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commander may serve either as the convoy security commander or as overall convoy commander. In the latter role, he is responsible for the employment not only of his own organic combat elements but also of CS and CSS attachments and drivers of the escorted vehicles. He must incorporate all these elements into the various contingency plans developed for the operation. He must also maintain his link with the controlling TOC.
(1) Effective SOPs and drills must supplement OPORD information for the convoy, and the company should conduct rehearsals if time permits. Additionally, the company should conduct extensive precombat checks (PCCs) and PCIs, to include inspection of the escorted vehicles. The commander must also ensure that the company conducts all required coordination with units and elements in areas through which the convoy will pass.
(2) Before the mission begins, the convoy commander should issue a complete OPORD to all vehicle commanders in the convoy. This is vital because the convoy may itself be task-organized from a variety of units and because some vehicles may not have tactical radios. The order should follow the standard five-paragraph OPORD format; it may place special emphasis on these subjects:
• Inspection of convoy vehicles.
• Route of march (including a strip map for each vehicle commander).
• Order of march.
• Actions at halts (scheduled and unscheduled).
• Actions in case of vehicle breakdown.
• Actions for a break in column.
• Actions in built-up areas.
• Actions on contact, covering such situations as snipers, enemy contact (including near or far ambush), indirect fire, mine strike, and minefields.
• Riot drill.
• Refugee control drill.
• Evacuation drill.
• Actions at the delivery site.
• Chain of command.
• Guidelines and procedures for negotiating with local authorities.
• Communications and signal information.
• Tactical disposition.
• Fire support plan.
(3) In any escort operation, the basic mission of the convoy commander (and, as applicable, the convoy security commander) is to establish and maintain security in all directions and throughout the length of the convoy. He must be prepared to adjust the disposition of the security force to fit the security requirements of each particular situation. Several factors affect this disposition, including METT-TC, convoy size, organization of the convoy, and types of vehicles involved. In some instances, the commander may position security elements, such as platoons, to the front, rear, and or flanks of the convoy. As an alternative, he may disperse the combat vehicles throughout the convoy body.
b. Task Organization. When sufficient escort assets are available, the convoy commander usually organizes convoy security into three distinct elements: advance 8-18
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guard, close-in protective group, and rear guard. He may also designate an additional reserve in the rear guard to handle contingency situations. The following paragraphs examine the role of the advance guard, of security assets accompanying the convoy main body, and of the reserve in the rear guard.
NOTE: The convoy escort is provided with linguists as required.
(1) Advance Guard. The advance guard reconnoiters and proofs the convoy route. It searches for signs of enemy activity, such as ambushes and obstacles. Within its capabilities, it attempts to clear the route. The distance and time separation between the advance guard and the main body should be sufficient to provide the convoy commander with adequate early warning before the arrival of the vehicle column. However, the separation should be short enough that the route cannot be interdicted between the passage of the advance guard and the arrival of the main body. The advance guard should be task-organized with reconnaissance and mobility assets. As necessary, it should also include linguists.
(2) Main Body. The commander may choose to intersperse security elements with the vehicles of the convoy main body. These may include combat elements (including the rear guard), the convoy commander, additional linguists, mobility assets, and medical and maintenance support assets. Depending on METT-TC, the convoy commander may also consider the employment of flank security.
(3) Rear Guard. The rear guard serves as a reserve and either moves with the convoy or locates at a staging area close enough to provide immediate interdiction against enemy forces. The supporting headquarters normally designates an additional reserve, consisting of an additional company or combat aviation assets, to support the convoy operation.
c. Actions on Contact. As the convoy moves to its new location, the enemy may attempt to harass or destroy it. This contact usually occurs in the form of an ambush, often executed in coordination with the use of a hasty obstacle. In such a situation, the safety of the convoy rests on the speed and effectiveness with which escort elements can execute appropriate actions on contact. Based on the factors of METT-TC, portions of the convoy security force, such as a MGS platoon or section, may be designated as a reaction force. This element performs its normal escort duties, such as conducting tactical movement or occupying an assembly area, as required until enemy contact occurs; it then performs a reaction mission given by the convoy commander.
