Military discussion post 250 words and Responses to 2x provided classmate post

SGT Johnson, Nathaniel M. - Case Study 2

COLLAPSE

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              In order to adequately prepare my unit for the upcoming convoy mission to the village of Givrakh, I would focus and organize my brief using the acronym METT-TC (Mission, Enemy, Terrain and weather, Troops and support available, Time and Civil Considerations).  The mission itself is simple, get from point A to point B safely and within the amount of time required by the unit commander's OPORD/intent.  The enemy aspect of this convoy is more complicated than in some areas, where there is a definite and aggressive threat to U.S. personnel and equipment.  The primary conflict in the region is between the nations of Atropia and Minaria, and the U.S. efforts in this region are strictly for humanitarian relief.  However there is a chance that the U.S. could come under direct or indirect contact with foreign military forces either due to getting caught in the crossfire or from being targeted for providing assistance to one of the nations in conflict.  Therefore a vigilant situational awareness must be kept at all times, and a working knowledge of the types of munitions that are in use by these forces is vital when deciding what protective countermeasures might be necessary if the convoy encounters an attack. 

             Terrain is a vital aspect that any convoy commander must acknowledge and assess prior to departure.  Knowing the condition of the roads, the trafficability, congested areas, strategic vectors of attack (especially if Givrakh is in a mountainous area), and hot points where conflict has recently occurred are critical components that must be researched in order to create a quality strip map for the convoy. (Center for Army Lessons Learned, 2004)  Weather is also very important when it comes to knowing what kind of potential hazards and visibility level you may encounter during the convoy.  Rain can cause flash flooding and cause roads to be impassable to many vehicles.  High winds and fog can considerably limit visibility forcing the convoy to move at a slower rate.  Key terrain features also can be labeled as checkpoints to ensure that the convoy is on track and at the proper intervals. 

             Every convoy leader must know his or her troops as they depend on you taking them into consideration while planning.  How must rest have they had recently?  What is their overall experience level with their individual roles and responsibilities during the convoy?  How much pre-convoy training can you afford to conduct?  What are the resources you have available to complete the mission?  The time you have to conduct the convoy from start to finish should also be considered a resource.  This particular parameter will be given to you by your commander when you receive the mission.  Some convoys are given flexibility on the time they have to conduct the convoy, others must adhere to a very strict timeline.  Regardless as a convoy leader you must backwards plan from the completion of the mission to present in order to gain a clear concept of how much time you have to afford to any one aspect of the mission.  

              Last but not least, you must gain a clear understanding of the people and the civilian/government property you could encounter.  Knowing the types of friendly or hostile groups in the area, the general culture of the land, identifying possible ways that U.S. forces could unwittingly offend the general population (ex. unknowingly drive through sacred or religious grounds) and ensuring that your troops are well-versed in the Laws of War and the Rules of Engagement is paramount to preparing for the convoy.   

              While every piece of information that you can learn about the upcoming mission is important, time constraints may force you to identify the most critically important aspects to focus on for a majority of the planning phase.  In this particular case, the terrain and weather, the troops and support available and the civil considerations are the most critical.  This is not an area where U.S. forces are actively under the direct threat of attack by a sworn enemy.  The most risk that this convoy is going to face is from rough terrain or weather events that can disable convoy vehicles or impede movement and from Soldier inexperience and fatigue.  Many convoy missions have been derailed by troops who have not been properly trained to operate and maintenance their vehicles and/or communicate proficiently by radio.  These same troops also must be very aware of what their presence means to the local population and that just because they haven’t taken up arms against U.S. forces yet does not mean that there is not a growing anger amongst them that can boil over at a moments notice.  Reinforcing a “tread lightly” and respectful code of conduct may be the difference between a successful convoy and the outbreak of a new war in a country the U.S. is trying to help.        

 

References

Center for Army Lessons Learned (2004).  Convoy Leader Training Vol. II 2-5

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