convoy LP

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPSSchool of Infantry

Advanced Infantry Training Company PSC Box 20161

Camp Lejeune, NC 28542-0161

CONVOY OPERATIONS

ISLC0701

LESSON PLAN

INFANTRY SQUAD LEADER COURSE

(M03M3X4)

(12/19/01)

Chief Instructor

Approval Date

LESSON TITLE: CONVOY OPERATIONSTOTAL LESSON TIME: 1.50 REFERENCES: 1. Motor Transport Operations FMFM 4-9

PAGE 4-12 to 4-28INSTRUCTOR PREPARATION: 1. Ensure that the Class commander passes out the (IRF's) 2. Open up Power Point on the computer and begin the presentation. 3. Prior to the start of the class meet with the assistant instructor staff and coordinate the execution of the practical application portion of the lesson in accordance with the Assistant Instructor Guide.SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: 1. Primary instructor will ensure that the extension cord is not a trip hazard.INTRODUCTION

LECTURE (1.50 MIN)

1. GAIN ATTENTION: During the Vietnam War along many of the small roads that lead to many of the American fire bases. The Americans would dispatch convoys with supplies and replacementsalong these routes without any security force mounted on the vehicles. The result was always the same, the convoys were ambushed by the VC, the replacements were killed and the supplies taken or destroyed. After loosing several convoys, a group of combat engineers took one five ton truck, attached sheet medal to the sides of it and then mounted 50Cal machinegun onto the truck. The convoys continued and were becoming successful. The combat engineers continued to build these trucks until the last version contained six machineguns mounted on the truck. This action taken by the combat engineers allowed convoys to continue and to reach their destination with all supplies and badly needed replacements.

2. OVERVIEW: Good morning/afternoon class, my name is ________. I will be the primary instructor for your next period of instruction on Convoy Operations. The purpose of this period of instruction is to provide you, the Infantry Squad Leader with the knowledge of how a Convoy operates, and procedures that must considered when using this type of tactical transportation.

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INSTRUCTOR NOTE

Read the Learning Objective(s) aloud and explain the objectives to the students. Check for understanding, as necessary.

3. LEARNING OBJECTIVES.

a. TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE. NONE

b. ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES. NONE

4. METHOD/MEDIA: This lesson will taught using the lecture method, with the use of the computer and computer-generated graphics using power point presentation. The class commander passed out the IRF's. If you have an IRF set it aside until after this period of instruction.

5. EVALUATION: You will not have a written examination or a practical application portion for this period of instruction.

TRANSITION: Now that you know who I am, what you are going to be taught and how you are going to be taught. If they're are no questions then lets move on and the first thing we will discussis convoy operations.

BODY (1.50 MIN)

LECTURE (120 MIN)

(SUPPORTING PAPER # 1 ON)

1. CONVOY OPERATIONS

One of the most overlooked areas of tactical transport available to the Infantry is convoy operations. Before setting out on a convoy there are some procedures that need to be accomplished.

(SUPPORTING PAPER #1 OFF)

(SUPPORTING PAPER #2 ON)

2. Vehicle preparation

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INSTRUCTOR NOTE:

Explain to the students the procedure for completing the Instructional Rating Forms (IFR). Inform students that the IFRs will not be collected until the entire period of instruction, including the associated examination, is completed.

(1) Maintenance and Inspections. Be sure all maintenance and inspections are done before leaving on a convoy.

(2) First, We Need to Alter Existing Equipment to.Conform to Our Needs

(a) All of the material that is covering the bed of the vehicle needs to be removed, including any support bars and straps.

(b) The windshield should be lowered or removed. During foul weather the glass can become obscured, restricting driver's visibility. If the windshield is struck by fragmentation or small arms fire, pieces of glass can injure the driver and the assistant. When the windshield is absent, the cab occupants should wear goggles.

(c) All reflecting surfaces should be covered or removed.

(d) Tape over the light switch and paint over, or use empty sandbags and tape them in place over the headlights.