(1) Actions at an Ambush. An ambush is one of the most effective ways to interdict a convoy. Reaction to an ambush must be immediate, overwhelming, and decisive. Actions on contact in response to an ambush must be planned for and rehearsed so they can be executed as a drill by all escort and convoy elements, with particular attention given to fratricide prevention. In almost all situations, the security force takes several specific, instantaneous actions in reacting to an ambush. These steps include the following: (a) As soon as they acquire an enemy force, the escort vehicles immediately lay down suppressive fires in the direction of the attack and attempt to clear the kill zone quickly.
They seek covered positions between the convoy and the enemy and suppress the enemy with the highest possible volume of fire. They send contact reports to higher headquarters as quickly as possible.
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(b) Convoy vehicles, if they are armed, may return fire only if the security force has not positioned itself between the convoy and the enemy force.
(c) The convoy commander retains control of the convoy vehicles and continues to move them along the route at the highest possible speed.
(d) Subordinate leaders or the convoy commander may request that any damaged or disabled vehicles be abandoned and pushed off the route.
(e) The convoy escort leader uses situational reports to keep the convoy security commander informed. If necessary, the convoy escort leader can then direct a reserve force from the rear guard or the staging area to take action; he can also call for and adjust indirect fires.
(f) Once the convoy is clear of the kill zone, the convoy escort element executes one of the following COAs based on the composition of the escort and reaction forces, the commander’s intent, and the strength of the enemy force:
• Continue to suppress the enemy as the reserve moves to provide support.
• Break contact and move out of the kill zone.
• Assault the enemy.
(2) Actions at an Obstacle. Obstacles are obstructions that prevent advancing movement. They include, but are not limited to, deliberate roadblocks, disabled vehicles, and large groups of demonstrators. Obstacles pose a major threat to convoy security and can canalize or stop the convoy to set up an enemy ambush. The purpose of route reconnaissance ahead of a convoy is to identify obstacles and either breach them or find bypasses. In some cases, however, the enemy or its obstacles may avoid detection by the reconnaissance element. If this happens, the convoy must take actions to reduce or bypass the obstacle.
(a) When an obstacle is identified, the convoy escort faces two problems: reducing or bypassing the obstacle and maintaining protection for the convoy. Security becomes critical, and actions at the obstacle must be accomplished very quickly. The convoy commander must assume that the obstacle is overwatched and covered by enemy fires.
(b) To reduce the time the convoy is halted, thus reducing its vulnerability, these actions should occur when the convoy escort encounters point-type obstacles:
• The advance guard element identifies the obstacle, and the convoy commander directs the convoy to make a short halt and establish security.
• The convoy escort element overwatches the obstacle and requests to the convoy commander that the breach force move forward.
• The escort maintains 360-degree security and provides overwatch as the breach force reconnoiters the obstacle in search of a bypass.
• Once all reconnaissance is complete, the convoy commander determines which of the following COAs he will take:
- Bypass the obstacle.
- Breach the obstacle with the assets on hand.
- Breach the obstacle with reinforcing assets.
NOTE: The convoy may encounter obstacles such as an impromptu checkpoint established by civilians or noncombat elements. If the checkpoint cannot be bypassed or breached, the commander must be prepared to negotiate passage for the convoy.
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• The commander relays situational reports higher and, if necessary, requests support from combat reaction forces, engineer assets (if they are not part of the convoy), and aerial reconnaissance elements.
• Artillery units or the supporting mortar sections are alerted to provide fire support.
