which could include a dead animal with wires, several large canisters, artillery ammunition, or an out-of-place vehicle. Once identified, the convoy should stop and move away from the identified IED. This action may split your convoy. Gunners should initiate a common hand/arm signal to alert the rest of the convoy. An easily identifiable marker should be thrown near the IED to mark it. Establish security in the local area and call explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) or higher headquarters. Stop all traffic and wait for EOD support to arrive and reduce the IED. Do not approach the IED or attempt to disarm it--most IEDs are command detonated, so keep a safe distance. Thoroughly inspect the area where your vehicles have stopped because the enemy may use false IEDs to stop vehicle movement and detonate other IEDs. This tactic is highly effective, so it is imperative that vehicle commanders quickly move far away from the suspected IED and establish local security. Vehicle breakdown/maintenance stop. This is a very common and should be handled as quickly as possible. As soon as a maintenance problem is realized, the convoy commander directs the convoy to pull over and assume a 360-degree security in a herringbone formation. The convoy's maintenance contact team should immediately move to the disabled vehicle and assess the situation. If it is an easy fix, such as a flat tire or loose hose, it should be repaired as quickly as possible and the convoy should continue. If a larger problem occurs, such as a broken axle or engine seizure, a tow bar should be attached immediately. Skilled mechanics are essential to this battle drill. Based on mission, enemy, terrain, troops, time, civilians (METT-TC), convoy commanders should assess how much time is allotted to this type of stop. The convoy commander may choose to stay in one spot for as long as 20 minutes, if in an unpopulated rural area. Conversely, if the break down occurs in a highly urban and volatile area, the best course of action may be to immediately hook up a tow bar. NBC considerations. While not a prominent threat, it is advisable to have protective masks on each convoy. Chemical weapons are inexpensive and easy to make with common household items. Should an IED be laced with a chemical agent, the convoy will be prepared. Also carry M-22 chemical alarms and improved chemical agent monitors to help assess the situation. Protective masks should be placed in an accessible location near each soldier. Pre-combat Checks and Inspections Depending on the number of vehicles and personnel in the convoy, leaders should plan for several hours of preparation time prior to beginning the convoy. Vehicles and equipment should be loaded and fueled with a complete preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS). Vehicle commanders are responsible to brief and check their vehicles and personnel. Several critical inspection items include knowledge of the mission; weapons functionality and ammunition; proper uniforms; combat lifesaver bag; radios; dispatch/PMCS; drivers licenses; night-vision goggles; load plans; strip maps; nine-line MEDEVAC posted in each vehicle; convoy manifest; knowledge of battle drills; and NBC masks/Jlists. Most convoys are identified several days in advance, which gives vehicle commanders time to correct deficiencies prior to the convoy line up. This ensures all personnel are ready for the final inspection conducted by the convoy commander and NCOIC. Pre-combat checks require the most time and are completed by vehicle commanders. It is essential for commanders to allow vehicle crews maximum amounts of time to prepare, load, and brief individual crews. This long preparation phase works very well. The PCI is the final check before entering hostile conditions. The convoy commander and NCOIC tackle this task together. The command team visually inspects all vehicles and questions each member of the convoy. For instance, the convoy commander's questions focus on the mission, use of battle drills, and weapons orientation. The NCOIC should be checking for safety, proper weapons loading/clearing procedures, and MEDEVAC procedures. The convoy commander can adjust sectors of fire and reiterate proper scanning techniques. This inspection should take several minutes per vehicle and allow for necessary corrections. If any deficiencies are noted, they need to be corrected immediately. The mission focus of each and every soldier should be on the current mission. Leader involvement at various phases needs to stress the importance of the mission. Every soldier is a gunner and another pair of eyes scanning an assigned sector. Special Skills Medical and maintenance personnel and equipment are valuable assets during the convoy. These combat multipliers need special consideration in their disbursement and utilization. Many problems can be avoided by conducting a thorough mission analysis prior to movement. During a medical or maintenance stop, a few minutes saved can be the difference between life and death. Evaluating the problem and properly executing battle drills are critical in these situations. Strong subject matter experts should be paired (rank should not be the only factor for pairing) with assistants who can facilitate the situation. Subject matter expert pairing, by name, should be