36th Combat Aviation Brigade
Phase I: Initial Operator Training
UNIT K • SLIDE 1 OF 13
Master Driver Academic Instruction
HEADQUARTERS & HEADQUARTERS COMPANY
TASK FORCE MUSTANG
INITIAL OPERATOR TRAINING
Phase I, Unit K: Motor Marches and Convoy Operations
HHC, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade
COURSE REFERENCES
AR 600–55 • 36th CAB Drivers Training SOP • ATP 4–16 (Movement Control) • Unit Movement Orders • Convoy Standing Operating Procedures
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Terminal Learning Objectives
Phase I, Unit K: Convoy Operations
SLIDE 2 OF 13
Learning Objectives
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
TASK FORCE MUSTANG
At the conclusion of Unit K, students will be able to:
EXAM CRITICAL
Convoy Definition: Define a military convoy and identify its six-vehicle operational threshold.
March Column Organization: Identify the advance party, main body, and trail party elements.
Control Measures: Apply the three fundamental control points: Start Point, Checkpoint, and Release Point.
Driver Responsibilities: Maintain assigned intervals, catch-up speed restrictions, and march discipline.
Vehicle Documentation: Distinguish between required logbook packets and individual driver licenses.
Safety & Recovery: Execute halt security routines and implement unit vehicle-recovery plans.
Test Alignment: Unit K directly covers mandatory knowledge for Phase I Exam Questions 13, 14, 15, and 16.
WHAT IS A CONVOY?
Phase I, Unit K: Convoy Operations
SLIDE 3 OF 13
Testable Standard: Convoy Definition
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
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Convoy Definition and Operational Purpose
A convoy is organized to ensure command, control, communication, and mutual defense during movement.
PURPOSE OF CONVOY MOVEMENTS
TESTABLE KNOWLEDGE QUESTION
“A military convoy is defined as a group of how many or more vehicles organized for the purpose of control?”
MANDATORY STANDARD
SIX OR MORE VEHICLES.
Phase I Exam Question 14 • Convoy Threshold
Move personnel, equipment, and bulk supplies safely across long distances.
Maintain centralized command, control, and tactical communications.
Ensure total accountability of all moving tactical assets and personnel.
Coordinate designated routes, halts, recovery, refueling, and security.
Significantly mitigate highway risks through synchronized column movement.
CONVOY ORGANIZATION
Phase I, Unit K: Convoy Operations
SLIDE 4 OF 13
Testable Standard: Column Elements
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
TASK FORCE MUSTANG
Three Elements of a March Column
A military march column is divided into three distinct operational elements.
MARCH COLUMN STRUCTURE
TESTABLE KNOWLEDGE QUESTION
“What are the three structural elements of a military march column?”
REQUIRED STANDARD
Advance Party, Main Body, & Trail Party.
Phase I Exam Question 15 • Unit K Core Structure
1. Advance Party:
2. Main Body:
3. Trail Party:
CONVOY CONTROL MEASURES
Phase I, Unit K: Convoy Operations
SLIDE 5 OF 13
Control Measures
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
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Key Movement-Control Measures
Commanders manage movement timing, column interval, and navigation using three doctrinal controls.
Control Measure | Operational Purpose |
Start Point (SP) | Location where vehicles come under direct centralized control of the convoy or march commander. |
Checkpoint (CP) | Designated geographical point along the route used to monitor march timing, control, and accountability. |
Release Point (RP) | Designated location where vehicles are released from centralized convoy control to return to parent units. |
TESTABLE KNOWLEDGE: CONTROL MEASURES
Phase I, Unit K: Convoy Operations
SLIDE 6 OF 13
Testable Standard: Movement Controls
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
TASK FORCE MUSTANG
Managing Convoy Movement Along the Route
The three core movement control points establish, synchronize, and terminate column movement.
WHY THESE THREE CONTROLS MATTER
TESTABLE KNOWLEDGE QUESTION
“Which three controls are used to manage a convoy’s movement?”
REQUIRED RESPONSE
Start Point, Checkpoint, & Release Point.
Phase I Exam Question 16 • Convoy Movement Controls
Start Point (SP):
Checkpoint (CP):
Release Point (RP):
CONVOY DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES
Phase I, Unit K: Convoy Operations
SLIDE 7 OF 13
Driver Duties
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
TASK FORCE MUSTANG
Driver Responsibilities During a Convoy
The driver's primary responsibility is safe vehicle operation while adhering strictly to column discipline.
36th CAB SOP Rule: Drivers will not exceed posted speed limits or the maximum vehicle speed specified in the TM.
SPEED LIMIT DOCTRINE
PREPARATION & FORMATION DUTIES
EN ROUTE TACTICAL COMPLIANCE
Attend the formal convoy briefing and review the strip map and route.
Conduct rigorous Before-PMCS; top off fuel, fluids, and tire pressure.
Verify communications radio check and ensure emergency equipment is present.
Maintain sight of the designated vehicle in front; never pass in column.
Maintain assigned interval and obey posted civilian and TM speed limits.
Keep headlights, blackout lights, or hazard flashers set as ordered.
Monitor engine temperature, air gauges, warning lights, and strange sounds.
Report mechanical faults, route hazards, or separation via radio immediately.
