(5) Security force.
As mentioned before, train guards will usually
be MPs, although other troops may be assigned to this duty. Their mission,
is to ensure that the train arrives at its destination with its freight
essentially undamaged.
(a) The strength of the security force is dictated by the
sensitivity of the cargo, the priority of its need, and the circumstances in
the area to be traversed. In the zone of the interior, only certain cars may
be guarded; in a theater of operations, the entire train and trackage may
require all available protection.
(b) Sometimes a few security persons are enough to secure cars
having sensitive freight. If so, they may ride either in the specific car to
be protected or in the caboose.
There may be times when they ride in a
security car(s).
If only one security car is used, it should be near the
center of the train; if more than one is used, spacing should be arranged to
provide the best protection.
(6) Communications. There should be radio communication between two
or more locations. Such communication should be used, when possible, between
the train, the MPs and tactical units in the area.
d. Security measures for railroad operations.
(1) Trains should run on irregular schedules.
(2) Railroad security elements should both precede and follow
individual trains, and critical terrain features along the route should be
occupied if personnel and equipment are available.
(3) Locomotives should be preceded by two or more cars loaded with
sandbags, rocks, or scrap material for protection against mines and
obstructions.
(4) Use should be made of special armored security guard cars or
These may be prepared for defense by sandbags, machine guns,
mortars, or rocket launchers.
They must not be placed next to cars loaded
with gasoline, ammunition or other flammables.
(5) Guard posts may be established at critical installations and rail
facilities. Examples are tunnels, bridges, and stations.
10.
Port, Harbor, and Vessels Physical Security. The entire responsibility
for a US Army terminal is the CO's. It is his from the time military cargo
arrives in a port until it leaves the terminal.
The CO is responsible for
the security of the cargo at the post, and for personnel assigned to, passing
through or working within the terminal. A terminal is composed of areas such
as storage areas, piers, beaches and shores, entrances/exits, and ships tied
up at piers.
The protection of waterborne traffic presents the CO with
special problems. These relate to security planning, command and control and
MP1001
5-8
Previous Page
