o
A roadway must be set up that allows selected vehicles to leave.
Keeping these principles in mind, military police select a site that
meets the following conditions.
o
The vehicles can disperse if the tactical situation demands it.
o
There is easy access to and from the roadway.
o
The surface of the area is firm enough to hold the weight of the
vehicles.
o
The area is large enough to allow the vehicles to be covered and
concealed from air and ground observation.
o
The area is defensible.
d. Security. The team leader places the automatic weapon in a fighting
position to provide cover for other members of the team.
He ensures the
vehicle is parked close to the fighting position in order to use the FM
radio. He makes sure the vehicle is concealed.
Large scale holding area operations involving several MP teams
usually require dedicated security, particularly at the entrance and exit
points.
A fighting position is set up at each location.
between positions can be established by wire. Coordination should be made
with nearby units, including such things as transportation for stragglers,
ammunition resupply, and intelligence information.
e. Control Plan. Military police are positioned inside the holding area
to direct vehicles into position.
To accomplish this, they use a control
plan. The easiest method of control, is to use a subdivision system. To
establish such a system, you need to perform the following steps:
o
Make a map or sketch of the area showing the road net, trails,
and major obstacles, and outline the area.
o
Divide the area into equal subdivisions and assign a letter,
name, or number to each subdivision.
This aids in identifying
sections within the holding area and affords users a way of
locating their designated areas.
o
Erect signs showing the outline of each area.
o
Develop a traffic flow plan and erect directional signs.
o
Keep a count of vehicles in the subdivisions by number, size, and
unit designation.
The proper organization, control, and security of a holding area is
vital.
A holding area makes an extremely lucrative target for the enemy,
due to the concentration of vehicles and personnel. The key is to move the
vehicles through the holding area as rapidly as possible.
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MP1029
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