36th Combat Aviation Brigade
Phase I: Initial Operator Training
UNIT D • SLIDE 1 OF 15
Master Driver Academic Instruction
HEADQUARTERS & HEADQUARTERS COMPANY
TASK FORCE MUSTANG
INITIAL OPERATOR TRAINING
Phase I, Unit D: Basic Operating Procedures
HHC, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade
COURSE REFERENCES
AR 600–55 (The Army Driver Standardization Program) • 36th CAB Drivers Training SOP • Applicable Equipment Technical Manuals • Unit SOPs
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Terminal Learning Objectives
Phase I, Unit D: Basic Operating Procedures
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Learning Objectives
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
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At the conclusion of Unit D, students will be able to:
EXAM CRITICAL
Official Use: Distinguish official from unauthorized government vehicle use.
Duty Limits: Apply fatigue management controls and 10-hour duty-day driving limits.
Selective Vision: Use forward scanning discipline and maintain proper right-lane highway control.
Ground Guides: Execute ground-guide positioning, backing safety, and immediate stop rules.
Hand Signals: Recognize and execute standard visual hand-and-arm signals.
Lubrication Data: Identify approved publications (TM and LO) for oils and fluids.
Test Alignment: Unit D directly supports Phase I Exam Questions 3–8 and 20–24.
OFFICIAL USE OF GOVERNMENT VEHICLES
Phase I, Unit D: Basic Operating Procedures
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Vehicle Use Standards
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
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Government Vehicles Are for Official Use Only
Federal law and military regulations strictly prohibit unauthorized or personal use of government assets.
AUTHORIZED VS. UNAUTHORIZED CRITERIA
TESTABLE KNOWLEDGE QUESTION
“A Soldier on TDY uses an authorized GSA vehicle to obtain dinner because meals are not available at the TDY location. Is this authorized?”
CORRECT ANSWER
This IS considered official use.
Authorized TDY sustenance travel when facilities are absent.
Authorized Official Use:
Strictly Unauthorized:
DRIVER FATIGUE & DUTY LIMITS
Phase I, Unit D: Basic Operating Procedures
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Fatigue & Duty Limits
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
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Driver Fatigue Is an Operational Hazard
Fatigue degrades reaction times, reduces situational awareness, and causes fatal rollovers.
FATIGUE MITIGATION STANDARDS
TESTABLE DRIVING LIMIT
“What is the maximum number of hours an operator may drive a motor vehicle during a duty period?”
MANDATORY STANDARD
MAXIMUM 10 HOURS.
An operator will not drive more than 10 hours in a duty period.
Plan movements in advance to incorporate mandatory rest intervals and driver rotations.
Ensure adequate sleep prior to convoy operations; never begin movement when sleep-deprived.
Notify the VC, senior occupant, or supervisor immediately when drowsiness impairs alertness.
Account for high-risk conditions: nighttime operations, extreme weather, and demanding routes.
SELECTIVE VISION
Phase I, Unit D: Basic Operating Procedures
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Visual Scanning Dynamics
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
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Selective Vision: Look Well Ahead
Selective vision means actively scanning far enough ahead to identify hazards early and react safely.
VISUAL SCANNING FOCUS AREAS
TESTABLE KNOWLEDGE QUESTION
“Which of the following is NOT a traffic hazard to prioritize during selective vision?”
CORRECT ANSWER
Billboards promoting safe driving.
Billboards are roadside displays, not active roadway hazards.
PRIORITIZE:
DO NOT FOCUS ON:
• Vehicles turning or merging
• Traffic signals & brake lights
• Pedestrians & road workers
• Surface & weather changes
• Roadside billboards & signs
• Visual clutter & scenery
• In-cab electronic devices
• Distracting conversations
MULTILANE HIGHWAY OPERATIONS
Phase I, Unit D: Basic Operating Procedures
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Highway Discipline
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
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Multilane Highway Lane Discipline
Safe highway operations require predictable movement and disciplined lane positioning.
LANE CONTROL STANDARDS
TESTABLE KNOWLEDGE QUESTION
“On a multilane highway, which lane do military vehicles normally use for travel?”
CORRECT ANSWER
The RIGHT LANE.
