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SITUATION:

You are the platoon leader of the cordon element of a company cordon and search operation.

EVENT(S):

1. A large crowds start to form on the main access road to the cordon site. The road becomes impassable.

2. Large numbers of reporters show up and demand access to the target site.

3. Two individuals break out of the cordon.

4. A home owner (local businessman) demands access to his home. It is currently being searched.

5. A vehicle moving at high speed tries to break out of the cordon.

6. Family members of the target home are rounded up by their neighbors. The crowd starts to harass and beat the family assuming they are guilty because the U. S. soldiers are searching their home.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

EVENT(S):

1. Use gradual response techniques for crowd control. Necessary and proportional force is authorized to control disturbances and disperse crowds threatening essential civic order.

2. Consolidate persons in charge of each media organization; inform them that they can film from the cordon line. However, if the area is unsafe, do not allow them to enter. Battalion or company commanders must decide (and receive guidance during the OPORD) whether to make statements to the press; PAO must provide press guidance. The media has free access in-country, but you have the right to prevent them from having an adverse impact on your mission. If the situation permits, and, if the mission does turn up a cache, recommend allowing the media (in a controlled manner, i.e., escorted) to film the operation. NOTE: Remember, the media will always enter the cordon area after you leave. The manner in which you leave the scene is as important as how you entered it. You must treat all persons with respect and dignity. "Professional Presence," your unit's discipline, fairness and ability to use controlled restraint are the greatest weapons in this operation. You have automatic credibility with the public. Your every action is watched by the local nationals and, because of the media, the American public. Any deviation from this Professional Presence will have an impact on all future missions in country.

3. The Cordon team is responsible to have two reaction teams (mounted or dismounted). Persons violating the cordon should be pursued and detained. In most cases, the crowds will assist you in detaining individuals (whether you want them to or not). For commanders, you will have to coordinate with the MP (if present) in that sector as a part of your cordon planning. The MP are very effective at detaining individuals in an urban setting. Ask them to patrol your outer cordon, assist in traffic control and be prepared to assist in pursuit and detaining operations.

4. Escort him/her within the cordon, to their home or business. Inform him of the situation and have the CI team question this person about the target and its occupants. Business leaders are leaders in their neighborhoods. They know everyone in the area and have great influence. Use them to assist the linguist to gain access to the target, control the crowds and use their home as a secure area for civilians detained from the target area.

5. Employ the graduated response techniques for checkpoints.

6. You are responsible for the safety of any civilians detained within the target area. Execute the five Ss. Remember that once the mission is complete (whether you find a cache or not) you must take the time to inform the crowd on what has just happened. You need to tell them that there was nothing found at the site and these people are innocent. " The American military would consider it an attack on American forces if these people were harmed in any way. We will continue to watch this neighborhood and periodically check on this family." If you find a cache, again you must inform the crowd that you have detained all personnel involved in the crime. If other civilian/family members are left behind, you must make the same type of statement as above.

ROE Limitations and Restrictions:

ROE 6: Necessary and proportional force is authorized to control disturbances and disperse crowds threatening essential civic order.