Unit SOP determines a team's combat load. Because a TCP is conducted
at one location, the team is often able to take the vehicle trailer.
In
addition to the normal combat load, other items that may be required at a
TCP are as follows:
a. Traffic Control Equipment.
What specific equipment is needed or
used will vary with the situation. Flashlights with a white cone are used
for high visibility.
In certain situations, low-light blue lenses may be
required.
Flashlights are used at night so that drivers can see the MP
instructions.
Under all circumstances, operations security (OPSEC)
procedures must be employed.
White cuffs have been standardized in NATO
(STANAG 2159) to be used in directing traffic.
The cuffs have white or
yellow light-reflecting stripes, parallel to the arm. The enemy situation
may require the cuffs to be removed.
b. First Aid Kit.
MP must be ready to give first aid at any time.
Because of its location along the MSR, a TCP should expect that injured
personnel will be brought to it. MP are not medics, but have the capability
to communicate with the medics and are in a readily identifiable location.
c. -Signal Operating Instructions (SOI). One of the functions of a TCP
is to provide information and serve as a communications point. If the team
is to communicate properly, it must have the correct SOI.
Many of the
reports will have to be submitted by radio, to include authentication and
encoding.
Proper radio procedures are critical.
A great deal of
information can be given to the enemy if proper procedures are not followed.
d. Area Maps and Overlays.
Maps of the area are used to give
directions and to locate new mission areas.
Often, orders and plans are
given through the use of overlays. For example, the traffic control plan is
often in the form of an overlay.
e. Signs and Signmaking Equipment.
Guide signs are used to warn
drivers that a TCP is ahead. The signs show direction and distance to a TCP
(STANAG 2174 and STANAG 2019). Situations may develop that require the use
of temporary signs and the TCP should have the capability of making them.
f. NBC Monitoring Equipment.
As previously discussed, one of the
functions of a TCP is NBC monitoring.
Military police use chemical agent
paper, chemical detection kits, and radiacmeters to monitor NBC hazards.
NBC signs are used to identify contaminated areas.
g. Weapons.
Unit SOP will prescribe the weapons and basic load of
ammunition. The enemy threat or other parts of the situation, however, may
dictate that the team take additional weapons and/or ammunition. This might
include selected anti-tank weapons or an additional machinegun.
h. Radio and Telephones.
As with weapons, basic communications
equipment will be prescribed by unit SOP. The situation may require either
additional or special communications equipment.
MP1029
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