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Military

Section II. Conducting Convoy Operations

5-1. Convoy Organization


A convoy is a group of vehicles organized under a single commander for movement. It consists of--
  • The march column. All vehicles involved in a single move along the same route.
  • The serial. Subdivision of vehicles moving from the same area along the same route.
  • The march unit. Subdivision of a serial.

    The march unit consists of march unit elements. These are--

    • Advance/Trail Elements. These are not a part of the main march unit. They are detailed to perform special duties such as quartering and reconnaissance. Some tactical situations may require advance, flank, or rear guards. Heavily traveled routes and busy intersections may require guides, escorts, and patrols.
    • Lead Element. First vehicle in the column. Contains the pace setter/navigator who ensures proper route and checks for changes to orders at predetermined points.
    • Main Body. Column of vehicles comprising the bulk of the convoy.
    • Trail Element. Last vehicle in the column. The trail element contains a trail officer/noncommissioned officer (NCO) responsible for maintenance and medical support.

5-2. Convoy Planning Factors


Interval. Distance between vehicles depends on many variables.
  • Urban areas 50 meters.
  • Rural areas 150 meters.
  • Expressways 200 meters.

Convoy Speed. Convoy speed depends on road conditions, traffic conditions, and the speed of the slowest vehicle.
  • Cities/built up areas24 Km/h (15 MPH).
  • Two lane roads40 Km/h (25 MPH).
  • Limited access expressways66 Km/h (40 MPH).
  • Blackout Drive8 Km/h ( 5 MPH).

Convoy Security. Military police (MP) units may provide convoy security on a continuous or intermittent basis. MP support depends on the threat in the area of operations. If MP units do not provide support, the convoy commander must plan for security. This includes--
  • Noise and light discipline.
  • Front, flank, and rear security.
  • Security during halts.
  • Air cover.
  • Fire support.
  • Communications.
  • Checkpoints.

Start and Release Points.
  • Start point (SP). This is where all elements of a column come under the control of the convoy commander. The SP must be a place along the route easily recognized on both maps and ground.

  • Release point (RP). This is where elements of the column are released to their individual control. The RP, like the SP, must be a place along the route easily recognized on both maps and ground. The RP should have multiple exits to prevent congestion.

Halts.
  • Time. Plan 10 minute rest halts every 2 hours. Plan longer halts for dining, refueling, and bivouacking.
  • Location. Choose halt locations in advance and identify good characteristics for dispersion and concealment according to operational conditions.

Personnel Duties During a Halt.
  • Officers and NCOs check the welfare of the soldiers, the security of loads, vehicular performance, fuel levels, and the performance of maintenance.
  • Control personnel should inspect and give instructions to ensure the column begins with minimal confusion.
  • Drivers should inspect their vehicles and loads.
  • Drivers should perform preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS)/during operations check.
  • Assistant drivers must stay alert and be able to fill in for the driver when needed.

Additional planning factors.
  • Route reconnaissance.
  • Tactical situation.
  • Strip map preparation and distribution.
  • Obtaining convoy clearance.
  • Contacts along route for medical, decontamination, and vehicular support.
  • Status of trained drivers.
  • Number of vehicles involved.
  • Types of loads.
  • Traffic conditions.
  • Communications for convoy control.

5-3. Convoy Commander's Brief


Before departing, the convoy commander should issue strip maps and conduct a briefing for all convoy members. Figure 5-2 shows a typical strip map.

Figure 5-2. Typical strip map.

Recommended briefing subjects that should be covered are shown in the outline below.

Situation:

  • Friendly forces.
  • Support units.
  • Enemy situation.

Mission:
  • Origin.
  • Route.
  • Destination.

Execution:
  • General organization of the convoy.
  • Time schedule.
  • Night operations.
  • Risk assessment.

Route:
  • Convoy speed.
  • Catch-up speed.
  • Control personnel.
  • Security forces commander.
  • Fire support commander.
  • Medical evacuation support and safety.
  • Hazards of route and weather conditions.
  • Defensive driving principles.
  • Interval between vehicles.
  • Decontamination points and contaminated routes.

Emergency Measures:
  • Breakdown/accident procedures.
  • Use of highway warning kits.
  • Separation from convoy procedures.
  • Ambush (actions taken).
  • Contingency plans.

Administration and Logistics:
  • Billeting arrangements.
  • Messing arrangements.
  • Refueling of vehicles.
  • Supply support, Class I-IX.

Command and Signal:
  • Primary and backup radio frequencies.
  • Location and call sign of convoy commander.
  • Location and call sign of assistant convoy commander.
  • Location and call sign of medical support personnel.

NOTE: Appendix O of FM 55-30 provides a sample convoy commander's checklist.

Continue with Chapter 5
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