(3) Actions during a Halt. During a short halt, the convoy escort remains at REDCON-1 status regardless of what actions other convoy vehicles are taking. If the halt is for any reason other than an obstacle, the convoy escort takes the following actions: (a) The convoy commander signals the short halt and transmits the order via tactical radio. Based on METT-TC factors, he directs all vehicles in the convoy to execute the designated formation or drill for the halt.
(b) Ideally, the convoy assumes a herringbone or coil formation. If the sides of the road are untrafficable or are mined, however, noncombat vehicles may simply pull over and establish 360-degree security as best they can. This allows movement of the escort vehicles through the convoy main body as necessary.
(c) If possible, escort vehicles are positioned up to 100 meters beyond other convoy vehicles, which are just clear of the route. Escort vehicles remain at REDCON-1 but establish local security based on the factors of METT-TC.
(d) When given the order to continue, convoy vehicles reestablish the movement formation, leaving space for escort vehicles. Once the convoy is in column, local security elements (if used) return to their vehicles, and the escort vehicles rejoin the column.
(e) When all elements are in column, the convoy resumes movement.
8-25. OPEN AND SECURE ROUTES
This task is a mobility operation normally conducted by the engineers. The SBCT
infantry company may be tasked to assist in route clearance and to provide overwatch support. Route clearance may achieve one of several tactical purposes:
• To clear a route for the initial entry of the SBCT battalion into an area of operations.
• To clear a route ahead of a planned convoy to ensure that belligerent elements have not emplaced new obstacles since the last time the route was cleared.
• To secure the route to make it safe for use as a main supply route (MSR).
The planning considerations associated with opening and securing a route are similar to those for a convoy escort operation. The company commander must analyze the route and develop contingency plans covering such possibilities as likely ambush locations and sites that are likely to be mined. The size and composition of a team charged with opening and securing a route is based on METT-TC. (For information on combined-arms route clearance operations, refer to FM 20-32. ) 8-26. CONDUCT RESERVE OPERATIONS
Reserve operations in the stability environment are similar to those in other tactical operations in that they allow the SBCT infantry company commander to plan for a variety of contingencies based on the higher unit’s mission. As noted throughout this section, the reserve may play a critical role in almost any stability activity or mission, including lodgment area establishment, convoy escort, and area security.
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a. The reserve force must be prepared at all times to execute its operations within the time limits specified by the controlling headquarters.
b. The controlling headquarters may also tailor the size and composition of the reserve according to the mission it is assigned. If the reserve is supporting a convoy mission, it may consist of a company. In a mission to support established checkpoints, the reserve force may be the dismounted infantry elements from a platoon or company, supported by aviation assets.
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CHAPTER 9
SUPPORT OPERATIONS
US military forces conduct support operations to assist foreign and domestic civil authorities or designated groups by providing essential supplies and services in the face of adverse conditions, usually disease, hunger, or the consequences of disasters. Mission success in support operations, which are normally characterized by the lack of an active opponent, is measured in terms of the ability to relieve suffering and to help civil authorities respond to crises. The ultimate goals of these operations are to meet the immediate needs of the supported groups and to transfer responsibility quickly and efficiently to appropriate civilian authorities. Support operations are usually nonlinear and noncontiguous.
Support operations may complement offensive, defensive, or stability operations (before, during, and after execution). (Refer to the discussions of SBCT infantry company operations in Chapter 4 [offense] and Chapter 5 [defense] and for a more detailed examination of support operations, refer to FM 3-0.)
Section I. CHARACTERISTICS OF SUPPORT OPERATIONS
Support operations involve Army forces providing essential supplies, capabilities, and services to help civil authorities deal with situations beyond their control. In most cases, Army forces focus on overcoming conditions created by natural or manmade disasters.
Army forces may provide relief or assistance directly, but Army activities in support operations most often involve setting the conditions that facilitate the provision of required direct support to the affected population by civil authorities or NGOs.
9-1.
