Three primary ground vehicles are used to support FARP operations. They are the M978 HEMTT tanker, the M977 HEMTT cargo vehicle, and the M989A1 HEMAT. Efficient loading of these vehicles will facilitate smooth operations and help ensure adequate support for the mission.
J-58. HEAVY EXPANDED MOBILITY TACTICAL TRUCK, TANKER
The HEMTT tanker can carry 2,500 gallons, of which 2,250 gallons are usable. When paired with the HTARS, the HEMTT tanker can simultaneously refuel four aircraft. Figures J-29a and 29b show the front and rear views of the M978 HEMTT tanker.
J-59. HEAVY EXPANDED MOBILITY TACTICAL TRUCK, CARGO VEHICLE
The HEMTT cargo vehicle is equipped with a materiel-handling crane with a 2,500-pound load capacity at a 19-foot boom radius. The 18-foot cargo body can carry 22,000 pounds. When carrying ammunition, this truck will cube out before it weighs out. Figure J-30 shows the front and rear views of the M977 HEMTT cargo vehicle.
J-60. HEAVY EXPANDED MOBILITY AMMUNITION TRAILER
The HEMTT is the prime mover for the HEMAT. The HEMAT can carry 22,000 pounds. Figure J-31 and Figure J-32 show the M989A1 HEMAT. Figure J-33, Figure J-34, and Figure J-35 show suggested load plans.
Figure J-29a. M978 HEMTT tanker
Figure J-29b. M978 HEMT tanker
Figure J-30. M977 HEMTT cargo vehicle
Figure J-31. M989A1 HEMAT
Figure J-32. Dimensions of the M989A1 HEMAT
ITEM |
QUANTITY |
APPROXIMATE |
30mm pallet |
2 |
7,472 |
Hellfire pallet |
4 |
6,996 |
TOTAL WEIGHT |
14,468 |
|
Figure J-33. Suggested ammunition load plan 1 |
ITEM |
QUANTITY |
APPROXIMATE |
Hydra-70 pallet |
2 |
5,032 |
Hellfire pallet |
3 |
5,245 |
TOTAL WEIGHT |
10,279 |
|
Figure J-34. Suggested ammunition load plan 2 |
ITEM |
QUANTITY |
APPROXIMATE |
Hellfire pallet |
2 |
3,498 |
30mm pallet |
2 |
7,472 |
Hydra-70 pallet |
2 |
5,032 |
TOTAL WEIGHT |
16,002 |
|
Figure J-35. Suggested ammunition load plan 3 |
SECTION XIII. Multiple FARP Operations
Army doctrine dictates that combat operations be conducted 24 hours a day in any weather. Therefore, FARP operations must be scheduled to provide around-the-clock support. The best way to provide support is to incorporate two or more FARPs in a planned sequence. A schedule that includes two or more FARPs ensures that one FARP is always active, reduces personnel fatigue, and facilitates efficient resupply.
J-61. MISSION
The mission is to deploy the FARP forward to support an attack. Two primary sites and their alternates are designated. The scheduled operational times for FARP A are 1400, 1900, and 2200. The scheduled operational times for FARP B are 1600, 2100, and 2400. The battalion will have a jump FARP on standby in the brigade support area (BSA); it will use the division rapid refueling point provided by the aviation support battalion (ASB) for administrative and rear operations.
J-62. SUGGESTED SCHEDULE
A suggested schedule for a FARP is shown in Table J-11. The assumption is that when the FARP is inactive a second FARP has become active. Using the same activity schedule, FARP B is deployed after FARP A. The schedule for FARP B shifts 2 hours; activities remain the same.