carefully considered during the planning phase. A medical or maintenance emergency can turn from bad to worse by incorrectly evaluating the situation. The intricacies of a MEDEVAC request can mean the difference between life and death. Consideration for security, combat lifesaver usage, and subsequently handling killed in actions (KIAs) are paramount during this highly stressful time. Units should conduct nine-line MEDEVAC training with helicopter support. Encourage participation from all convoy elements. This should first be trained at section level and progress to an entire convoy element. A security truck should be assigned to the field ambulance or casualty evacuation vehicle when moving through the stopped convoy's herringbone formation. Do not speed through the center of the convoy. The convoy commander or NCOIC should help facilitate extra litter bearers and the security for the landing zone/pickup zone (LZ/PZ). Helicopters are going to land on the flattest surface possible, which will most likely be the road. A hasty IED sweep should be conducted in and around the LZ/PZ and flank security should be established as necessary. Ensure the LZ/PZ is far enough from the kill sack as not to endanger the helicopter. Extract the casualty from the truck and begin to evaluate on a flat surface. The combat lifesaver or medic on the scene will have to transport the casualties to a safe location away from the kill sack to establish a safe area to conduct medical evaluation and aid. These techniques are proven effective; however, they will continue to evolve. The ability to adapt and continue to improve convoy operations will help keep soldiers and equipment safe and able to carry on your mission. Constant evaluation and refinement of the enemy's situation is critical to overall mission success. The enemy is always evolving and adapting and we must as well. CONVOY SECURITY OPERATIONS There are several different threats that the enemy poses in Iraq. These include small-scale ambushes against patrols, direct and indirect fire against fixed sites, and terrorist-type attacks with either suicide bombers or other asymmetric avenues designed to not only inflict casualties but to draw media attention. Regardless of his methods, one thing to keep in mind about the enemy we lace in Iraq is that he is a guerrilla fighter. As such he tends to attack perceived weakness. If Soldiers present a disciplined and unified front, they are far less likely to be attacked than if they are perceived as lackadaisical or ill-disciplined. Especially in convoy security operations, following certain principles in planning and enforcing discipline will lead to mission success. Given the environment in Iraq, convoys should simply be considered combat patrols with the same pre-combat inspections and rehearsals. For simplicity, I have organized the lessons learned into three different phases: preparation, execution, and recovery. Preparation Order of March. There are several basic principles to determine vehicle order of march. If required, your convoy should be divided into three different sections: a security element, cargo vehicles, and recovery assets. You must have security elements evenly distributed throughout the convoy because on today's asymmetric battlefield a convoy is as likely to be attacked from the flank or the rear as the front. To combat this you must intersperse dedicated security vehicles that carry crew-served weapons (CSWs). When deploying your security elements, it is important to remember that these guntrucks should always work in pairs or sections: this enables one vehicle to cover another and makes them less susceptible to the effect of an improvised explosive device (IED) or rocketpropelled grenade (RPG) attack. Security elements are necessary to prevent civilian vehicles from entering your convoy. In the event of a halt or an attack, these vehicles stop traffic and seal off the front and rear of the convoy. A large cargo vehicle is a poor choice for this job as it is not very maneuverable. However, if it is necessary to use one because of limited vehicles, use it at the front. A cargo vehicle carrying a CSW in the rear requires the truck commander (TC) to face towards the rear, limiting his ability to control the vehicle (very early in the deployment this contributed to a vehicular accident in my company). The recovery assets should always be towards the rear of the convoy, as it is much simpler to pull these vehicles forward to a disabled vehicle than to turn them around (twice) to retrieve one. Command and Control. Having divided the convoy into three separate parts --security, cargo vehicles, and recovery assets--the convoy commander must designate responsible leaders for each section. This will enable the commander to maintain a proper span of control. If there are a large number of cargo vehicles, the convoy commander should divide the cargo vehicles into chalks and designate chalk leaders. However, it is usually simpler to have the separate chalk leaders report directly to the convoy commander rather than a designated leader for the chalk leaders. As for placement of the command and control (C2) vehicle, this is up to the convoy commander and largely dictated by METT-TC (mission, enemy, terrain, troops, time, civilians). It is a poor choice for a convoy commander