Figure 23. Small Arms Convoy Coverage
4. Employ Convoy Self-Defense Measures. In terms of vulnerability to air threats, a convoy of
vehicles usually presents a lucrative target. Convoys are easily visible from the sky, and shoulder
ditches or embankments restrict their freedom of maneuver. The linear array of a convoy makes
command and control difficult. Convoys are high-value, hard-to-defend, easy-to-see/hit targets for
enemy air. The unit must assume there is a high probability of air attack when planning any
convoy.
a. Routes. Use routes that offer natural concealment. Trees and the shadows they cast
offer concealment. The shadows cast by mountain ridge lines in the early morning and late
afternoon also provide concealment. When crossing open country, travel should occur when the
sun is high to avoid casting long, highly visible shadows. When possible, use multiple routes to
reduce convoy lengths.
b. Dispersion Interval. Travel in an open column with 80 to 100 meters between vehicles.
Vehicles stretched out in a long thin line in a convoy, make excellent targets.
c. Small Convoy Units. The convoy can also be broken into small platoon size units and
dispatched separately with at least 1000 meters between units (use separate march units). This
procedure provides a very diluted target and increases the level of local control over each convoy
element.
5. Breakout Plan. Make arrangements for an attack by moving the vehicles to opposite sides
of the road to seek cover: The lead vehicle goes to the right, the second vehicle pulls to the left,
and so on. This technique is called "Herringbone" (see Figure 24). If possible, have vehicles drive
45 degrees off the road and move to a covered and concealed position. Establish rally points for
the convoy to reassemble after the attack. In cases where not all vehicles in the convoy have
radios, the unit must develop a means to signal drivers that enemy aircraft are coming. The use of
protective vehicle-launched or hand grenade smoke could cause the threat air to lose weapons lock
or disrupt target acquisition long enough for convoy vehicles to find suitable concealed or dispersed
positions.
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