text: Chapter 5
  Planning and Execution Considerations
  5-134. Convoy security missions generate unique requirements the commander and staff should take into
  account when formulating a plan. The convoy security commander and subordinates receive a briefing on
  the latest information regarding the threat situation and the area through which the convoy is to pass.
  5-135. The commander formulates plans and issues orders covering the commander’s intent, assignment of
  security force elements (reconnaissance, screen, escort, and reaction), the movement formation, and intervals
  between echelons and vehicles, rate of travel, and detailed plans for actions on contact. Leaders at all levels
  should ensure the convoy security force identify and rehearse immediate action drills (such as enemy ambush,
  obstacle, and react to indirect fire) before movement and can execute them in case of contact.
  5-136. The commander may maintain a quick reaction force to support the convoy movement. The Cavalry
  unit may perform this mission. In addition, the commander assigns the Cavalry unit to set up outposts along
  the convoy route or movement corridor to provide overwatch and security of the area. Usually, the
  commander does not assign the Cavalry unit an area of operations but tasks the Cavalry unit to provide
  security for that segment of the route or corridor.
  5-137. Communications are vital to the success of movement. Leaders plan communications with convoy
  elements and units occupying areas of operations along the route of movement to ensure support assets
  availability. Visual and sound signals are prearranged. Signals include colored smoke, identification panels,
  whistles or horn signals, and escalation of force signs. While limited, these communications means are
  effective when all personnel understand the prearranged signals and responses.
  5-138. When possible, units should coordinate fires along the entire route of movement. Adequate fires
  planning and prior coordination with fire support cells can ensure indirect fire coverage. The fire support
  officer conducts detailed fire support rehearsals on the fire support net before convoy movement. The officer
  conducts rehearsals to confirm communications connectivity and to improve the fire support team’s overall
  understanding of the fire support plan. Planning and coordination must occur among all units involved if the
  convoy plans to move through multiple units’ area of operations.
  5-139. If an air threat is possible, the commander addresses air defense of the convoy in the planning phase.
  The convoy elements review small arms air defense procedures and establish orientation sectors. The
  commander orchestrates air defense reinforcements into the movement and defense plan. If the route falls
  under an existing air defense umbrella, the staff conducts the appropriate coordination with the controlling
  air defense headquarters.
  5-140. Convoy security operations in an urban environment or built-up area require different emphasis and
  techniques than those in rural areas. The population density and characteristics of the area may require
  nonlethal weapons and the careful application of lethal weapons in an effort to minimize collateral damage.
  To ensure they apply minimum essential force to minimize loss of life and destruction of property, leaders
  conduct detailed planning, coordination, and control. Whenever possible, convoys move through populated
  areas when these areas are least congested and pose less danger to the security of the convoy. Convoy
  operations may require assistance from military or local police and other government agencies to secure the
  route before the convoy enters the built-up area.
  5-141. The S-4 and unit commanders plan for sustainment in convoy security operations. Fuel and
  maintenance elements are included in the convoy itself, or pre-positioned in secure areas along the route.
  Leaders should perform a detailed, precombat inspection before the convoy starts. Commanders plan casualty
  evacuation (CASEVAC) along the entire movement route. Commanders maintain coordination between the
  security force elements to ensure immediate medical support is available including the aid station, unit
  command post, sustainment command post, and designated units along the route. When operating at extended
  distances from organic or supporting medical assets, air medical evacuation is the preferred means of
  evacuation and is planned and rehearsed in detail.
  HIGH-VALUE ASSET CONSIDERATIONS
  5-142. High-value assets are assets whose capture or destruction by enemy forces could decisively change
  the course of the operation. Security missions to protect high-value assets are an important component of