to be the lead vehicle, however, because that TC must be focused forward for navigation and to observe threats, which would not allow the TC to focus on the rest of the convoy. Vehicle Load Plans. These should be standardized across the convoy, as much as is practical, in order to enable Soldiers from any vehicle to very quickly know where something is stored on another vehicle. Also, once it becomes routine, Soldiers on the vehicle can quickly locate critical equipment such as a combat lifesaver (CLS) bag, without wasting time searching for it. At a minimum, each vehicle should carry several different classes of supply: CL I (food and water), CL III (usually in fuel cans), CL V (ensuring there is amino for each of the weapons on the vehicle), and CL VIII (our unit took an amino can and filled it with CLS kit supplies, then painted it white with a red cross). Some other useful CL V items to carry are thermite grenades, smoke, and pyro. On each of our HMMWVs my company also had a tow rope already attached and tied to the front, which could quickly be cut loose if required. However, this method should only be used for quick recovery to a more secure location, towbars being the best method of recovery. In the convoy there should be at least one towbar for each type of vehicle (it is good to keep in mind which towbars will work with each vehicle, e.g. a HMWWV towbar will not work on a HEMMT). Also, you must have two of each type of vehicle or an additional recovery vehicle. For example, if you bring only one 5-ton, Murphy's Law guarantees that will be the vehicle that becomes non-mission capable. Lastly, any important items that are required for the mission should be cross-loaded on as many vehicles as possible to allow for flexibility. If you put all of the items on one vehicle, see above reference to Murphy's Law. Mission Brief. This is simply an operations order (OPORD). Anything less than this will endanger your Soldiers. We developed a template for all convoy commanders in the company to use to ensure all necessary portions were discussed. Whatever format your unit develops, it should cover all aspects of an OPORD as well as a few peculiar to convoy security missions. Every convoy must have a brief prior to leaving the base. Every person who will participate in the convoy must attend the brief. At every brief the convoy commander should discuss the battle drills for react to contact. Even though your Soldiers may have heard these battle drills hundreds of times, it is necessary to repeat them since there is always the possibility of another unit in your convoy or new Soldiers, and everyone must understand the actions he must take. The convoy commander must also discuss common convoy information, such as route, speed, distance between vehicles, communication plan, designated aid vehicle, recovery vehicle, location of tow bars, identify CSW vehicles, order of march, and correct passenger and vehicle count. This last part is critically important, especially if the convoy makes any type of contact with the enemy. In addition to templated areas of heavy enemy activity, the convoy commander should also review recent enemy TTPs and enemy contacts within the last 72 hours. During our deployment, the enemy would adopt certain techniques until they were no longer effective and would then switch to something new. Lastly, the convoy commander must identify all nonmilitary who might be with the convoy such as civilian contractors, other government agencies (OGA) personnel, or VIPs and be cognizant of their location. Rehearsals. This is a step that is very important for complicated or dangerous routes, and it is the last chance for leaders to emphasize their plan. Rehearsals can be as detailed as the time allows or the mission dictates. Our rehearsals for the road march to Kuwait took two days. For a well-trained unit, full-scale rehearsals for a simple convoy may not be necessary, but at a minimum all vehicles must make a radio check and verify the route. Inspections. This is an absolutely crucial step for any unit regardless of its level of experience. Without proper inspections Soldiers may be heading out of the forward operating base (FOB) with broken equipment or without the equipment they need to execute the mission. It is the leader's responsibility to ensure the unit is capable of conducting its mission, and a pre-combat inspection (PCI) is the best way. My old brigade command sergeant major had a favorite saying: "Don't expect what you don't inspect." It is absolutely true. Execution Own the Road. While deployed in a combat zone, the convoy commander is responsible for the conduct of his convoy. It is important not to frustrate the civilian population by driving aggressively without cause. This only upsets the delicate balance of maintaining influence over the civilian population and may facilitate the enemy. There is, however, a priority to protect American troops, even at the cost of traffic delays and civilian inconvenience. Guntruck HMMWVs can quickly shut down all traffic on the road if necessary. Even if there is no enemy contact and the convoy stops because a vehicle has broken down, there is still a danger posed by passing traffic. By blocking off the road (or at least your side of it), you reduce these risks greatly. In Iraq, if you stop on a four-lane