Table J-11. Suggested FARP schedule
TIME | ACTIVITY |
---|---|
INACTIVE PHASE | |
0800 | FARP A deploys forward to site 1. |
1000 | FARP A arrives at site 1, conducts NBC survey, and begins priority of work tasks. |
1200 | Priority of work tasks is completed. The NCOIC and the platoon leader or platoon sergeant reconnoiter the next site and the route to it. They also conduct a preliminary NBC reconnaissance. |
1300 | FARP setup begins; hoses and points are laid out. |
1345 | Fuel lines are charged. |
ACTIVE PHASE | |
1400 | Personnel perform FARP operations. |
INACTIVE PHASE | |
1500 | FARP operations at site 1 are completed; FARP site is taken down and movement to site 2 begins. |
1630 | FARP A arrives at site 2 where it is resupplied; personnel begin priority of work tasks. |
1830 | Priority of work tasks is completed; personnel reconnoiter the next day's FARP sites. |
ACTIVE PHASE | |
1900 | Personnel perform FARP operations. |
INACTIVE PHASE | |
2030 | First iteration of FARP operations is completed; personnel set up tents and tent camouflage. |
ACTIVE PHASE | |
2200 | Personnel perform FARP operations. |
INACTIVE PHASE | |
2330 | Second iteration is completed, security is posted, and the FARP rest plan begins. |
0630 | Personnel load the FARP equipment, eat, and perform personal hygiene. |
0800 | FARP A moves to that day's site 1. |
SECTION XIV. Forward Arming And Refueling Point Checklist
Table J-12. Forward Arming and Refueling Point Checklist
Check appropriate answer | ||
YES NO |
||
1. SAFETY EQUIPMENT |
||
a. Are fire extinguishers present, one for the pump assembly and one for each refueling nozzle? (FM 10-68, pages 4-4 and 4-5) |
____ ____ | |
b. Do fire extinguishers meet the requirements? (FM 10-68, page 4-4, Table 4-1) |
____ ____ | |
c. Is sufficient water available to wash fuel spills from personnel or to wet fuel-soaked clothing before removing the clothing? (FM 10-68, pages 7-11 and 9-2) |
____ ____ | |
d. Are POL handlers wearing protective clothing? (FM 10-68, page 9-2) |
____ ____ | |
e. Are explosion-proof flashlights available for night operations? (FM 10-68, page 7-5) |
____ ____ | |
f. Are NO SMOKING, DANGER, PASSENGER MARSHALING AREA, RESTRICTED AREA, ALARM, and EMERGENCY SHUTOFF signs posted? (FM 10-68, page 9-4) |
____ ____ | |
g. Are ignition sources collected outside the dispensing area? (FM 10-68, page 7-5) |
____ ____ | |
h. Are grounding rods being used at pump-filter separator locations and at each dispensing point nozzle? (FM 10-68, pages 4-7 and 4-9) |
____ ____ | |
i. Do the grounding rods conform to specifications? (FM 10-68, page 7-6) |
____ ____ | |
2. NOZZLES AND HOSES |
YES NO |
|
a. Does each nozzle have proper grounding cable and handling wire attached? (FM 10-68, page 4-9, Figure 4-4) |
____ ____ | |
b. Are both closed-circuit and open-port nozzles available for use? (FM 10-68, page 4-18) |
____ ____ | |
c. Are dust covers attached to the nozzle and are they used? (FM 10-68, page 4-14) |
____ ____ | |
d. Has the hose been tested at normal operating pressure with the nozzle closed? (FM 10-68, page 4-1) |
____ ____ | |
e. Is the dispensing hose long enough to allow minimum required distance between aircraft? (FM 10-68, page 4-22, Table 4-3) |
____ ____ | |
f. Do hoses show signs of blistering, saturation, nicks, or cuts? (FM 10-68, page 4-12) |
____ ____ | |
g. Are hose nozzle screens clean? (FM 10-68, page 4-13) |
____ ____ | |
h. Are the hoses configured in a curved pattern? (J-28 and Figure J-9) |
____ ____ | |
3. AIRCRAFT CONTROL AND EQUIPMENT |
YES NO | |
a. Is the parking area for each fuel dispensing point clearly marked? (FM 10-68, page 8-9) |
____ ____ | |
b. Is a trained air traffic controller or pathfinder available at each refueling site (nontactical environment)? (FM 10-68, page 4-13) |
____ ____ | |
c. Does the FARP have two-way radio communications with aircraft before and immediately after refueling (nontactical environment)? (FM 10-68, page 8-1) |
____ ____ | |
d. Is the refueling site equipped with a lighting system for night operations? (FM 10-68, page 8-9, and FM 10-69, page 9-2, Table 9-1) |