(SUPPORTING PAPER #2 OFF)(SUPPORTING PAPER #3 ON)

3. Hardening the Vehicle

(1) Within the Marine Corps supply system there exist prefabricated metal armor kits designed to protect vehicle components (i.e. engines, gas tanks, etc.) and their occupants.

(2) The best, readily available field expedient is the sandbag. It takes about 300 sandbags to properly protect a M813 (5 ton) truck, Sandbags, unlike armor kits, provide protection for personnel only. The vehicle's components will still remain exposed to the effects of enemy weapons. Certain critical areas must be hardened first. There are three steps to accomplish when hardening a vehicle.

(a) Driver Compartment. The first step is to harden the floor and seat of the cab which should be covered with a double interlocking layer of sandbags. Care must be taken not to interfere with the driver's ability to manipulate the pedals of the vehicle. A single layer should be placed below the seat. The seat itself requires a double interlocking layer.

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(b) The second step is the hood and fender wells, which should be covered with sandbags to protect occupants from the effects of mines. Blast and fragmentation vectored upward can easily penetrate the thin metal at those points.

(c) The fuel and batteries (if external) should be covered as well to contain flames and spraying acid. The third step is to harden the fuel tanks by inserting steel plates between the fuel tank and the hanger straps.

(SUPPORTING PAPER #3 OFF)

(d) All vehicles that carry Marines should have a double layer of interlocking sandbags in the truck bed.

1 Around the sides of the bed, the sandbags need to rise to provide lateral protection. The double layer prevents blast and fragmentation from penetrating through gaps in the bottom layer.

2 Sandbags can cause fragmentation through sand blast. This can be prevented by covering the bags with rubber matting or other sturdy equivalent. The matting will also protect the sandbags from deterioration. Use tie down straps to anchor sandbags on the sides.

(e) Lower tailgate to aid rapid vehicle off-load.

QUESTION: What is done to reflecting surfaces?

Answer: Should be covered or removed.

Question: When hardening a vehicle what is the first step?

ANSWER: Hardening the (Driver Compartment).

TRANSITION : Now that we have discussed vehicle preparation and Vehicle hardening. Are there any questions? If not, Let's take a look at mounted security force.

(SUPPORTING PAPER #4 ON)

4. SECURITY FORCE.

a. Escort Vehicles. Depending on the enemy threat and critical cargo, the convoy commander may receive a variety of

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armored escort vehicles to protect the convoy. For large convoys, tanks, AAVs and LAVs might be employed. For smaller less critical convoys with a limited threat those escorts may be 6X6 trucks with ring mounts or armored variant HMMWVs with mounted machineguns.

(SUPPORTING PAPER #4 OFF)(SUPPORTING PAPER #5 ON) b. Tactical Convoy Security. In a combat environment, any convoy of substantial size, carrying critical cargo, is required to employ a security force to neutralize enemy actions. c. Security Force Commander's Responsibilities.

(1) Train and Rehearse the Security Force. A normal security force is of platoon size. The security force commander with knowledge of convoy requirements must train and rehearse the Marines in vehicle unloading drills and actions on enemy contact.

(2) Make Recommendations. The security force commander must make recommendations to the convoy commander regarding escort vehicle placement, method of movement, route, fire support requests, additional crew-served weapons support, and communications. (3) Coordinate Training With Vehicle Drivers. To properly train the security force, this commander must know how the vehicle drivers were briefed to respond to enemy contact.

(4) Position The Forces. The Commander will position the security force element within the convoy to best support the plans for immediate action.

QUESTION: What are two types of escort vehicles for large convoys?

ANWSER: Tanks and AAV's

QUESTION: What are two types of escort vehicles for small convoys?

ANWSER: 6x6 Trucks and HMMWV's.

TRANSITION: Now that we talked about security force and security force commander's responsibilities are there any questions? If not let's take a look at mounted security force.