SPEED, INTERVAL, AND MARCH DISCIPLINE
Phase I, Unit K: Convoy Operations
SLIDE 8 OF 13
March Discipline
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
TASK FORCE MUSTANG
Maintain Convoy March Discipline
Strict spacing and steady velocity eliminate dangerous "accordion effect" whip actions in the column.
SPACING & INTERVAL RULES
MARCH DISCIPLINE SAVES LIVES
Poor march discipline causes the "accordion effect"—where lead braking causes trail vehicles to violently skid or rear-end preceding trucks.
March discipline prevents rear-end collisions, lost vehicles, unsafe passing, and disorganized responses.
Maintain assigned interval (e.g., 50–100 meters on highways; 25 meters in city).
Do not close gaps suddenly; avoid tailgating and panic braking.
Catch-up speed limit: Never exceed assigned catch-up speed (typically 5 mph over march speed).
Modulate interval dynamically for weather, reduced visibility, rain, or heavy cargo.
REQUIRED VEHICLE DOCUMENTATION
Phase I, Unit K: Convoy Operations
SLIDE 9 OF 13
Testable Standard: Logbook Contents
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
TASK FORCE MUSTANG
Convoy Vehicle Documentation & Logbook Items
Every vehicle must carry an active vehicle packet binder; driver credentials are held separately.
WHAT BELONGS IN THE VEHICLE LOGBOOK PACKET
TESTABLE KNOWLEDGE QUESTION
“Which item is NOT required as part of the vehicle logbook?”
REQUIRED STANDARD
The OPERATOR’S LICENSE.
Carried on the driver's person, NOT inside the vehicle logbook binder.
Approved Vehicle Dispatch
Standard Form 91
DD Form 518
Emergency Spill Response Guide
Strip Map / Route Overlay
CONVOY SAFETY AND RECOVERY
Phase I, Unit K: Convoy Operations
SLIDE 10 OF 13
Recovery & Safety Planning
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
TASK FORCE MUSTANG
Prepare for Breakdowns and Emergencies
A realistic vehicle recovery and medical evacuation plan must be confirmed prior to movement.
Never leave disabled military vehicles or armed crews unattended on public civilian highways without authorized security.
Pre-Departure Recovery Plan
36th CAB SOP Mandate
MANDATORY BRIEFING REQUIREMENT
Commanders must brief operators and vehicle commanders on a realistic vehicle-recovery plan before convoy execution begins.
Designate recovery wrecker assets and position them in the trail party.
Establish emergency radio call signs, primary freqs, and recovery nets.
Brief procedures for broken-down, separated, or disabled vehicles.
Identify emergency medical evacuation points and contact numbers.
CONVOY HALTS
Phase I, Unit K: Convoy Operations
SLIDE 11 OF 13
Halt Procedures
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
TASK FORCE MUSTANG
Actions at Scheduled and Unscheduled Halts
A halt is an active operational window to restore safety, inspect equipment, and confirm headcount.
Driver Standard: A halt is never downtime; it is an active opportunity to restore safety and readiness.
HALT DISCIPLINE
Immediate Actions at a Halt
Halt Security & Column Reentry
Maintain assigned vehicle spacing unless closed up by order.
Pull completely off the travelway; set parking brakes and hazard flashers.
Conduct During-PMCS walk-around checks: tires, leaks, and tie-down straps.
Perform immediate personnel headcount accountability.
Establish perimeter security; never wander away from vehicle formation.
Receive intelligence, route updates, or weather notices from leadership.
Mount up, conduct comms check, and prepare for synchronized departure.
Reenter the march column strictly as directed by convoy commanders.
CHECK ON LEARNING
Phase I, Unit K: Convoy Operations
SLIDE 12 OF 13
Knowledge Verification
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
TASK FORCE MUSTANG
Check on Learning: Unit K Knowledge Assessment
Verify student comprehension of convoy organization, control points, and examination standards.
1. How many vehicles constitute a military convoy?
Answer: Six or more vehicles.
2. What are the three elements of a march column?
Answer: Advance party, main body, trail party.
3. What are the three primary convoy control measures?
Answer: Start Point, Checkpoint, Release Point.
4. Which item is NOT normally part of a vehicle logbook?
Answer: The operator's license.
5. Action if mechanical fault occurs during convoy?
Answer: Pull to shoulder, notify, await recovery.
6. What must leaders establish before departure?
Answer: A realistic recovery and comms plan.
TRANSITION & NEXT LESSON
Phase I, Unit K: Convoy Operations
SLIDE 13 OF 13
Summary & Course Progression
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
TASK FORCE MUSTANG
Unit K Summary & Course Progression
Consolidate convoy operations discipline before advancing to motor pool dispatching procedures.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
NEXT LESSON IN PHASE I
Unit L — Proper Dispatch Procedures
Unit L instructs operators on dispatch authorization, DD Form 1970 manual dispatches, DA Form 5987 automated dispatches, dispatch book maintenance, and motor officer validation.
Phase I Examination Progress:
Unit 11 of 13 Complete
Convoy Baseline: A military convoy consists of six or more vehicles organized for movement control.
Column Structure: March columns are organized into an advance party, main body, and trail party.
Control Measures: Movement timing and control rely upon Start Points, Checkpoints, and Release Points.
Logbook vs. License: Dispatches and SF 91 remain in the vehicle logbook; licenses are carried by the operator.