If your decision is to return fire if the convoy is attacked, then you must ensure that the troops are
informed. Tell them whether to fire on their own initiative or upon command by you or their squad
leader. Because the distance between vehicles will be considerable, you may elect that each vehicle
crew fire on its own initiative at attacking aircraft. In this case, the vehicle pulls off the road and
stops, and the crew assumes firing positions. As the attacking aircraft comes within range, the
crew opens fire using the techniques explained in the active air defense section of this lesson. If
their fire is to be controlled, the procedures are the same except that they will fire on command.
Clock positions used to direct fire are referenced to the convoy's direction of travel. Specific
instructions regarding air attack are a part of your briefing prior to convoy departure.
Because of equipment and personnel differences in smaller units, commanders should prepare
standing operating procedures (SOP) for convoy control based on their own particular needs and
available resources.
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