TYPES OF SUPPORT OPERATIONS
The types of support operations are domestic support operations (DSOs) and foreign humanitarian assistance (FHA) operations. They share four forms of operations, which occur to varying degrees in both DSO and FHA operations: relief operations, support to incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosive consequence management (CBRNE-CM); support to civil law enforcement; and community assistance. The US Army conducts DSOs in the US and its territories, using active and reserve components. It conducts FHA operations abroad and under the direction of a combatant commander. Domestic emergencies can require Army forces to respond with multiple capabilities and services. For this reason, they may conduct the four forms of support operations simultaneously during a given operation.
9-2.
DOMESTIC SUPPORT OPERATIONS
DSOs supplement the efforts and resources of state and local governments and NGOs within the United States. During DSOs, the US military always responds in support of another civilian agency. DSOs also include those activities and measures taken by the Department of Defense (DOD) to foster mutual assistance and support between the DOD
and any civil government agency. These include planning or preparedness for, or in the application of resources for response to, the consequences of civil emergencies or attacks,
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including national security emergencies or major disasters. A presidential declaration of an emergency or disaster area usually precedes a DSO.
a. The US military provides domestic support primarily in accordance with a DOD
directive for military assistance to civil authorities. The military assistance to civil authorities directive addresses responses to both natural and manmade disasters and includes military assistance with civil disturbances, counterdrug activities, counterterrorism activities, and law enforcement.
b. In accordance with the Constitution, civilian government is responsible for preserving public order. However, the Constitution does allow the use of military forces to protect federal and civilian property and functions. The Posse Comitatus Act restricts the use of the military in federal status and prevents it from executing laws and performing civilian law enforcement functions within the US.
c. DSOs focus on the condition of all types of natural and manmade properties with the goal of helping to protect and restore these properties, as requested. Typically, environmental operations are conducted in response to such events as forest and grassland fires, hazardous material releases, floods, and earthquakes.
9-3.
FOREIGN HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
US forces conduct FHA operations outside the borders of the US or its territories to relieve or reduce the results of natural or manmade disasters or other endemic conditions, such as human suffering, disease, or deprivation, that might present a serious threat to life or that can result in great damage to or loss of property.
a. The US military typically supplements the host nation authorities in concert with other governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, private voluntary organizations, and unaffiliated individuals. The majority of foreign humanitarian assistance operations closely resemble domestic support operations. The distinction between the two is the legal restrictions applied to US forces inside the US and its territories. Posse Comitatus does not apply to US forces overseas.
b. Foreign humanitarian assistance operations are limited in scope and duration.
They focus exclusively on prompt aid to resolve an immediate crisis. Crises or disasters caused by hostile individuals or factions attacking their government are normally classified as stability rather than support operations. In environments where the situation is vague or hostile, support activities are considered a subset of a larger stability or offensive or defensive operation.
Section II. FORMS OF SUPPORT OPERATIONS
During DSOs, Army forces perform relief operations and provide support to incidents involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD), support to civil law enforcement, and community assistance. In FHA operations, Army forces most often conduct relief operations; however, FHA may also involve support to incidents involving CBRNE-CM, and community assistance. Army forces involved in support operations execute overlapping activities.
9-4. RELIEF
OPERATIONS
State, local, and host nation authorities are responsible for restoring essential services in the case of a disaster. To support their efforts or those of the lead agency, the National 9-2
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Command Authority (NCA) can deploy Army forces. Army forces execute similar actions during relief operations in DSO and FHA. Humanitarian relief focuses on the well being of supported populations. Disaster relief focuses on recovery of critical infrastructure after a natural or manmade disaster. Both normally occur simultaneously.
9-5. SUPPORT TO DOMESTIC CBRNE CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT.
