Convoy SOP

Standard Operating Procedure 20-1

Purpose: This SOP is to outline the regulations regarding Convoy Training Exercises and Missions.

Application: This SOP applies to all enlisted Marines attached to the 13th Battalion, 37th Marines.

General:

A. HMMWV Organization

(1.1) All HMMWV's will have at least 3 personnel (1 driver, 1 passenger, and 1 gunner.)
(1.2) If only 2 personnel are accessible, the highest ranking NCO will be the driver and the other Marine will be the gunner.
(1.3) A maximum of 4 personnel will be in a HMMWV of any given time.
(1.4) Each HMMWV will have at least one (1) Engineer.

(2) All Marines will conduct at least one (1) HMMWV exercise every two (2) months.

B. HMMWV Convoy Procedures

(1) A Convoy must consist of--

a. Two (2) to Four (4) HMMWV's.
b. Two (2) HMMWV's and One (1) Light Armored Tank or Heavy Armored Tank.
c. Constant communication will proceed between the passengers of the HMMWV's unless in case of emergency or enemy activity.
d. A Corpsman will be positioned in the third HMMWV or the Light/Heavy Armored Tank.

(2.1) While conducting convoy's--

a. All HMMWV's will maintain safe driving distances and speeds.
b. Constant communication will proceed between the passengers of the HMMWV's unless in case of emergency or enemy activity.

(2.2) Drivers--

a. All drivers will listen to only the commands given by their passenger and will follow the lead vehicle.
b. They will not break formation unless commanded to do so.

(2.3) Passengers--

a. Will watch the road for possible mines, IEDs, and enemy activity.
b. Be responsible for maintaining order within their HMMWV.

(2.4) Gunners--

a. The first HMMWV gunner will watch the front of the convoy.
b. The second HMMWV gunner will watch the left of the convoy.
c. The third HMMWV gunner will watch the right of the convoy.
d. The fourth HMMWV gunner will watch the rear of the convoy.

(3) In the case of an inactive HMMWV--

a. The rear HMMWV will break formation and provide a 360 degree defense around the inoperative HMMWV.
b. The Corpsman will provide medical care if needed
c. The Engineer will assess the inoperative HMMWV if needed.

(4.1) In the case of only Three (3) HMMWV's--

a. A Corpsman will be placed in the middle HMMWV.
b. There will only be two (2) Engineers.

(4.2) In the case of an inactive HMMWV

a. The remaining two (2) HMMWV's will break formation and assess the inactive HMMWV.
b. The two HMMWV's will be positioned in the front and rear of the inactive HMMWV.
c. All personnel (besides the gunners) will exit the HMMWV's and evenly position themselves to the left and right of the inactive HMMWV.
d. Medical care and repairs will be provided if needed.

Signed,
Sergeant Major J. Casper