OPERATE A CHECK POINT / ROADBLOCK

1. This card describes the procedures the platoon will use to operate a checkpoint / roadblock.

2. Purpose. The platoon may be directed to establish a checkpoint to achieve one or more of the following purposes:

a. Deter illegal movement.

b. Isolate an area or objective.

c Create a roadblock.

d. Control movement into the AO or onto a specific route.

e. Demonstrate the presence of peace forces.

f. Prevent smuggling of contraband.

g. Enforce the terms of peace agreements.

h. Serve as an OP and/or patrol base.

3. The platoon leader conducts troop-leading procedures with emphasis on the following:

a. Task, purpose, and ROE of the roadblock/checkpoint.

b. Determine the most advantageous location for the roadblock/checkpoint (OCOKA).

c. Develop contingency plans that address possible and/or expected situations during operation of the roadblock/checkpoint.

4. The platoon order addresses the following:

a. Orientation, to include the area to be secured or isolated, routes, start points (SP) and release points (RP), and the time/distance factors for the quick-reaction force (QRF) response.

b. Threat situation.

c. Weather.

d. Mission statement that includes location, start time, duration, and follow-on mission.

e. Higher commander's intent.

f. Concept of the operation.

g. Criteria and documentation for passage through the checkpoint.

h. Search procedures and prohibited items.

i. Criteria for civil detention.

j. Coordination with civil authorities.

k. Priorities for service support and description of CSS operations to support the operation.

l. Responsibility and procedures for integrating analog elements into the digital network.

5. In preparing for operations, the platoon leader:

a. Conducts reconnaissance.

b. Coordinates for personnel, as required.

c. Directs rehearsals, as time permits.

d. Prior to departure, informs CO/TM CP, either US or international, of time and location for departure, composition, and disposition of forces at roadblock/checkpoint.

6. The platoon sergeant supervises the establishment and the maintenance of roadblock/checkpoint security.

7. Construction of the roadblock/checkpoint under supervision of the platoon sergeant:

a. Emplace parallel obstacles across the road.

b. Distance between the obstacles is based on the amount of traffic to be held in the search area.

c. Place a barrier pole between obstacles to control movement from the search area to the exit obstacle.

d. Emplace barrier wire and pickets around the area.

e. Employ warning signs (printed in the native language and English) on all perimeter barriers, and wires.

f. Establish overwatch positions and parking and/or holding areas.

g. Establish vehicle search areas.

h. Establish separate search areas for males and females.

i. Establish detention areas.

j. Dig drop holes and fighting positions to provide protection for searchers in the event of problems during the search and to prevent searchers from masking security element fires.

k. Ensure adequate lighting for night operations.

l. Ensure translator is present at the roadblock/ checkpoint.

m. Report completion of roadblock/checkpoint to company team headquarters.

8. The checkpoint will:

a. Check and/or inspect military convoys.

b. Check and/or inspect civilian vehicles for authorization to use the route.

c. Search military and/or civilian vehicles for specified personnel (defined in higher echelon orders/intel reports).

d. Search vehicles and personnel for specified items (utilize contraband checklists).

e. Detain personnel and vehicles, equipment, and/or items in holding area as necessary.

f. CA/PSYOPS teams question detained personnel to obtain information of immediate importance.

g. Coordinate with CO/TM to evacuate detained personnel and/or seized vehicles, equipment, and other items as directed.

h. Employ active and passive protective measures, and improve roadblock/checkpoint as time and situation permit.

9. Checkpoint OIC/NCOIC reacts to hostile elements and/or actions IAW order and ROE/ROI:

a. Fire warning shots to deter personnel or vehicles attempting to flee/breach.

b. Control fleeing civilians using minimal force required.

c. Use necessary force to disarm evading military or paramilitary forces.

d. Fire to disable all vehicles attempting to flee/breach the roadblock/checkpoint.

e. Destroy vehicles that return or initiate fires.

f. Destroy vehicles that persist in attempting to flee/breach the roadblock/checkpoint.

g. Administer first aid to casualties.

h. Send situation report (SITREP) to CO CP.

10. Soldiers will conduct these operations in standard field uniform and full protective equipment. All soldiers should carry flashlights and colored chemlights. Additional protective gear (eye shields, riot shields) and flex cuffs (plastic zip strips) may be required. The table below lists basic equipment for executing roadblocks/checkpoints and searches.

Roadblocks / Checkpoints Searches

�� Portable lights

�� Marking lights

�� Traffic cones

�� Traffic signs

�� Barriers

�� Pickets and concertina wire

�� Loud speaker

�� Fire Extinguishers

�� Search mirrors

�� Portable lights

�� Ladders

�� Hand tools and crow bars

�� Picks and shovels

�� Rope

�� Engineer tape

�� Mine detectors and probes

�� Mine markers