divided highway (which is the most common road for convoys), traffic will often jump to the other side of the road and effectively create a new lane on the opposite side of the highway. The trucks serve as shields in this formation, providing protection for others nearby. It is essentially the same as when pioneers circled their wagons. We left a passage down the middle of the formation to allow security and command vehicles to move back and forth. Know the Route. This is another example of what sounds like common sense, but if it is not emphasized Soldiers will sometimes neglect it. There is a significant amount of intelligence built up on each of the major convoy routes in Iraq, and it is more often than not easy to predict where the enemy will strike. Certain stretches of the main supply routes (MSRs) look like moonscapes from all of the IEDs that have exploded on them. With this in mind, it is a good idea for leaders in the convoy to know the likely areas for enemy activity, and to have a plan on how to react if the convoy is attacked in that vicinity. In this case, communication is often the key. Particularly if you are traveling out of your area of operation, it is extremely important to know all frequencies and call signs of the units who are along the route. Some portions of the route are served by aerial relays and a nonsecure net where a convoy can call for assistance. The best method is to contact the unit who owns the territory directly if assistance is required. The SOP in my company was to have the units, call signs, and frequencies along common routes laminated and posted in front of the vehicle commander's seat. Use Caution and Common Sense. There are a few techniques that Soldiers must use to better protect themselves while providing security for convoys. One way is by staying down in HMWWV gun turrets. The bottom line is that on a convoy, the enemy is most likely to strike first. Given this, Soldiers must protect themselves against first contact. The common catch-phrase was that Soldiers should be in name-tag defilade, meaning only the top part of the torso and head are exposed. Being low in the turret helps Soldiers to avoid some of the blast and shrapnel from an explosion, and presents less of a target to a sniper. Leaders must continually emphasize this. Another technique that all vehicles in a convoy use is dispersion. This is the main defense against a suicide bomber or car bomb. Having proper intervals between vehicles not only ensures that only one vehicle will be impacted by an explosion, but it also presents a much less inviting target, and one that the enemy will be less prone to attack. After enough time in a combat zone, Soldiers often develop somewhat of a sixth sense. The rule of thumb is that if something looks wrong, it probably is wrong. If you know that normally at 2000 hours a certain street is packed with civilians walking up and down, and tonight you only see a few dogs running around, exercise caution. It may end up being nothing, but experience in a combat zone will tend to give you a "little voice" that may end up saving you or some of your men. Don't be afraid to slow down the convoy or take an alternate route if something seems amiss. An excellent example of what can go wrong when you do not notice details was a mine strike in our sector from a transportation unit. The enemy had buried an anti-tank mine in the middle of the freeway under a pile of sand. The first five vehicles drove around the suspicious pile, but the sixth vehicle ran over the top of it. React to Contact. It is important for everyone you are traveling with to know and understand the battle drills that your unit will conduct upon contact. Every situation is different, but invariably certain principles can be applied that guide quick action. Some of the primary contingencies that a convoy will encounter in Iraq are react to an IED, react to small arms fire/RPG, suicide bombers (on foot or in a vehicle), vehicle breakdown procedures, and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC). Once security is established, CASEVAC and recovery operations are conducted. It is important that Soldiers know and understand the battle drills so everyone can react in the same way if the situation arises. In the event of a convoy with mixed units, it is even more important for the convoy commander to cover and rehearse SOPs and battle drills prior to the convoy mission. Recovery Equipment. Following a successful mission, the tendency in undisciplined units is to head to the nearest PX, dining facility, or Internet cafe. However, a proper recovery of equipment is what will enable a unit to accomplish its mission the next time. Any mechanical malfunctions on a vehicle should be annotated and fixed as soon as possible. Weapons of all types, but especially mounted machine guns, will accumulate a lot of dust and should be cleaned after every mission. Magazine maintenance becomes important too, because after a week or two of patrolling most magazines on M-4s or M-9s will start to foul and cause jams. The only way to prevent this is to take them apart and blow the dust out every week. After Action Reviews (AARs). The threat in Iraq is a thinking, learning, and adapting enemy. We must therefore constantly learn and adapt as well. The best way to do so is to conduct