location, direction of travel, or actions may hinder military movement.
During combat operations, control of civilian movement is important.
Disorganized masses of people seriously impair the movement of military
units and endanger the security of military forces.
Refugees can be a
potent weapon.
The enemy can use refugees to disrupt friendly military
operations. A hasty exodus of people usually results in panic, confusion,
loss of property, and overtaxed lines of communication.
Refugee control ensures refugee movements do not interfere with military
movements on MSR, or with tactical units during combat operations. Refugee
control also:
o
Reduces unnecessary movements.
o
Reduces panic or confusion caused by rumors about the enemy.
o
Reduces refugees' risk of life and loss of property.
o
Increases compliance with orders.
o
Keeps refugees from being used as a cover for enemy, military, or
agent infiltration.
o
Makes it easier to move civilians from an area.
PART A - STRAGGLER CONTROL
1.
Responsibilities.
The commander's staff plans straggler control, using the straggler
estimate furnished by the G1, the straggler control plan provided by the PM,
and unit SOP. Units rely primarily on their SOP.
a. Commanders.
Area commanders are responsible for the control of
stragglers in their areas of responsibility.
Unit commanders are
responsible for the control of stragglers coming into their unit area.
Commanders set up accountability procedures to give early warning that
personnel are missing. Commanders set up checkpoints at exits from the unit
area to make sure only authorized personnel leave the area.
Unit SOP specify straggler control measures for each unit.
Such
things as personnel accountability, strength reporting, unit checkpoints,
and other functions are stated in the SOP. Each level of command addresses
straggler control in the unit SOP.
b. Provost Marshal. The PM formulates the straggler control plan. He
recommends control measures to be used and directs MP activities supporting
straggler control.
The plan shows the placement of TCPs, mobile patrols,
straggler posts, straggler collecting points, straggler lines, medical
facilities, major headquarters, replacement detachments, and any other
agency that may be needed to help control stragglers. He provides reports
to the G1.
MP1029
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