Each team member must be assigned specific tasks. It is wise for you to designate alternate duties for
all team members. If you should then encounter a situation that requires such a change, it is more
easily made.
Once duty positions have been assigned, the weapons and equipment each patrol member is
responsible for become apparent. In those cases where doubt may exist, or where there might be
duplication of effort, the patrol leader should designate a responsible individual. Weapons and
equipment should be gathered at a designated place well before time for departure.
Once the weapons and equipment have been gathered, the patrol leader must inspect all personnel
and equipment thoroughly. Once the patrol departs, it will be too late to discover that an item is missing
or doesn't work. The inspection should include ensuring that the appropriate amount of POL has been
obtained. The same is true of ammunition and rations. The test firing of weapons will be dictated by
the local SOP.
Briefing
You must brief the patrol immediately prior to departure so that they each understand their
responsibilities. They should also understand how they fit into the larger picture. As with any mission,
the patrol leader follows the normal troop leading sequence in briefing patrol members.
Conduct the Reconnaissance
Once all the preparations are completed, you then conduct the patrol. In a ground reconnaissance this
means actually driving over the route the convoy will take. A hasty route reconnaissance for a convoy
is conducted in the same ,manner as any other hasty route reconnaissance. The information that you
bring back will be used for other purposes, as well as for your security escort mission. You must,
however, pay particular attention to those areas and items of information that could seriously impact
upon the convoy. Some of the more common items required are reviewed in the following paragraphs.
Route Classification Formula
This is a key item of information. It is a form of shorthand for the entire route. It is expressed by a
route classification formula that has been standardized in a specific sequence. The formula is made up
of a series of numbers and letters in a prescribed order. They express, in order, the route width, route
type, lowest military load classification, overhead clearance, obstructions, and special conditions. The
route classification formula is contained in FM 19-4.
Route Width. The width of the route, including bridges, tunnels, underpasses, and other constrictions,
is the narrowest part of the traveled way. It is expressed in meters or feet (STANAG 2253). A width
obstruction for singleflow, wheeled traffic exists when the traveled way is less than 5.5 meters. For
tracked vehicles, it exists when the traveled way is less than 6 meters.
MP1031
2-18
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