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5. MOUNTED SECURITY FORCE. As we previously discussed, provisional infantry security squads will probably ride aboard hardened M813 (5-ton) or M923 (5-ton) trucks. The number of Marines aboard each truck should be limited to 13, with specific roles assigned to each. Let's look at each individually.

(1) Vehicle Commander will probably be the squad leader or senior person aboard the truck, who will be located where the vehicle and squad can best be controlled. The preferred location is immediately to the rear of the cab in the truck bed.

(2) Assistant Driver is seated next to the driver, to be capable of taking over in the absence or casualty of the driver. If the truck has a ring mount, the assistant driver mans that mounted machinegun. If ambush or other enemy actions force total unloading of the vehicle, the assistant driver remains in the truck's vicinity with the driver and provides security for it.

(3) Air/Sniper Sentries. Station Marines, armed with an M203 or M249 SAW, at each corner of the truck bed. Their role is to provide a 360-degree arc of observation and to return suppressive fire immediately in case of enemy contact. These Marines will scan the sky and high ground to warn of snipers or surprise air attack. This is very tiring duty and they should be rotated every 30 minutes.

(4) Attached Machine Gunner. It's possible that M240G machineguns may be used to augment the security force. Aboard the vehicle the gunner should be placed at the rear of the truck facing the rear. This position allows firing to the rear and allows the machine gunner to react to threats to either side of the truck. In the event of exiting the truck, the machine gunner will exit over the tailgate.

(5) Remaining Squad Members. The remainder of the squad should face outboard, split between the port and starboard sides of the truck. They can assist in observation, and will return fire when directed.

QUESTION: Where the vehicle commander be located?

ANWSER: Where he can best control the vehicle and the squad.

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QUESTION: What are Air/Sniper Sentries armed with?

ANWSER: 203'S OR M249 SAW.

TRANSITION: Now that we talked about mounted security force are there any questions? If not let's take a look at Immediate Action Drills.

(SUPPORTING PAPER #6 OFF)(SUPPORTING PAPER #7 ON) 6. IMMEDIATE ACTION DRILLS. Convoys are relatively vulnerable, soft targets, therefore the need for immediate action drills are necessary. Some examples of immediate action drills are: sniper, ambush, mines, and air attack.

a. Snipers.

(1) By themselves, snipers can do little harm to a moving convoy. If, however, a sniper can convince a convoy to stop and deploy, a more dangerous situation can arise. Snipers are often used as deceptions to cause a convoy to stop in a larger enemy kill zone, probably a deliberate ambush.

(2) Extreme caution must be taken when sniper fire is received to insure that any return fire does not harm friendly troops or civilians in the area. The best actions are passive and should consist of the following four steps:

(a) Insure that all personnel wear helmets and armored vest at all times.

(b) All vehicles should move through the area without stopping.

(c) Give a prearranged signal, like a smoke grenade thrown in the direction of the sniper.

(d) Attempt to locate and destroy the sniper by long-range fire.


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b. Ambushes. In ambushes, the ambushing force will try to stop the lead vehicle of the convoy, by blocking the road or utilizing explosives to initiate the ambush once the vehicle is in the kill zone. The ambush force may stop the lead vehicle when it is out of sight of the vehicles behind it so that the convoy bunches up in the kill zone by blocking the rear of the kill zone using the same methods they used to block the front.

(1) Your actions: a. All vehicles try to get out of the kill zone by moving forward or backwards.

b. Anyone caught inside kill zone returns fire immediately.

c. Obscure the kill zone with smoke.

d. Security force commander coordinates the counterattack.


(1) Actions taken to avoid ambush.

(a) Select the best route for your convoy.

(b) Make a map reconnaissance.

(c) Make an aerial reconnaissance.

(d) Obtain current intelligence information.

(e) Use OPSEC to deny the enemy foreknowledge of the convoy.

(f) Never schedule routine times or routes for recurring convoys.

(2) Actions taken to minimize the effectiveness of ambushes.

(a) Thoroughly brief all convoy personnel on immediate action drills.