frequent and thorough AARs. I understand that most Soldiers picture an AAR as sitting in an air-conditioned trailer listening to the observer/controller explain through PowerPoint slides why everybody got killed again, but it can be something as simple as the squad leader talking to his Soldiers and then backbriefing his lieutenant or platoon sergeant. There are a number of trends that come and go, and convoys that head out briefed up on the latest events are much more prepared than others who remain ignorant. Also, Soldiers discover TTPs that are effective in countering enemy techniques, and without the process of an AAR spreading these TTPs throughout the company and task force could prove difficult. Rest Plan. Too often in combat it can seem as though there is a nonstop cycle of critical missions. Soldiers must not undertake long convoys with little or no sleep. This can sometimes be as dangerous as driving into an ambush. Even the most motivated, best led, and highly disciplined Soldiers will make mistakes and have trouble completing simple tasks after long hours with no sleep. On a convoy, the danger is elevated since not only the enemy but vehicle accidents can cause casualties. Leaders need to compare the need for the operation to the risk, and make an informed decision from that assessment. Junior leaders must be involved in this process as well, since they are the ones who know whether the driver came in off from a patrol at 0200, or is fresh and ready for action. On long cross-country convoys, leaders must use the same principles and determine whether it is worthwhile for the convoy to press on to the next FOB or halt at the current one and allow Soldiers to sleep. The key is to avoid unnecessary risk. Conclusion Traveling along routes that the enemy knows you will take is always hazardous. American Soldiers face that danger every day as they convoy along supply routes in Iraq. Infantrymen assigned to provide security for these convoys have a difficult mission, but one that can be less so given a few precautions and training. Although the circumstances change from convoy to convoy, the basic principles do not. By following these principles, infantrymen can ensure the success of these missions. Some field manuals that cover convoy security are FM 3-21.91 (Tactical Employment of Anti-Armor Platoons and Companies) and FM 3-20.90 (Tank and Cavalry HHC and HHT). Understand that it is a learning enemy we face in Iraq; as he changes techniques so must we. Changing our patterns and methods of operation routinely allows us to maintain the tactical initiative, which contributes directly to achieving our operational objectives. For the basic parts of a convoy security mission, preparation and planning, accountability, battle drills, and recovery, it is not so much the particular system that matters, just the fact that a system exists and is followed by all the Soldiers and leaders. CONVOY DEFENSE TECHNIQUES Artillery Or Indirect Fire Enemy artillery units or indirect fire weapons may be used to destroy logistical convoys or to harass and interdict the forward movement of supply and personnel. a. Active Defense. Active defense measures against artillery are extremely limited but must not be overlooked. Active measures include-• Directing counterbattery fire if the direction and approximate distance to the enemy artillery can be estimated. • Directing fire against the enemy FOO if he can be located. • Coordinating airstrikes against the enemy artillery. b. Passive Defense. The formation in which the convoy moves can be a type of passive defense. • The convoy (escort) commander has three options when confronted with incoming artillery rounds: halt in place, continue to advance, or disperse quickly to concealed positions. Regardless of the option selected, the actions should be taken and the signal directing the action should be covered in SOP’s. The primary consideration is the immediate departure from the impact area. • The convoy should only be halted when artillery concentration is ahead of the convoy. The convoy commander should look for an alternate route around the impact area and the convoy should remain prepared to move out rapidly. • The mission or terrain may require the convoy to continue. If this is the case, increase speed and spread out to the maximum extent the terrain will allow. Casualties can be reduced by: avoiding the impact area, increasing speed, wearing protective equipment, using the vehicle for protection, and increasing dispersion. Sniper Fire Take extreme caution when sniper fire is received to ensure that any return fire does not harm friendly troops or civilians in the area. The best actions are passive. Ensure all personnel wear helmets and available body armour at all times. All vehicles should move through the area without stopping. Escort personnel should notify the convoy commander by giving a pre-arranged signal, like a smoke grenade, thrown in the direction of fire, and attempt to locate and destroy the sniper by long range fire if in a free-fire area. NOTE: Convoy personnel should be aware that a heavy volume of fire is frequently used by enemy/belligerents to slow down a convoy before an ambush. Remember all details so the incident can be reported to higher HQ. Ambush This paragraph gives guidance in developing and employing