5.
Straggler Collection Points.
A straggler collection point is where stragglers are assembled and
processed for return to their unit, or for placement in other military
channels.
Straggler collecting points are used when large numbers of
stragglers exist and TCPs, straggler control posts, and mobile patrols are
unable to handle the volume.
MP perform two main tasks at a straggler
collecting point.
They process each straggler, and they help return
stragglers to their units or place them in medical or other channels.
The PM, who plans the location of a straggler collecting point, usually
places it along a key MSR or at an intersection of MSR. This makes delivery
of stragglers to their units by backhaul trucks easier.
The collecting
point is located where food, shelter, clothing, and medical treatment are
available.
A straggler collecting point is usually operated by an MP squad. This
may vary with the size of the operation and the number of military police
available.
A straggler collecting point can be operated by an element as
small as an MP team or as large as a platoon. It may have a shared location
where elements of medical, transportation, and MP units locate behind the
straggler line for further disposition of stragglers.
The squad leader
organizes his squad to conduct a 24-hour operation.
More equipment and
supplies than are usually carried by a squad may be needed. Food, water,
clothing, and shelter are needed for stragglers. When a medical facility is
not close by, military police must have extra medical supplies on hand and
be prepared to administer first aid.
A squad organized for a straggler
collecting point has a squad leader to provide leadership, one team to
process stragglers, a second team to guard stragglers attempting to avoid
returning to their unit, and a third team to provide security and rest
periods for squad members.
MP process stragglers at a collecting point in essentially the same
manner as elsewhere. Stragglers attempting to avoid returning to their unit
are separated from the others.
They are detained.
Other stragglers are
placed on the first available transportation to their unit.
Injured and
sick stragglers are placed in medical channels. MP record key information
and submit reports in accordance with the unit SOP. The frequency of the
reports is usually specified in the straggler control plan.
6.
Disposition of Stragglers.
MP return stragglers using available transportation.
Most stragglers
will be transferred to one of three locations by TCPs, patrols, or straggler
posts.
These are: a medical facility, a straggler collecting point, or
their units.
Transportation for medical evacuation is determined by the
seriousness of the wound and the evacuation means available. The straggler
collecting point may request transportation assistance when dealing with
large numbers of stragglers. They request support from a movement control
team (MCT) or the MCO. MP provide escorts for stragglers only under unusual
circumstances and then only when directed to do so by competent authority.
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