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(b) Practice immediate action drills.

(c) Move through the kill zone, if possible.

(d) Harden vehicles.

(e) Cover loads.

(f) Space prime targets throughout the convoy.

(g) Wear protective equipment.

(h) Use assistant drivers.

(i) Carry troops and supplies.

(j) Use prearranged signals to warn the convoy of an ambush.

(k) Do not block the road.

(l) Aggressively return fire.

QUESTION: What are two examples of Immediate Action Drills?

ANWSER: Snipers, Ambush, Mines and Air attack.

QUESTION: Should all convoy members be briefed on IA Drills?

ANWSER: YES.

TRANSITION: Now that we talked about Immediate Action Drills, at this time are there any questions? If not let's take a look at Vehicle Unloading Battle Drill.


7. VEHICAL UNLOADING BATTLE DRILL. The key to surviving an enemy ambush or air attack is the squad's ability to rapidly get off the vehicle and find cover. If ambushed, a truck may be disabled, or because of a roadblock be unable to escape the kill zone. The squad needs to get off fast! A Marine on the truck is on the skyline, and the vehicle is the target. Experience has shown that one particular unloading sequence is more effective than others.

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(1) When determined the vehicle is unable to escape the kill zone, the two sentries on the enemy side of the truck bed must return a high volume of fire.

(2) Smoke grenades should be thrown on the side of the truck where the enemy fire is coming from.

(3) Marines egress off vehicle during these few seconds. The sense of urgency created by enemy fire will probably cause Marines to dive over the sides, but care must be taken to exit over the side "masked" from enemy fire. (4) Assistant driver and assistant gunner should use the ring mount to lay down suppressive heavy machinegun fire as long as possible. The assistant gunner will be directing fire and passing ammo. The M240G Machine gunner is the only Marine who should exit over the tailgate.

(5) After all other occupants have unloaded, the two sentries providing cover fire during vehicle unloading will follow the squad over the "masked" side. By the time the squad is on the deck, the smoke should have discharged creating a screen from enemy observation. Casualties probably resulting from the ambush and the squad may be in turmoil, but even if the squad leader is dead, someone must take charge.

(6) The first objective is to find cover because the vehicle is the target and should be moved away from, and not used for protection.


(7) Kill Zone. If the kill zone is well planned by the enemy, cover may not exist, the Marine who takes charge has to lead a rapid, violent assault against the ambushing unit. Decisions must be made instinctively, without panic and fear.

(8) If cover is available it should be used to return fire and the squad becomes a base of fire for another squad's maneuver. Once the situation has stabilized, the security force can execute its scheme of maneuver, just as it was rehearsed during drills.

QUESTION: During an ambush or air attack the squad must have the ability to do what rapidly?

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ANWSER: Get off the vehicle and find cover.

QUESTION: What is a primary target and should not used for protection?

ANWSER: The vehicle.

TRANSITION: Now that we talked about Vehicle Unloading Battle Drill. Are there any questions? If not let's take a look at Claymore Mines and Booby traps.


8. CLAYMORE MINES AND BOOBYTRAPS. Mines and booby traps are frequently used by ambush forces. Command detonated mines are often used to start an ambush. Mines will also be planted along the shoulder of the road for the purpose of harassment and interdiction. A booby trap system may be used against personnel in vehicles and could consist of hand grenades attached to tree branches over the road where antennas or other projections from vehicles will snag and detonate the grenades. Claymore mines or artillery shells may be suspended from trees and command detonated when a vehicle passes. The following guidelines have proven effective in reducing damage by mines in convoy operations:

(1) Follow the tracks of the vehicle in front of you.

(2) Avoid driving on the shoulder of the road.

(3) Whenever, possible do not run over foreign objects, brush, or grass in the road.

(4) Avoid fresh earth on the road.

(5) Watch local national traffic and the reactions of people on foot. (They will frequently give away the location of any mines or booby traps.)