counter-ambush tactics and techniques. The very nature of an ambush—a surprise attack from a concealed position—places the convoy at a disadvantage. Combat situation may prevent a convoy from from taking all the measures necessary to avoid being ambushed. Therefore, c convoy must take all possible measures to reduce its vulnerability. These are passive measure supplemented active measure to destroy or escape from an ambush. No single defensive measure, or combination of measures will prevent or effectively counter all ambushes in a situation. The effectiveness of counter ambush measures is directly related to the state of training of troops and the abilities of their leaders. The best defense is to avoid being ambushed. Take the following actions to avoid an ambush: • • • • • • • Select the best route for the convoy. Make a detailed map reconnaissance. Make an aerial reconnaissance. Obtain current intelligence information. Use OPSEC to deny the enemy foreknowledge of the convoy. Do not present a profitable target. Never schedule routine times or routes. Take the following precautions to reduce the effectiveness of ambushes: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Harden MSE. Cover loads. Space prime targets throughout the convoy. Wear protective clothing. Use assistant drivers Use pre-arranged signals to warn the convoy of an ambush. Thoroughly brief all convoy personnel on immediate action drills. Practice IA’s. Maintain intervals between vehicles. Move through the kill zone, if possible. Stop short of the ambush. Do not block the road. Rapidly respond to orders. Aggressively return fire. Conduct a counter attack (escort). Call for air / artillery support. Call for the QRF. In the event of ambush during night convoy operations under blackout drive, turn on service lights and increase speed to clear the ambush area. Be aware that drivers using night vision equipment will be temporary blinded when service drive lights are turned on. in a single kill zone. This is due to extensive road space occupied by even a platoon size convoy and because security or lack of available forces may limit the size of the ambushing force. More often, a part of the convoy is ambushed – either the head, tail or section of the main body. That part of the convoy that is in the kill zone and receiving fire must exit the kill zone as quickly as possible if the road to the front is open. Vehicles disabled by enemy fire are left behind or, if blocking the road, pushed out of the way by following vehicles. Escort vehicles must not block convoy vehicles by halting in the traveled portion of the road to return fire. Vehicles that have not entered the kill zone must not attempt to do so. They should stop and personnel should dismount, take up a good defensive position, and await instructions. Since escort vehicles may have left the road to attempt to overrun a hostile position, elements of the convoy should not fire on suspected enemy position without coordinating with the escort. Other actions that convoy personnel can take to neutralize the ambush force include: a. Road Not Blocked. Guerillas are seldom able to contain an entire convoy • Call for artillery fire on enemy positions. • Call for tactical air assets to fore on the enemy. • Direct escort vehicles to lay down a heavy volume of fire on the ambush force. • Call for the QRF. • Direct all non-driving personnel to place a heavy volume of fire on enemy forces as rapidly as possible as vehicles move out of the kill zone. NOTE: Vehicles must keep their distance to reduce the number of vehicles in the kill zone. An MSE convoy with a limited escort is seldom able to defeat a hostile force and should not attempt to do so. When part of the convoy is isolated in the kill zone, vehicles that have not entered the ambush area must not attempt to do so. They should stop; personnel should dismount, take up good defensive positions, and await instruction until the escort has cleared the ambush. b. Road Blocked. When an element of a convoy is halted in the kill zone and is unable to proceed because of disabled vehicles, a damaged bridge, or other obstacle, personnel will dismount, take cover, and return a maximum volume of fire on enemy positions. When dismounting, exit the vehicle away from the direction of enemy fire. Security / escort troops from vehicles that have passed through the ambush area dismount and lay down a base of fire on the ambush position. Reaction forces should be called in as soon as the ambush attack is launched. Normally the escort will take action to neutralize the ambush while the convoy escapes from the kill zone. In an ambush situation, immediate reaction and aggressive leadership are essential to limit casualties and damage to vehicles, cargo, and personnel. If immediate air or artillery support is available, personnel will be restricted to a specified distance from the road to avoid casualties from friendly fire. In this situation, personnel in the kill zone establish a base of fire, while others take up defensive positions away from their vehicles and wait while supporting fire is called on the enemy positions. Fire in the kill zone may be from only one side of the road with a small holding force on the opposite side. To contain the convoy element in the kill zone, mines and booby traps are frequently placed