text: Chapter 5
  Radiotelephone Operator (RTO)--Mounted employment, battle drills, electrical wiring techniques,
  and vehicle maintenance.
  Assistant Radiotelephone Operator (ARTO)--Mounted employment, battle drills, electrical wiring
  techniques, and vehicle maintenance.
  Scout Observer--Mounted employment, battle drills, and vehicle maintenance.
  Cross-Training
  5-108. LRS team members require thorough cross-training. Each vehicle crew must be able to operate
  independently for extended periods of time.
  Vehicle Preparation
  5-109. LRS personnel prepare as necessary for airland, paradrop, waterborne, and overland insertions.
  They plan for and spend sufficient time preparing their vehicles for the assigned mission, from infiltration
  to exfiltration. They must be prepared to conduct all maintenance and repair operations in the field.
  5-110. Team members cross load each vehicle so that if required it can act independently during the
  mission. Total weight of the vehicle, cargo and personnel is a prime consideration during operations. An
  overloaded vehicle handles poorly, consumes fuel at a higher rate, and will experience more maintenance
  problems. Items having the greatest effect on weight are fuel, water (50 pounds per 5 gallon container),
  ammunition by type (including shipping containers), and personal equipment.
  Equipment and Personnel Preparation
  5-111. An important aspect to pre-mission preparation is vehicle maintenance and keeping all equipment
  in a ready status. Members must inspect and exercise their vehicles even while in garrison. The assistant
  team leader is responsible for status of the team’s vehicle. Preventive maintenance checks and service are
  normally conducted, at a minimum, weekly while in garrison. This includes road testing the team's
  vehicles. This test should include on- and off-road operation in all gears. Check for wheel alignment and
  listen for any unusual noises.
  5-112. Keep the basic equipment common to each mission on the vehicle at all times (Figure 5-15). This
  equipment includes tools; petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL); spare parts; recovery items; tire repair
  kits; and other miscellaneous items. This method will not only save loading time and storage space, it
  reduces the chance that these items will be forgotten. Prepare each vehicle using a unit standardized vehicle
  load plan. This list is compiled from unit SOPs, experience, and mission requirements. The unit vehicle
  load plan standardizes the location of equipment common to all in each vehicle. This ensures that anyone
  assigned to the unit can go to any vehicle and locate or pack team equipment. Control and assist the
  preparations after alert using pre-mission checklists.
  5-113. Leaders conduct inspections to ensure the vehicles are loaded properly. Upon receipt of a notice to
  deploy, inspect the unit's vehicles as soon as possible to ensure mechanical reliability. Conduct this
  inspection at least 30 days before vehicle shipment (or as early as possible) to allow motor pool personnel
  time to correct deficiencies. Motor pool personnel normally help inexperienced team personnel perform
  this inspection. It is key that the team personnel be present at the vehicle maintenance inspection.
  Test-drive each vehicle to ensure mechanical reliability. Make sure the inspection takes the vehicle up to
  operating temperatures. Check climbing ability, winch operation with load, transmission and transfer case
  performance through all gears on challenging terrain, engine performance, and wheel alignment. Also,
  listen for any unusual noises or rattles. After the inspection and test, rate each vehicle by performance. The
  stronger vehicles should perform the more challenging aspects of the mission. Avoid overloading or
  hauling trailers with the weaker vehicles.
  5-114. The next inspection should take place 3 to 5 days before load out or during planning. Inspect the
  items normally kept on the vehicle and all mission-related equipment for accountability and serviceability.
  The last inspection should be the normal final inspection or spot check done during the last few hours
  before the infiltration or shipment of the equipment.