Nearest safe haven (near and far side) _____________________________________________
Nearest friendly unit (near and far side) _____________________________________________
Convoy Escort
The platoon may perform a convoy escort mission either independently or as part of a larger unit’s convoy security mission. The convoy escort mission requires that the platoon provide the convoy with limited close-in protection from direct small-arms fire. Vehicles include military CSS and C2 vehicles and civilian trucks and buses. Leaders must carefully evaluate the enemy before assigning a convoy escort mission to platoon-size elements.
Command and Control
Because of the task organization of the convoy escort mission, C2 is especially critical. The relationship between the platoon and the convoy commander must provide unity of command and effort if combat operations are required during the course of the mission. In most cases, the platoon will execute the escort mission under the control of the security force commander, who is usually under the operational control (OPCON) of—or attached to—the convoy commander. It is vital that the convoy commander issues a complete operation order (OPORD) to all convoy vehicle commanders before executing the mission because the convoy may itself be task-organized from a variety of units and some vehicles may not have tactical radios. Ensure all immediate action drills are covered and rehearsed.
Convoy Security Operations
Tactical Disposition. During all escort missions, the convoy security commander and platoon leader must establish and maintain security in every direction. Several factors, including convoy size, affect this disposition. The key consideration is whether the platoon is operating as part of a larger escort force or is executing the escort mission independently. Additional METT-TC considerations include the employment of rifle squads during the mission and whether fire teams ride in escorted vehicles.
Actions on Contact. As the convoy moves to its new location, the enemy may attempt to harass or destroy it. This contact usually will occur in the form of an ambush, often with the use of a hastily prepared obstacle. The safety of the convoy rests on the speed and effectiveness with which escort elements can execute appropriate actions on contact. Based on the factors of METT-TC, portions of the convoy security force such as the platoon may be designated as a reaction force. The reaction force performs its escort duties, conducts tactical movement, or occupies an AA (as required) until enemy contact occurs and the convoy commander gives it a reaction mission.
Actions at an Ambush. An ambush is one of the more effective ways to interdict a convoy. Reaction to an ambush must be immediate, overwhelming, and decisive. Actions on contact must be planned for and rehearsed so they can be executed quickly.
Actions at an Obstacle. Obstacles are a major impediment to convoys. The purpose of reconnaissance ahead of a convoy is to identify obstacles and either breach them or find bypasses. In some cases the enemy or its obstacles may avoid detection by the reconnaissance element.
Actions during Halts. During a short halt, the convoy escort remains alert for possible enemy activity. If the halt is for any reason other than an obstacle, the convoy will be halted for an extended period of time. If this is the case, the element must move into a security formation such as a herringbone (be aware of mines on the edges of the road), and tactical support and security vehicles will move into a security and ready posture. This activity needs to be rehearsed prior to the convoy’s departure.
CHECKPOINTS, ROADBLOCKS, AND OBSERVATION POSTS
Construction and manning of checkpoints, roadblocks, and observation posts (OPs) are high-frequency tasks for an infantry company and subordinate elements when they must establish area security during stability operations.
Checkpoint. A checkpoint is a predetermined point used as a means of controlling movement, such as a place where military police check vehicular or pedestrian traffic to enforce circulation control measures and other laws, orders, and regulations.
Roadblock. A roadblock is used to limit the movement of vehicles along a route or to close access to certain areas or roads. Checkpoints and roadblocks can be either deliberate or hasty, the primary difference being the extent of planning and preparation conducted by the establishing force.
Observation Post. An observation post is a position from which military observations are made or fire is directed and adjusted, and which has appropriate communications. OPs are both overt (conspicuously visible, unlike their tactical counterparts) and deliberately constructed. They are similar in construction to bunkers and are supported by fighting positions, barriers, and patrols.
The platoon may be directed to establish a checkpoint, roadblock, or OP for the following reasons:
•Show a military presence to all parties and to the population in the area.
•Survey all activity in the terrain, along roads, and in inhabited areas.
•Check and/or inspect and register all personnel and vehicles in and out of the controlled area.
•Survey airspace, coastal areas, airfields, ceasefire lines, and borders.
•Deter illegal movement.
•Create an instant roadblock.
•Control movement into the AOs or on a specific route.
•Prevent smuggling of contraband.
•Enforce the terms of peace agreements.
•Ensure proper use of routes by both civilian and military vehicles.
Planning and Establishing
The layout, construction, and manning of checkpoints, roadblocks, and OPs should reflect the factors of METT-TC, especially the time available for emplacing them. The layout of deliberate checkpoints can be found in various battle books. The following procedures and considerations may apply:
1.Position the checkpoint or roadblock where it is visible and where traffic cannot turn back, get off the road, or bypass without being observed.
2.Position a combat vehicle (up-armored HUMVEE with a mounted machine gun or MK19) off the road, but within sight, to deter resistance to soldiers manning the checkpoint. The vehicle should be in a defensive position and protected by local security. It must be able to engage vehicles attempting to break through or bypass the checkpoint.
3.If combat vehicles are not available, place M240B machine-gun defensive positions in locations to cover and engage vehicles attempting to break through or bypass the checkpoint.
4.Place obstacles in the road to slow or canalize traffic into the search area.
5.Establish a reserve.
6.Establish wire communications in the checkpoint area to connect the checkpoint bunker, the combat vehicle, the search area, security forces, the rest area, and any other elements involved in the operation.
7.Designate the search area. If possible, it should be below ground to provide protection against such incidents as the explosion of a booby-trapped vehicle. Establish a parking area adjacent to the search area.
8.If applicable, checkpoint personnel should include linguists and women soldiers in case indigenous women need to be searched.
9.Establish an early warning system around the perimeter of the OP (trip flares, empty cans, dry branches, etc.).
10.Prepare shelters and defensive positions.
Manning Observation Posts and Checkpoints
When manning OPs and checkpoints, proper order and a systematic approach must be emphasized. Personnel must behave so that no misunderstanding occurs. The personnel manning the checkpoint must be in complete control of the surrounding terrain.