SUMMARY 

The company commander must train his or her troops in convoy defensive techniques. OPSEC measures must be considered during the planning process and practiced during day-to-day hauling operations. The primary types of engagement likely to be encountered during convoy movements are attacks by air, artillery, sniper, ambush, and NBC. The convoy commander must ensure that subordinate commanders and drivers are aware of and trained on

Figure 5-7.- Encircling attack. the procedures to be used for countering the different type of attacks. Active and passive defense techniques must be learned and practiced. In an ambush situation, immediate reaction and aggressive leadership are essential to limit casualties and damage to vehicles, cargo, and personnel.

The following is a list of ambush instructions that was developed from lessons learned during the Vietnam War.

Before Ambush 1. Be alert for changes in familiar scenes along the route.

2. Expect ambush upon detonation of mines, automatic weapons fire, and heavy sniper fire.

During Ambush 1. Notify security force by radio call using prearranged signals. (Do not tie up the radio nets with unnecessary conversation. Maintain strict radio discipline.)

2. Continue moving, maintaining vehicle distance if possible.

3. Place any tracked vehicles in front to activate further detonation of road mines.

4. If disabled, steer off the road to allow passage of other vehicles.

5. If disabled and the convoy is moving through the killing zone, mount a passing vehicle.

6. Do not enter the killing zone when it can be avoided.

7. Provide flanking support fire into the killing zone.

8. Security vehicles apply maximum base of fire; fight as a team; deploy upon command.

9. Prime targets are enemy automatic weapons positions, enemy mortar, rocket positions, and assaulting ground forces.

After Ambush 1. Protect and care for wounded; evacuate wounded as soon as possible.

2. After contact has been broken, reopen roadway, ensuring that it is free of mines.

3. Do not attempt to remove mines; contact explosive ordnance disposal.

4. Provide flank security while the convoy passes through the area.

5. When contact is broken, do not give chase. 6. Stay alert for a counterattack 7. Remember details.