551-721-1359 - Operate a Vehicle in a Convoy
Standards: Operate the vehicle according to specific instructions from the convoy or march unit commander. Correctly maintain established convoy interval and speed. Correctly react to, and relay, all hand signals and follow all highway warning and regulatory signs, according to FM 21-305. Perform all requirements without injury to personnel or damage to equipment.

Posted Saturday, December 17, 2005

Conditions: Given a briefing by the convoy commander, a vehicle with before-operation maintenance performed, hearing protection (as needed). Task must be performed under the march unit commander's supervision.

Standards: Operate the vehicle according to specific instructions from the convoy or march unit commander. Correctly maintain established convoy interval and speed. Correctly react to, and relay, all hand signals and follow all highway warning and regulatory signs, according to FM 21-305. Perform all requirements without injury to personnel or damage to equipment.

Performance Steps

1.   Start the engine upon receiving the signal or the order from the march unit commander.

a.   Refer to the vehicle technical manual for starting procedures.

b.   Fasten seat belt for operator and all passengers (if equipped).

c.   Wear hearing protection while operating vehicle.

2.   Set the vehicle in motion upon receiving signal or order to move out. Refer to vehicle technical manual for proper procedures.

3.   Operate the vehicle at the prescribed speed and within the proper interval between vehicles. Follow guidance from convoy or serial/march unit commander.

4.   Acknowledge hand signals by adjusting speed, interval, and position accordingly.

5.   Relay hand signals received from the march unit commander to other drivers.

6.   Park the vehicle, during halts, as directed.

7.   Perform during-operation preventive maintenance checks.

8.   Check vehicle load, during halts, for security (if loaded).

9.   Shutdown engine (unless told otherwise by supervisor or serial/march unit commander).

a.   Refer to vehicle technical manual for proper shutdown procedures.

b.   Chock vehicle wheels, as necessary.

10. Resume vehicle convoy operations (steps 1 through 6). Follow signals or orders from serial/march unit commander.

11. Shutdown engine at destination (repeat step 9). Refer to vehicle technical manual for proper procedures.

12. Perform after-operation preventive maintenance checks.

a.   Refer to vehicle technical manual for proper procedures.

b.   Follow additional guidance from supervisor or serial/march unit commander.

Evaluation Preparation:

Setup: Set up the convoy with six vehicles at the starting point. Select a route for the convoy, which will not interfere with the regular traffic. Use a noncommissioned officer (NCO) trained in convoy procedures to act as the convoy commander. Have the convoy commander brief the Soldier on convoy operations.

Brief Soldier: Tell the Soldier to follow the instructions given in the convoy commander's briefing.

Evaluation Guidance: Score the Soldier GO if all performance

measures are passed. Score the Soldier NO GO if any performance measure is failed. If any performance measure is failed, tell the Soldier what was done wrong and how to do it correctly.