(6) When possible, arrange for the engineers to sweep the road before the convoy is scheduled to move over it.

QUESTION: Why are mines planted along the road shoulders?

ANWSER: Harassment and interdiction.

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QUESTION: What could engineers do before the convoy travels down the road?

ANWSER: Conduct a sweep of the road to be traveled.

TRANSITION: Now that we talked about Claymore Mines and Booby-traps. Are there any questions? If not let's take a look at Damaged vehicles, Road blocks and air attacks.


9. DAMAGED VEHICALS. If a vehicle is damaged beyond on the spot repair capability and a wrecker is not available, after all cargo and personnel have been unloaded, the convoy commander may direct it be destroyed in place. Critical cargo and Marines are then distributed throughout the convoy.

10. ROAD BLOCKS. If natural or man-made obstacles are met or are part of an ambush, they must be removed for the company to continue. Sometimes tracked vehicles or heavier trucks are able to break through barriers on their own but if that's not possible, engineers may have to be called. For wooden or earthen obstacles, attached SMAW's may be able to blast out a trafficked gap. Caution should be taken concerning booby traps.


11. Air Attacks. The air threat varies from armed helicopters to high performance aircraft. Convoys face the greatest danger of air attack while moving along open roads and during halts where there is no overhead cover. An air attack is a type of ambush. Many of the procedures used during a ground ambush are also applicable to the air attack. (1) The Convoy Commander Must:

(a) Prescribe alarm signals.

(b) Give instructions for immediate action to take when under attack.

(c) Prescribe actions to take in absence of orders.

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(d) Make sure the defense procedures are rehearsed. (e) Review the procedures with convoy personnel before moving out.

(f) Increase the distance between vehicles.

(g) Increase the speed of the convoy if terrain allows.


(2) Action That Should Be Taken When Attacked From The Air Include:

(a) Stop convoy and stagger vehicles.

(b) Quickly dismount and move away from vehicles.

(c) Assistant driver and assistant gunner will stay with heavy machinegun.

(d) Seek cover and concealment.

(e) Return a large volume of small arms fire. Accuracy is not important. Lead helicopters by one hundred yards and fixed-wing aircraft by two hundred yards.

QUESTION: What can the convoy commander direct be done to a badly damaged vehicle?

ANWSER: Destroyed in place.

QUESTION: What is the small arms leading distance helicopters and fixed wing aircraft?

ANWSER: One hundred yards for helicopters and two hundred for fixed wing aircraft.

TRANSITION: Now that we talked about Damaged vehicles, Roadblocks and air attacks. Are there any questions? If not let's take a look at Convoy Operations Order.


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12. CONVOY OPERATIONS ORDER. The five-paragraph order format is used when writing a convoy operations order. Some other considerations that should be included in the five-paragraph order are:

(a) Time of departure and return.

(b) Loading and order of movement.

(c) Route. Primary/Alternate with check points

(d) Actions on enemy contact.

(e) Actions at the de-trucking point.

(f) Rehearsals


TRANSITION: We have just covered the convoy operations order. At this time are they're any questions pertaining to this section or any other portion of the period of instruction?

STUDENT CHECK ON LEARNING QUESTIONS:

1. Two of the five things to be altered on a vehicle before going on a convoy are __________, and _________.

2. The two different ways to harden a vehicle are by using ______ _____ ____, and _________.

REFERENCES:

1. Motor Transport Operations FMFM 4-9PAGE 4-12 to 4-28

PRACTICAL APPLICATION: NONE

SUMMARY: (5 MIN)

During this period of instruction we have covered vehicle preparation, security forces, IA drills and the convoy operations order. Please respond to the questions or make comments on your Instructional Rating Forms, as appropriate. Pass all IRF forms

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to the class commander. Once the class commander has the IRF forms please take a ten-minute break and be seated for the next period of instruction.

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INSTRUCTOR NOTE

Provide the students with instructions regarding what to do and where to form in preparation for the next training event.

Documents

convoy LP