on the holding force side. The escort must take care in assaulting the main ambush forces as mines and booby traps are commonly used to protect its flanks. When the enemy is dislodged, the road must be cleared and convoy movement resumed as soon as possible. Wounded personnel are evacuated using the fastest possible mode. When disabled vehicles cannot be towed, their cargo should be distributed among other vehicles if time permits. When it is not feasible to evacuate vehicles and/or cargo, they will be destroyed upon order from the convoy commander. If at all possible, radios and other critical items will be recovered before the vehicles are destroyed. Under no circumstances will they be allowed to fall into enemy hands. c. Mines and Booby Traps. Mines and booby traps are frequently part of an ambush. Command-detonated mines are often used to start an ambush. Mines will also be planted along the shoulder of the road for harassment and interdiction. A booby trap system may be used against personnel in vehicles and could consist of hand grenades. Claymore mines or artillery shells may be suspended from trees and command-detonated when a vehicle passes. The following guidelines have proven effective in decreasing damage by mines in convoy operations: • Track the vehicle in front. • Avoid driving on the shoulder. • Whenever possible, do not run over foreign objects, brush, or grass in the road. • Avoid fresh earth on the road. • Watch local traffic and the reactions of people on foot. (They will frequently give away the location of any mines or booby traps.) • When possible, arrange for the engineers to sweep the road immediately before the convoy is scheduled to move over it. • Harden MSE. • Wear protective equipment. VEHICLE AND CONVOY SECURITY PREPARATION As with all activities, prior preparation will aid greatly in the conduct and success of a task. Most convoy tasks are relatively straightforward but this does not excuse a lack of thoughtful preparation. As with all security related matters, organisations should develop simple SOPs regarding the conduct of convoys and by doing so they will become naturally ingrained into the consciousness of the staff, improving their overall security and better enabling the organisations aims to be achieved. Serviceability Ensure that the vehicles are correctly serviced and maintained. It should be the responsibility of the Logistician to ensure that all vehicles are serviced regularly as per manufacturers specs or more frequently in harsher conditions of use / climate. Ultimately, however, it is the driver of the day who is responsible for the vehicle and s/he must satisfy themselves that the vehicle is ready for its intended use prior to departure. Loading Overloading of vehicles is a major cause of not only premature wear and failure of vehicle parts but also of accidents. All trucks and 4x4s bear decals declaring the maximum weight they can carry. This should not be exceeded. Remember that some rather clever engineers designed the vehicle ……. who are you to dispute their calculations? Also note that roof racks and their cargo count towards this total weight and that any cargo on them must be aerodynamically positioned and securely tied down. Sound obvious? Trust me ….. it isn't to everyone! Stationary Physical Security The driver should ensure that all doors are locked and that nothing can be removed from the vehicle easily. It is even worth the while of the Logistician to super-glue light and indicator covers into position as even the smallest things can be construed as valuable to someone who has nothing. Windows should never be left down far enough to allow someone to reach inside and effort should be maintained to keep curious passers by from sticking their heads in through the windows. Trucks should employ at least one security guard to ride in the back with the cargo, particularly if the vehicle is travelling alone. Planning the Route Particularly in regions where armed banditry, or anything else threatening the roads is a concern, thorough planning of the route and alternate routes available can alieviate potential delays and help to minimize the effect of hazards. When planning, obtain the best up to date maps of the region you will be travelling through then take it to someone (preferably another aid worker as a local could pass on your intentions to others) who has passed along those roads often. Maps can be deceiving! A red line might mean Autobahn in Germany, but in the DRC it means a muddy track 2m wide and with often deeper potholes! Identify the primary route then identify any practical secondary routes that can be taken to bypass any and all portions of the primary route. Ensure that all drivers are aware of these secondary routes and know how to identify them on the ground. If time and resources permit a thorough reconnaissance of all potential routes should be made. Communications At least one vehicle, the convoy leader, must be equipped with radio communications. Remember that VHF is "line of sight" so it will not work well in hilly terrain although it remains the best option for vehicles travelling in a convoy. HF, such as provided by CODAN radios, is a far better option for vehicles distant from the home base and, as such, at least one vehicle should be so equipped. If there are a limited number