Military vehicles travel in the far right lane under normal conditions.
Maintain travel in the right lane during normal transit and convoy movement.
Use the left lane strictly for passing, turning left, or when directed by road signs.
Promptly return to the right lane once overtaking is safely accomplished.
Signal well in advance, scan blind spots, and never impede faster civilian traffic.
GROUND-GUIDE PROCEDURES
Phase I, Unit D: Basic Operating Procedures
SLIDE 7 OF 15
Ground-Guide Standards
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
TASK FORCE MUSTANG
Ground Guides Prevent Maneuvering Accidents
Ground guides are mandatory in motor pools, bivouac areas, backing operations, and tight spaces.
SINGLE GROUND-GUIDE POSITION STANDARD
When only one ground guide is available, position the guide:
MANDATORY DRIVER ACTION
If visual contact with the guide is lost, STOP IMMEDIATELY.
TESTABLE KNOWLEDGE QUESTION
“Where should a single ground guide be positioned relative to the vehicle?”
CORRECT ANSWER
10 yards to the front, driver’s side.
Guide must remain visible to the driver and clear of the vehicle path.
Location: Approximately 10 yards to the front, driver’s side of the vehicle.
Visibility: Where the driver maintains continuous, direct eye and mirror contact.
Path Clearance: Positioned completely outside the vehicle's turning and movement arc.
UNSAFE OR UNLAWFUL DIRECTIONS
Phase I, Unit D: Basic Operating Procedures
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Authority & Safety Primacy
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
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Safety and Regulations Come First
No military leader has the legal authority to order an operator to violate safety regulations.
RESPONSE TO UNSAFE DIRECTIVES
If ordered to operate unsafely or outside regulations:
TESTABLE KNOWLEDGE QUESTION
“Can a supervisor require an operator to drive unsafely or outside regulations?”
CORRECT ANSWER
NO. Never.
A supervisor cannot require an operator to drive unsafely or violate regulations.
1
Stop or do not begin movement.
2
State the specific safety concern professionally to the leader.
3
Notify the VC, senior occupant, or next commander in chain of command.
4
Request clarification or revised instructions.
5
Resume operations only when condition is safe and fully authorized.
BASIC OPERATING SEQUENCE
Phase I, Unit D: Basic Operating Procedures
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Operating Sequence
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
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Before Moving the Vehicle: 8-Step Routine
Deliberate preparation and standard operating procedures prevent preventable motor pool accidents.
Key Doctrine: Deliberate, disciplined preparation prevents preventable vehicle incidents.
STANDARD ROUTINE
1
Authorization
Confirm you are authorized and licensed on the specific model.
2
Dispatch Check
Verify vehicle is dispatched (DA 5987 / DD 1970) and ready.
3
Walk-Around
Perform 360-degree walk-around and verify fluid clearances.
4
Cab Adjustment
Adjust seat, mirrors, steering, and secure restraints properly.
5
Occupant Safety
Ensure all passengers are seated with seatbelts fastened.
6
Guide Comms
Identify ground guides and establish clear visual signals.
7
Route Briefing
Confirm route, choke points, overhead obstacles, and speeds.
8
Smooth Control
Start, accelerate, maneuver, and stop smoothly and deliberately.
LUBRICATION INFORMATION
Phase I, Unit D: Basic Operating Procedures
SLIDE 10 OF 15
Lubrication Sources
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
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Know Where to Find Lubrication Requirements
Never guess oil or fluid specifications. Incorrect fluids result in severe engine failure and safety hazards.
APPROVED LUBRICATION SOURCES
TESTABLE KNOWLEDGE QUESTION
“To determine the correct type of engine oil for a military vehicle, which sources must be consulted?”
CORRECT ANSWER
Consult BOTH the TM and LO.
Consult the lubrication instructions in the TM and the applicable LO.
1. Technical Manual (TM) Lubrication Instructions:
2. Applicable Lubrication Order (LO):
Maintenance Support:
HAND-AND-ARM SIGNALS: RECOGNITION
Phase I, Unit D: Basic Operating Procedures
SLIDE 11 OF 15
Visual Signals
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
TASK FORCE MUSTANG
Driver Recognition of Hand-and-Arm Signals
Operators must instantly recognize and execute standardized military signals given by ground guides.
