551-721-4326 (SL4) - Perform Duties as Convoy Commander
Standards: Ensured that personnel were briefed on convoy operations; there were ample vehicles and personnel to transport cargo; all support elements were informed of the date and time of the convoy; all orders were brief and to the point; proper reconnaissance was carried out; and vehicles were correctly lined up according to cargo, size, and use.

1.   Start initial planning steps.

a. Alert unit operation.

b. Review operation order.

(1)  Determine the number of vehicles needed.

(2)  Break columns down into manageable groups of 20 vehicles or less.

(3)  Determine requirements needed for given situation.

(4)  Divide march column in three parts: head, main body, and trail.

(a)   Head—the first task vehicle or pacesetter.

(b)   Main Body—troop carrying, equipment and/or supply vehicles.

(c)   Trail—wrecker, maintenance and medical support vehicles/teams. Trail officer/noncommissioned officer is responsible for maintenance and medical support.

2.   Schedule convoy commander's briefing with the battalion operations officer (S3).

a. Determine which unit will provide security.

b. Find out who will be the security elements commander.

c. Discuss any topic not covered or not clear.

d. Discuss the threat to include target acquisition and intelligence that may impact on convoy success.

3.   Commander's briefing.

a. Take notes.

b. Update maps, if appropriate.

4.   Prepare convoy commander's checklist.  Items supervisors and drivers need to be briefed—

(a)   Rules of the road.

(b)   Traffic laws or regulations.

(c)   Speed limits.

(d)   Time and distance gaps.

(e)   Routing plans.

(f) Schedules.

(g)   March discipline.

5.   Map reconnaissance.

a. Select tentative check points or confirm already established checkpoints.

b. Contact those units whose combat areas they will be passing through, and find out about trouble areas and ambush sites.

6.   Ground reconnaissance.

a. Select sites for scheduled halts, mess, and refueling that will safely accommodate convoy personnel and equipment.

b. Select release point.

c. Identify problem areas along the route.

d. Select a bypass or alternate route.

7.   Review the reconnaissance map and make a final selection.

8.   Give a copy of the map marked with all convoy information to the battalion S3.

a. Request convoy clearance from the battalion S3.

b. Request copy of movement graphs from the battalion S3.

9.   Coordinate to obtain artillery support with the artillery unit.

a. Use information from the security officer or obtained by route reconnaissance to plan fire support.

b. Determine the type of ammunition to be fired under various conditions.

c. Determine the number of rounds to be fired at given targets.

d. Determine the types of targets that warrant fire missions.

10. Mark on the map the range limitations of each artillery unit.

11. Plan/coordinate with the escort and security elements (military police units) for convoy security.

a. Maintain noise and light discipline.

b. Maintain front, flank, and rear security.

c. Conduct security measures during halts.

d. Request air cover (as required).

e. Request fire support (as required).

f.  Maintain convoy communication.

12. Direct the placement of guides and signs along the convoy route.

a. The authority in charge of movement has responsibility for placing guides and signs.

b. Guides and signs can be used to direct the convoy.

13. Brief/issue work assignments to subordinate elements.

14. Direct the operation section to prepare strip maps and/or overlays (as required).

15. Prepare for vehicle movement.

a. Perform vehicle preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS).

(1)  Perform before operation PMCS using the appropriate -10 level manual.

(2)  Check for and have items repaired, filled, or adjusted as needed.

b. Mark vehicles for the convoy move.

(1)  Place a "Convoy Follows" sign on the first task vehicle, below the windshield in a conspicuous location.

(2)  Place a "Convoy Ahead" sign on the rear of the last task vehicle.

(3)  Identify the lead vehicle with a 12- by 18-inch blue flag on the left (driver's) side.

(4)  Identify the convoy commander and the serial commander with a 12- by 18-inch black and white (divided diagonally) flag on the left (driver's) side.

(5)  Identify the last vehicle with a 12- by 18-inch green flag on the left (driver's) side.

(6)  Identify vehicles with a convoy identification number.

(7)  Ensure that all vehicles are marked in accordance with AR 55‑162.

c. Establish convoy communications.

(1)  Radio is the best means of communication during convoy.

(2)  Remember radio signals can be intercepted.

d. Load cargo and equipment onto vehicles/trailers or semitrailers (as required).

e. Assemble inspection area.

(1)  Ensure the area is large enough to accommodate vehicles.

(2)  Ensure that the maintenance team in the assembly area inspects vehicles.

(3)  Ensure that all personnel and equipment are inspected in the assembly area.

16. Prepare the convoy briefing on the following—

a. Rules of the road.

b. Traffic laws or regulations.

c. Speed limits.

d. Time and distance gaps.

e. Routing plans.

f.  Schedules.

g. March discipline.

17. Hand out strip maps and brief convoy personnel.

18. Give signal/order to start engines.

19. Give signal/order to move out.

20. Maintain organizational control by—

a. Monitoring communication.

b. Maintaining communication with subordinate element commanders.

c. Making on-the-spot corrections.

d. Informing subordinate element commanders of control infractions and ordering them to take corrective actions.

21. Direct at-halt activities, monitor activities in progress, and make on-the-spot corrections.

22. Give signal/order to reform and start engines.

23. Give signal/order to move out.

24. Direct the off-loading of cargo/equipment at the release point, as required.

25. Inform higher headquarters of the convoy status.

26. Inform fire support unit(s) of the convoy status.

27. Evaluate task performance, noting personnel—

a. To be acknowledged for outstanding work performance.

b. To be acknowledged for substandard work performance and/or scheduled for training.

28. Prepare convoy command's report and give a copy to higher headquarters.

1.   Started initial planning steps.

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