Military operations assist civil authorities in protecting US territory, population, and infrastructure prior to an attack by supporting domestic preparedness and critical asset protection programs. If an attack occurs, military support responds to the consequences of the attack.
a. Domestic Preparedness. The Army’s role in facilitating domestic preparedness is to strengthen the existing expertise of civil authorities. This is done in two primary areas: response and training. Response is the immediate reaction to an attack; training includes what happens after the attack.
b. Protection of Critical Assets. The purpose of this program is to identify critical assets and to assure their integrity, availability, survivability, and capability to support vital DOD missions across the full spectrum of military operations. Critical assets include telecommunications, electric power, gas and oil, banking and finance, transportation, water, and emergency services. An attack on any of these assets may disrupt civilian commerce, government operations, and the military.
c. Response to CBRNE Incidents. The initial response to the use of WMD is primarily from local assets, but sustained Army participation may be required soon afterward. The Army’s capabilities in this environment are--
• Detection.
• Decontamination and medical care, including assessment.
• Triage treatment.
• Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).
• Hospitalization.
• Follow-up on victims of chemical and biological agents.
9-6.
SUPPORT TO CIVIL LAW ENFORCEMENT
Support to domestic civil law enforcement involves activities related to counterterrorism, counterdrug operations, military assistance during civil disturbances, and general support with providing resources, training, or augmentation. Federal military forces remain under the military chain of command while supporting civil law enforcement. The supported law enforcement agency coordinates Army force activities in accordance with appropriate civil laws and interagency agreements. Army national guard (ARNG) units in "state"
status can be a particularly useful military resource. They may be able to provide assistance to civil authorities when federal units cannot meet the provisions of the Posse Comitatus Act.
9-7. COMMUNITY
ASSISTANCE
Community assistance is a broad range of activities that provide support and maintain a strong connection between the military and civilian communities. Community assistance activities provide effective means of projecting a positive military image, providing training opportunities, and enhancing the relationship between the Army and the
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American public. These activities should fulfill community needs that would not otherwise be met. Community activities can enhance individual and unit combat readiness. Projects should exercise individual soldier skills, encourage teamwork, and challenge leaders' planning and coordination skills. They should result in measurable accomplishments and increase soldier proficiency. Commanders of forward-deployed Army units may also apply those concepts when fostering or establishing relationships with host nation communities.
a. Community assistance at the national level enhances a cooperative relationship between the military and American people. National efforts take advantage of the technical, vocational, and group skills of military professionals. They supplement programs available from the civil sector and other government agencies. The Army’s involvement in a variety of assistance programs focuses on economic and social issues that have long-term national security implications. They provide opportunities for the Army to contribute to the growth and welfare of the nation, thus improving the nation's perception of the military. Army and DOD regulations provide guidance on national-level programs.
b. The Army has extensive national-level responsibilities related to public works maintenance and management. The Department of Army exercises its federal engineering executive responsibilities through the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The USACE manages much of the nation’s public works infrastructure. Executed principally, but not solely, through the civil works directorate, this military organization integrates complex federal, state, and local regulations and policies governing the national infrastructure. These include the national waterways, environmental remediation and recovery operations, real estate, disaster recovery operations, and general project management functions.
c. State and local efforts also improve the community's perception of the Army.
Community assistance varies widely ranging from individual soldier involvement to full installation participation. An installation or organization can enter into an agreement with the local community to provide critical services not available in the community, to augment community services unable to meet demand, or to ensure that emergency services are available in the shortest possible time.
d. Army participation in public events, memorials, and exhibits facilitates interaction between soldiers and the local community. This contact communicates the professionalism, readiness, and standards of the Army. Individual soldiers serve as representatives and role models to the civilian community, promote and inspire patriotism, and generate interest in the Army. This increased public awareness enhances the Army’s reputation and secures the confidence of the American people.
e. Laws, regulations, and policies limit Army participation in community assistance activities. Commanders consider the objective and purpose of community assistance and the limitations under which Army participation in community assistance activities is authorized. Commanders ensure that their initiatives do not compete with local resources or services and do not result in remuneration in any form. Commanders also avoid providing assistance and support to one segment of a community when they cannot also provide the same assistance to others. Actions that appear