Traffic Control Plan.
In addition to these three plans, there are traffic regulations
that must be followed. These regulations are somewhat similar to those that
are used in peacetime, except that they are usually found in standard
operating procedures (SOPs).
b.
Coordination of Plans.
Probably the most critical step in every plan is that of
coordination.
Proper staff coordination serves three major purposes.
First, it allows specialists in areas other than the action officer to
ensure that this special knowledge is used in the plan.
For example, a
transportation officer needs the special knowledge of the MP in traffic
control. The engineer provides information concerning road maintenance and
construction.
Secondly, staff coordination makes sure that the plan does
not conflict with other things that may be going on. Thirdly, it is a way
of making sure that all the affected agencies know about the plan.
Exactly who the plan, or regulation, is coordinated with will
depend on the unit involved, the mission, and the situation. In any case,
it is always better to coordinate a plan with too many agencies than to miss
one or two that are critical to it. Failure to properly coordinate a plan
or regulation fully and properly can result in disaster.
The plan might
conflict with other operations, or some key agencies may not "get the word."
Some of the more important, but certainly not all, of the
agencies which might be included, and why, are discussed in the next
paragraphs:
(1) ACOS, G3 (or equivalent operations officer).
The G3 has
overall staff responsibility for operations in the organization. It is the
central point where all that is going on comes together. His office knows
what
the
combat
plans
are
and
can
therefore
determine
if
the
regulations/plans will support or conflict with those operations.
(2) Provost Marshal. A major mission of the military police is
BCC. The military police enforce traffic regulations and implement much of
the plans. Additionally, military police patrols and posts, because their
duties require them to be on the roads constantly, are a major source of
information. They also provide an emergency communications link.
(3) Engineer.
The engineers are responsible for road and
bridge maintenance.
They also determine bridge and road classifications.
Since the engineer also has many other responsibilities in the division
area, he must balance his commitments, or perhaps request additional
engineer assistance from elsewhere.
Coordination allows him to determine
his priorities and what engineer support is required.
(4) Corps MCC.
The corps MCC is responsible for highway
traffic movements in the corps area. How the division plans to use the road
net in its area has an impact on how the corps will use its net, and vice
versa.
MP1028
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