2.
Evaluate Personnel Needs and Availability.
Correctly evaluating the number of MP required to operate a TCP is a
critical task for a MP supervisor. This process will ensure full and proper
use of manpower available.
There are many considerations that must be
considered in evaluating the manning of TCPs.
Whenever possible, MP selected for TCP duty should be trained, and
preferably experienced, in all the functions that a TCP must perform.
As
with many military police operations, they will often be operating well away
from the unit headquarters and must be capable of making informed decisions.
a. Determine the Need
MP set up TCPs at critical points on MSR to control the movement of
vehicles and personnel.
The number of MP and the types of weapons and
equipment needed to man a TCP are based on mission, enemy, terrain, troops,
and time available (METT-T).
(1) Mission.
A TCP is located at a critical point in the road
network. Its primary function is to assist in the regulation of the flow of
traffic. In a combat environment, it will perform other missions as well.
It may well find itself also serving as a substitute for a transportation
highway regulating point. The missions to be assigned must be evaluated to
determine if more than the normal number of MP will be required to perform
them.
(2) Enemy.
The enemy threat must be carefully evaluated.
It will
provide information that will indicate what type of action may be expected.
This may not only affect the number of military police assigned to a TCP,
but much of their equipment as well.
(3) Terrain.
Careful consideration must be given to the terrain.
The location of the roads and what surrounds them will affect where you may
place personnel.
If the area gives good visibility for the enemy, and/or
cover and concealment, it will affect your security.
You will have to
evaluate the terrain, therefore, from two aspects.
First, how it affects
your traffic control mission, and secondly, from a security standpoint.
When considering terrain, it is helpful to remember the key word "OCOKA."
OCOKA will be discussed in detail in Lesson 2.
O-Observation and fields of fire.
C-Cover and concealment.
O-Obstacles.
K-Key terrain.
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