____ ____ | |
4. SITE PREPARATION |
YES NO | |
a. Is the size of the site adequate for the operation? (FM 10-68, page 4-5) |
____ ____ | |
b. Has the area been cleared of loose sticks, stones, and other debris that might cause FOD? (FM 10-68, page 4-7) |
____ ____ | |
c. Does the layout ensure proper spacing between aircraft refueling points? (FM 10-68, page 4-22) |
____ ____ | |
d. Are all pieces of equipment and materiel that can be camouflaged covered with appropriate camouflage? (FM 10-68, page 4-7) |
____ ____ | |
e. Are vehicles using one set or existing track marks to reduce the number of tracks? (page J-28) |
____ ____ | |
f. Have the selected FARP area and perimeter been secured? (page J-11) |
____ ____ | |
g. Are the vehicles emplaced to allow timely exit? (page J-30) |
____ ____ | |
h. Are proper and applicable FARP decoys set up? (page J-30) |
____ ____ | |
i. Are FARP assets dispersed appropriately? (page J-30) |
____ ____ | |
j. Does the setup of the FARP take advantage of local vegetation, terrain, and cover to provide concealment and protection? (page J-30) |
____ ____ | |
k. Does the setup of the FARP take advantage (if possible) of existing structures and buildings? (page J-30) |
____ ____ | |
5. BEFORE-REFUELING OPERATIONS |
YES NO | |
a. Are sufficient personnel assigned to the equipment-a fireguard, one person to operate the pump, and one person to operate each nozzle? (FM 10-68, page 4-13) |
____ ____ | |
b. Has a fuel sample been taken from each dispensing nozzle and each fuel source? (FM 10-68, page 4-13) |
____ ____ | |
c. Has the complete system been checked for proper operation, pressure, and leaks? (FM 10-68, page 5-6) |
____ ____ | |
6. SITE OPERATION |
YES NO | |
a. Is there an established communication means to control traffic at refueling locations? (FM 10-68, page 7-4) |
____ ____ | |
b. Have passengers been briefed about proper dismounting/mounting procedures and do they go to the marshaling area while the aircraft is refueling? (FM 10-68, page 4-36) |
____ ____ | |
c. Are ground guides provided for aircraft? (FM 10-68, page 8-1) |
____ ____ | |
d. Do ground guides use proper marshaling signals? (FM 10-68, Figure 8-1) |
____ ____ | |
e. Do nonessential personnel deplane before refueling? (FM 10-68, page 4-36) |
____ ____ | |
f. Is the fire extinguisher carried from its position by the grounding rod to the side of the aircraft by the refueling port? (FM 10-68, page 4-13) |
____ ____ | |
g. Do refueling personnel ensure that all radios are turned off except the radio used to monitor air traffic? (FM 10-68, page 4-14) |
____ ____ | |
h. Do refueling personnel ensure that armament aboard the aircraft has been set on SAFE? (FM 10-68, page 4-13) |
____ ____ | |
i. Are aircraft properly grounded before they are refueled? (FM 10-68, page 4-36) |
____ ____ | |
j. Is the nozzle bonded to the aircraft before the refueling cap is opened? (FM 10-68, (page 4-37) |
____ ____ | |
k. Is the dust cap replaced on the nozzle after each refueling? (FM 10-68, page 4-7) |
____ ____ | |
l. Are nozzles replaced on the nozzle hanger (grounding rod) after use? (FM 10-68, page 4-37) |
____ ____ | |
m. Is the nozzle grounding cable attached to the grounding rod when not in use? (FM 10-68, page 4-9) |
____ ____ | |
n. If tank vehicles are used as the fuel source for rapid refueling, is the refueling being properly conducted? (FM 10-68, Chapter 5) |
____ ____ | |
o. Are refueling personnel familiar with emergency fire and rescue procedures? (FM 10-68, page 4-15) |
____ ____ | |
p. Are refueling personnel familiar with procedures in case of a fuel spill? (FM 10-68, page 10-5) |
____ ____ | |
q. Is a copy of the unit's refueling SOP available and are POL personnel familiar with its contents? (AR 385-95, para 1-7) |
____ ____ | |
r. Are appropriate measures in place to facilitate reconstitution and recovery of FARP assets in the event of damage? (page J-31) |
____ ____ |
SECTION XV. Leadership Planning Sequence
The FARP mission requires that certain critical elements be considered during the planning, preparation, and execution phases of the operation. Table J-13 outlines these elements.
