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SITUATION:

Your platoon is responsible for securing a VIP during all motorcade operations. You are working with the U. S. State Department Security Team, but they don t work for you. The forces assigned to this mission include ten security guards, one communications expert, one doctor, one security, one nurse, three civilian vehicles, six HMMWVs, and one Avn Team (1 OH-58, 1 AH-1).

EVENT(S):

1. The VIP gives you 15 minutes notice that he wants to go to the port and get some papers from his boat. He states that he may want to visit his sister on the way back.

2. VIP changes the destination enroute.

3. Enroute to pre-designated location, the motorcade encounters a traffic jam. The motorcade attempts to bypass, stops, and a large crowd forms. The VIP informs you that he wants to mingle with the people.

4. While the motorcade is moving, shots are fired. Three vehicles are hit and one is disabled.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

EVENT(S):

1. You and the U. S. State Department representative must establish a battle drill for motorcade operations. The following is an example of the vehicle configuration and scheme of maneuver for one unit conducting this mission in-country today:

Aviation Team

• 1 x OH 58
• 1 x AH 1

Motorcade, Motorcade Occupants

• Gun HMMWV, SQD Ldr (Sec Tm)
• Gun HMMWV, Sec Tm
• StateVeh, SecTm (State) nurse
• State Veh, VIP & Comm
• State Veh, VIP & Comm
• Gun HMMWV, Sec Tm
• Gun HMMWV, Sec Tm
• Cargo HMMWV, Tm Cdr, State Rep & Surgeon

The aviation team and motorcade platoon (-) were on a 15-minute strip alert. Once the state department representative and battalion commander agreed on the route, the aviation team would reconnoiter the route by air and report on traffic and road conditions. The aviation team also provided fire support during motorcade operations. The motorcade was prepositioned in a large garage and court area, the motorcade team was capable of assembling and lining up within the 15-minute window. Once the U. S. State Department representative and battalion commander where satisfied with the aerial reconnaissance report, a two- vehicle forward security element would launch along the route as an added precaution. The State Department representative is responsible to inform and advise the VIP on matters of security. This doesn't mean that the VIP will adhere to or like the restrictions. Therefore, you should develop motorcade drills, preposition equipment, conduct communications checks, rehearse and conduct AARs.

2. Stay on the current route until aviation and forward security teams can deviate to the alternate route. A technique is to have numerous reconnnaissance routes color-coded with checkpoints. This will provide your team the necessary tool to change on the move. Communications within the team, aviation, state department and battalion are crucial. Single- channel, secure was the preferred technique in- country.

3. This should be a battle drill for the motorcade team. Must report the change in plan to battalion, have the aerial reconnaissance team search for a detour to the traffic jam and have the forward security team attempt to clear the traffic jam. Consider employing the QRF if the crowd warrants. The VIP will get out of the vehicle; have the State Department representative ask the VIP to remain mounted until you have deployed your forces. Seek the high ground to secure from (observation and direct fire) your responsible for site security. Have the linguist (with a bull horn) tell the crowd of people that with their cooperation (by moving back or calming down) the VIP wishes to talk to them. The U. S. State Department team is responsible for the VIP's personal security. While the VIP is speaking to the crowd, your team must find a route through the traffic jam. It is critical to have an open route ASAP and/or a LZ identified.

4. Security through speed for the VIP. The U. S. State Department team should remain with the VIP and exit the area. The military contingent of the team should seek cover and attempt to secure the disabled vehicle. The team commander must determine if the situation warrants attempting to recover the vehicle or whether the team should disengage. The battalion commander should be prepared to employ the QRF, based on the team commanders decision.

ROE Limitations and Restrictions:

ROE 3: Use all necessary force, up to and including Deadly Force, to defend U. S. Forces, U. S. citizens, or designated foreign nationals against attack or threat of attack. When deadly force is employed, targets will be engaged with observed, deliberate aimed fire.