of radios to go around then they should be distributed first to the convoy leader, then the last vehicle then the centre vehicle and so on. For the benefit of those vehicles that do not have radios, a basic set of signals should be developed and practiced before departure. These can be hand signals, flashing lights (headlights/tail lights/torch) or using flags. The signals should be very basic and very limited and one of them should definitely be "DANGER". Briefing Prior to departure, the convoy leader should fully brief everyone who is travelling with the convoy. The briefing should include the terrain and routes, expected weather and potential threats to security. Signals should be rehearsed and SOPs taught / revised. Try to envisage everything that can go wrong or affect the conduct of the convoy. Breakdowns, flooded rivers, ambush, border delays, lunch breaks etc and come up with a brief plan on what to do in such situations. It is best if each mini-plan is as similar (if not identical) to the other mini-plans so that your drivers are confident they know what to do when situations arise. CONDUCT Having now fully prepared the vehicles and fully briefed the drivers you are ready to go and cruise along admiring the wildlife and marvelling at the alien terrain. Wrong! Convoys hardly ever go completely right. Managing a long line of trucks, most of them without radios (and your not being able to speak the language of the drivers anyway) through all sorts of hazards and obstacles is a multi-tasking nightmare. Much worse if you think someone might want to take a shot at you. Try to visualise your convoy as a knotted piece of string. Each knot should be a standard distance apart and that is how your convoy should look from the air. Keeping the string taught and moving is your job. Be flexible and be alert and try not to lose your cool ----- it won't impress the locals at all! Speed Never drive faster than your drivers and your own abilities, the capabilities of the vehicles (taking into account loaded weights, condition of tyres/brakes etc) or the conditions road surface and weather allow. It is of great benefit to contact a 4x4 club in your home country before departing on mission to ask about driver training. Handling a Ford Escort on the Freeway is a hell of a lot different to making good time in a Landcruiser along a dusty, potholed track. When conducting a convoy, remember to set a pace that allows the convoy to stay together. Crossing a stream will slow down each and every vehicle so, until the last vehicle reports that it is clear of the obstacle, the convoy leader must maintain that same slow crawling pace. Spacing Vehicles should never stop so close to another vehicle that they cannot pull out and pass it in an emergency. When halted, the distance between vehicles will very much depend on the terrain and perceived security risk and the resources available to protect the vehicles. On the move, again, the terrain and perceived security risk will determine the spacing. Each truck should keep visual contact with the vehicle ahead, although this can be impossible in dusty conditions. (Now, how do you avoid collisions?) Keep in mind that points along the route that are natural bottlenecks or obstacles and cause vehicles to close up to one another are the perfect ambush sites. In insecure environments it is vital to impress upon your drivers that they must stop well back and wait for the vehicle in front to clear the obstacle before they approach it. Ambush Should one or more of your vehicles come under fire then the reaction of the drivers must be instinctive. Those caught in the line of fire should "push the peddle to the metal" and attempt to break the land speed record getting out of danger. Forget all previous notes about loads and speeds - bullets do more than hurt! The vehicles ahead, usually including the Convoy Leader, should identify a safe place to stop together and await any vehicles that make it through the ambush. Vehicles behind the ambush site should stop and move back to the last vehicle. In order to complete their journey they will now have to use one of those alternate routes you carefully planned for. Sadly, without an Armed Escort or other military response on hand, there is little to nothing that can be done for your people in the ambush. NO ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE TO GO BACK. This only has the potential to add to the casualties. Once the shooting has stopped doesn't mean it is safe. It will not be safe until the hostile forces have been defeated or have withdrawn and that may be some time if they are looting your vehicles. Armed Escorts Should you be in a position to receive the assistance of an armed escort, from UN Peacekeepers etc, then responsibility for the conduct of the convoy as a whole should pass to the Escort Commander. It is now his job to get you through and, if someone has decided you need such an escort, it is advisable you listen very closely and do as he says. A Convoy Escort is no guarantee that your vehicles will not be attacked. If a hostile force wants to destroy one or more of your vehicles, they will! All the escort can do is return fire and provide a deterrent against future attacks. Do not relax on such journeys, remain vigilant as the threat against you is obviously at its highest.