Table J-13. Critical elements of the FARP planning sequence
PLANNING
Receive the warning order.
Plan and coordinate with the XO, S3, S4, and/or the HHC commander.
1. Analysis (based on the factors of METT-T).
a. Mission.
(1) Deep, close, and rear operations.
(2) Maximum destruction, phased, and continuous attacks.
(3) Site location (primary and alternates).
(a) Distance between battle positions and trains.
(b) Location of air corridors.
(c) Layout.
(4) Number of points and type of nozzles at each point.
(5) Duration of the mission (number of turns).
(6) Class III/V estimate versus amount on hand.
(7) Simultaneous rearming and refueling.
(8) Resupply.
(9) Certification and safety of FARP plan.
b. Enemy.
(1) Threat briefing from the S2.
(2) Threat weapon system ranges (artillery).
(3) NBC threat.
c. Terrain. (Use of terrain to hide aircraft and FARP signature.)
d. Troops. (Enough troops available to support the mission.)
e. Time available. (Duration of mission versus security and Class III/V requirements.)
2. Emplacement Plan.
a. Air and ground.
b. Resupply route clearance.
3. Movement Plan.
a. MSR clearance.
b. Advance and/or quartering parties.
c. Movement of assets (separate serials).
d. Convoy briefing.
4. Security Plan.
a. ADA.
b. NBC (M8 alarms and so forth).
c. Perimeter.
5. Site Layout.
a. Sketch or diagram.
b. Availability of FARP Site layout to personnel before the mission begins.
c. Traffic pattern and pad locations.
d. Type of nozzles used.
e. Radio frequencies.
f. Designated maintenance area.
6. Command, Control, and Communications.
a. OIC (3/5 plt ldr, S4, XO, HHC cdr, or maint cdr).
b. Radios (primary and alternate frequencies).
c. Lost communications procedures.
7. NBC Decontamination (dirty FARP plan).
a. Location (on graphics).
b. Pilot and decontamination team awareness.
c. Signals.
8. Extraction and Displacement Plan.
a. Event-driven (decision point based on enemy situation).
b. Communications (person who makes decision to move the FARP).
c. Subsequent location.
PREPARATION
1. Troop-Leading Procedures (warning order, precombat inspection, rehearsal).
2. Site Preparation (FOD and police call).
3. Personnel (MOS-qualified 55Bs, 68Js, 77Bs, 91As, technical inspectors, and combat lifesavers).
4. Equipment.
a. Loaders and downloaders (working and available).
b. Boresighting of the aircraft.
c. Loading of Class V on the aircraft.
5. Briefing for the Platoon and Noncomissioned Officers.
a. Mission.
b. Friendly situation.
c. Enemy situation.
d. Graphics on maps.
6. Compliance With Standard Operating Procedures.
EXECUTION
1. Planning Versus Reacting.
2. Enforcing FARP Turnaround Times.
3. Gathering and Compiling Class III/V Premission and Postmission Statistics.
4. Ensuring Safe Operations.
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