TACTICAL MOVEMENT

 

1. The platoon conducts tactical vehicle movements independently or as part of a larger element.

2. Speed/intervals.

a. Movement speed: 40 kph (hard surface), 30 kph (all others)

b. Catch-up speed: 50 kph (hard surface), 40 kph (all others)

c. Blackout movement speed: 20 kph (25 kph catch-up speed).

d. Vehicle interval: 50 meters at night or in urban areas; 100 meters or dust interval in daylight/open terrain.

 

3. Security.

a.       The platoon leader specifies appropriate threat level.

b. Direction of travel is 12 o’clock

1) Lead vehicle scans 10 to 2

2) Subsequent vehicles alternate scanning 8 to 11 and 1 to 4

3) Trail vehicle scans 4 to 8.

 

4. Movement checklist.

a. Determine/report number of operational vehicles.

b. Top off fuel and other Class III products.

c. Upload ammunition and other Class V products.

d. Complete PMCS.

e. Complete prepare-to-fire checks.

f. Test, zero, and boresight weapon systems as applicable.

g. Complete rollover and fire drills.

h. Specify time for platoon OPORD.

i. Complete reconnaissance.

j. Rehearse actions on contact (ambush/ground/air).

k. Rehearse actions at halts (scheduled/unscheduled).

l. Complete fire support plan.

m. Rehearse actions for mechanical breakdown.

n. Rehearse MEDEVAC/CASEVAC.

o. Tie down all loads.

p. Complete communications checks.

q. Inspect obstacle reduction kits.

r. Load and test PLGR units.

s. Designate graphic control measures (rally points)

t. Identify critical points.

u. Ensure communications with all vehicles and troop or TF HQ.

v. Ensure all vehicle commanders have movement overlay.

w. Designate march order, movement technique, interval, and rate of march.

x. Test NVGs (including VVS-2) for proper operation.

y. If applicable, prepare for limited visibility operations, taking the following steps:

1) Mount chemlights or polarity tape on vehicles.

2) Specify the color identification of elements to the front and rear.

3) Check all night vision devices prior to movement.

4) Specify correct vehicle interval (normally 50 meters; variable according to road conditions and operational factors).

5) Specify the rate of march.

 

5. Halts.

a. Scheduled.

1) Scheduled every 100 km or 2 hours.

2) March column immediately moves into a herringbone formation.

3) Lead/trail vehicles provide guides for traffic flow if needed.

4) Establishes local security with turret weapons.

5) Places OPs on key terrain surrounding the platoon position.

6) Drivers perform maintenance as time permits if actions are not planned.

b. Unscheduled halts.

1) Immediately seek cause of the halt.

2) Clear route by assuming a coil or herringbone formation.

3) Establish local security. Squad leaders will send one man forward to next vehicle to determine reason for halt. Platoon notifies higher headquarters.

4) Determine a course of action.

5) Report to higher headquarters if appropriate.

6) Continue the movement.

 

6. Execution.

a. The platoon maintains security during movement.

1) Ensures lead and downwind elements conduct continuous chemical monitoring.

2) Maintains air guards.

3) Maintains local security through crew sectors of observation and weapons orientation.

b. The PSG coordinates maintenance/recovery requirements.

1) Handles emergency repair and recovery of vehicles.

2) Handles medical aid and evacuation.

3) Handles emergency refueling.

4) Provides higher HQ with the location of non-repairable vehicles.

 

7. Vehicle breakdowns.

a. The column continues to move and close up the gap.

b. The PSG will request maintenance support from 1SG or maintenance/recovery team.

1) Move disabled vehicles off the road as far as possible.

2) Place safety warning devices behind vehicle.

3) Post traffic control to wave march elements by.

4) Post local security.

5) Attempt repair.

c. If crew cannot repair, prepare vehicle for recovery.

 

8. The platoon clears the RP.

a. Meets guides at the designated RP.

b. Completes movement IAW times designated in the order.

c. Platoon leader forwards crossing report to higher HQs.

 

9. The platoon continues its mission.