CORE STANDARDIZED MOVEMENT SIGNALS
If any hand-and-arm signal given by a ground guide is ambiguous, unclear, or conflicting, the driver must immediately stop movement and obtain positive verbal clarification.
INSTRUCTOR ACTION
Demonstrate physical hand-and-arm gestures in the classroom and reference TC 21–305–20 standard charts.
DRIVER STANDARD
HAND-AND-ARM SIGNALS: TESTABLE TERMS
Phase I, Unit D: Basic Operating Procedures
SLIDE 12 OF 15
Signal Terms & Vocabulary
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
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Hand-and-Arm Signal Vocabulary & Actions
Supports image-based examination questions 21–24 on Phase I written test.
SUPPORTS PHASE I EXAM QUESTIONS 21–24 • VISUAL RECOGNITION MASTERY
Signal Name | Operator Action |
Start Engine | Start the vehicle engine when safe and directed by guide. |
Reverse | Back vehicle only when route is clear and positive ground-guide control is established. |
Assemble | Move vehicle as directed to form the designated convoy or tactical assembly. |
Dismount | Exit the vehicle only when completely stopped, safe, and ordered. |
Stop / Halt | Stop vehicle movement immediately and safely. |
Move Forward | Advance forward only after confirming clear travel path. |
Close Up Interval & Stop | Reduce vehicle spacing interval as directed, then come to a full stop. |
Message Acknowledge | Signal receipt and clear understanding of the instruction. |
UNIT D TESTABLE KNOWLEDGE REVIEW
Phase I, Unit D: Basic Operating Procedures
SLIDE 13 OF 15
Exam Standards Review
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
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Unit D: Know These Standards
Summary of key standards required for course progression and Phase I written examination.
SUPPORTS PHASE I EXAM QUESTIONS 3–8 & 20–24
Topic | Required Knowledge |
Government vehicle use | Official use only; mission-related and authorized travel. |
TDY meals unavailable | Authorized transport to obtain meals IS official use. |
Maximum duty driving | 10 hours maximum per duty period. |
Selective vision | Prioritize actual roadway hazards—not billboards/distractions. |
Multilane highways | Use the RIGHT LANE during normal travel. |
Single ground guide | 10 yards to front, driver’s side; remain continuously visible. |
Unsafe instruction | Do not operate unsafely; supervisors cannot mandate violations. |
Lubrication information | Consult BOTH the TM and LO. |
Hand-and-arm signals | Recognize and immediately execute authorized ground signals. |
CHECK ON LEARNING
Phase I, Unit D: Basic Operating Procedures
SLIDE 14 OF 15
Knowledge Verification
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
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Check on Learning: Unit D Knowledge Assessment
Verify student comprehension of basic operating procedures and exam standards.
1. Normal travel lane on multilane highway?
Answer: The right lane.
2. Lost sight of ground guide?
Answer: Stop the vehicle immediately.
3. Supervisor directs unsafe driving?
Answer: Do not operate; notify leader.
4. Information sources for correct engine oil?
Answer: The TM and LO.
5. Maximum driving hours in a duty period?
Answer: 10 hours.
6. Purpose of selective vision?
Answer: Early hazard identification.
TRANSITION & NEXT LESSON
Phase I, Unit D: Basic Operating Procedures
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Summary & Course Progression
36TH CAB DRIVERS TRAINING
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Unit D Summary & Course Progression
Consolidate Unit D operating foundations before advancing to emergency management procedures.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
NEXT LESSON IN PHASE I
Unit E — Emergency Procedures
Unit E addresses high-risk vehicle emergencies, rollover egress, brake failures, tire blowouts, engine fires, towing safety, and roadside recovery.
Phase I Examination Progress:
Unit 4 of 13 Complete
Operational Discipline: Drive only when authorized, fully alert, and within established 10-hour duty limits.
Safe Road Tactics: Employ selective vision scanning and maintain right-lane discipline on multilane highways.
Ground Guide Control: Position guide 10 yards to front driver's side; stop immediately if visual contact is broken.
Technical Authority: Consult both the TM and LO for lubrication; never guess on critical fluids.