escorted, enemy action, and resources available all influence the selection of the method.
The
methods of escort are:
Leading and following.
Empty truck (or modified).
Leapfrog.
Perimeter.
Each of these methods will be discussed in detail later in this lesson.
Tactical Actions. Tactical actions to be taken for security during halts or mechanical breakdowns must
be established. Weapons resources must be coordinated. The location of armored vehicles and
automatic weapons in the convoy should be mutually supporting. Prior coordination should be made
with mortar, artillery, and air support. All personnel in the convoy must know what action to take in
case of enemy attack. Generally, convoy personnel are required to maintain local security of their
vehicles, while MP take offensive action against the enemy attack.
If an enemy ambush occurs, persons in the vehicles that have been stopped (blocked or disabled) in
the kill zone should dismount and establish a base of fire. If the vehicle can move, it should attempt to
clear the kill zone as rapidly as possible.
If the convoy comes under artillery attack, all vehicles should continue to move. They should attempt to
move forward and clear the area as rapidly as possible. During an air attack, vehicles should disperse
and attempt to find cover. All personnel should take the aircraft under fire with all available weapons.
This has provided an introductory overview of this lesson. Many of the techniques involved have been
covered in other subcourses. For example, hasty route reconnaissance is covered in great detail in
subcourse MP 1028. In such cases, only a brief review will be included here. Material that is new will
be covered in greater detail.
CONVOY OPERATIONS
Before you can effectively plan and coordinate security with a convoy commander, you must have
some idea of how the convoy will be organized and will operate. Although the specific details may vary,
depending on the size and type of convoy, the basic principles remain the same.
Military police do not normally escort routine convoys; resources are generally too limited. When
conditions warrant, however, the MP may be tasked to escort selected convoys. In general terms, the
key factor in determining whether MP assets will be committed will be the importance of the "cargo"
(cargo in this sense includes people). Another consideration will be
MP1031
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