Training - Convoy Security Patrols

Implementing convoys in an SHTF scenario where our training group of six men provides local security through patrols in a community requires adapting military convoy principles to a civilian context.

Our group, trained in patrol fundamentals (file, staggered column, diamond formations), immediate action drills, MARCH medical protocols, night vision, and radio communications, is well-prepared for disciplined operations.

The focus is on Tactical/Combat Convoys and Command and Control Convoys, with elements of Logistics/Supply and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) to support security patrols while ensuring group safety, mobility, and community protection in any SHTF scenario (e.g., widespread civil unrest, economic collapse, or infrastructure failure). Below is a guide for organizing and executing these convoys, tailored to your training group’s capabilities and community security role.

Scenario Context: General SHTF Scenario

• Environment: Potential roadblocks, power outages, looting, or hostile groups. Urban areas may face unrest; rural areas may be isolated or contested.
• Group Role: Our training group conducts security patrols to protect community assets (e.g., food stores, medical facilities), deter threats, and provide rapid response to emergencies.
• Objectives: Ensure community safety, secure key locations, and maintain group mobility and self-sufficiency.
• Assets: Six trained men with tactical gear, night vision, firearms (if legal), radios, and MARCH medical training. Access to civilian vehicles (e.g., SUVs, pickup trucks).

Steps to Implement Security Patrol Convoys

1. Pre-Planning

• Define Mission and Objectives:
  • Primary Objective: Patrol community areas to deter threats (e.g., looters targeting a grocery store) and protect critical resources (e.g., water supplies, shelters).
  • Secondary Objective: Respond to emergencies (e.g., medical aid for civilians, repelling small hostile groups).
• Assign Roles (Leveraging Training):
  • Convoy Leader: Coordinates patrol routes, radio communications (using prior training, e.g., “Lima Charlie” for clear signals), and decisions. Liaises with community leaders.
  • Scouts/Recon (2 members): Use night vision to scout for threats, obstacles, or suspicious activity. Trained in diamond or file formations for reconnaissance.
  • Security Team (2 members): Armed members (if legal) in lead and rear vehicles to counter threats. Skilled in immediate action drills (e.g., break contact).
  • Medical/Logistics Lead (1 member): Manages MARCH protocols and limited supplies (e.g., water, first aid kits). Serves as backup communicator.
• Vehicle Selection and Preparation:
  • Use 3–4 rugged civilian vehicles (e.g., 4x4 SUVs, pickup trucks) suited for varied terrain (urban streets, rural roads).
  • Equip vehicles with: radios (CB or ham), spare tires, fuel cans, winches (for obstacles), tools, and trauma kits.
  • Reinforce one vehicle (e.g., lead or rear) with improvised armor (e.g., sandbags) for protection.
  • Designate one vehicle as a MEDEVAC unit with stretchers and medical supplies for casualty transport.
• Inventory Supplies:
  • Patrol Supplies: Ammo (if legal), water (1 liter/person/patrol), energy bars, flashlights, batteries, and night vision gear.
  • Medical Supplies: Trauma kits with tourniquets, bandages, and antiseptics for MARCH protocols.
  • Community Support: Carry limited aid (e.g., 10 gallons of water, blankets) for civilians encountered.
  • Fuel: Carry extra fuel (e.g., 5-gallon cans) for extended patrols, as fuel access may be limited.
• Route Planning:
  • Map patrol routes around key community assets (e.g., food warehouses, medical clinics). Avoid choke points (e.g., major intersections) prone to blockades or ambushes.
  • Use backroads or alternate routes for mobility, leveraging prior navigation training.
  • Identify rally points (e.g., a community center) for regrouping and safe zones for rest or emergency response.
• Communication Plan:
  • Use radios with pre-set channels (e.g., “Alpha 1, Lead, report sector status, over”). Leverage prior radio training for clear, concise communication.
  • Establish backup signals (e.g., hand signals from prior ASL training, flashlight patterns) for radio failure in disrupted environments.
  • Coordinate with community leaders or civilian watch groups via radio or messengers if possible.
• Security and Mobility:
  • Maintain a low profile: Use unmarked vehicles and civilian clothing with subtle identifiers (e.g., “Community Patrol” armbands) to avoid appearing as a military force.
  • Train for rapid response drills (e.g., bounding overwatch, break contact) to maintain mobility under threat.
  • Use night vision for stealthy patrols in low-visibility conditions (e.g., power outages).

2. Convoy Composition and Formation

• Vehicle Types and Roles (6 men, 3 vehicles):
  • Lead/Scout Vehicle (Tactical): SUV with 1 driver, 1 scout (armed, night vision). Scans for threats or obstacles; reports via radio. Carries minimal supplies (radio, water).
  • Command/Medical Vehicle (Command and Control/MEDEVAC): SUV with 1 driver, 1 convoy leader, 1 medical lead (MARCH-trained). Equipped with radios, trauma kits, and casualty space.
  • Rear Guard/Supply Vehicle (Tactical/Logistics): Pickup truck with 1 driver, 1 security member (armed, night vision). Carries ammo, water, and limited aid; protects rear.
• Formation (Using Trained Formations):
  • Staggered Column: For open roads, offset vehicles for visibility and to avoid single-target attacks.
  • File Formation: For narrow or obstructed roads, maintain 50–100 feet spacing for maneuverability.
  • Diamond Formation: When stopping to secure a site (e.g., a looted store), position vehicles for 360-degree security, as practiced.
• Numbers: 3 vehicles ensure mobility and manageability while providing sufficient firepower and flexibility.

3. Execution During Patrols

• Departure:
  • Launch patrols at strategic times (e.g., dusk with night vision) to maximize stealth and minimize threat exposure.
  • Conduct pre-patrol checks: radios, weapons, fuel, and medical kits. Brief team on route, expected threats (e.g., looters), and community coordination.
• Movement:
  • Scouts lead 0.25–0.5 miles ahead, using night vision to check for threats or obstacles (e.g., “Lead, Scout, suspicious group at intersection, over”).
  • Maintain 20–30 mph to balance speed and caution. Stop only at pre-planned checkpoints or for emergencies.
  • Convoy leader monitors radio for community distress calls and adjusts patrol route as needed.
• Security Operations:
  • Patrol key areas (e.g., food stores, shelters) using diamond formation when dismounting to secure sites.
  • Security team deters threats with visible presence (e.g., patrolling with rifles visible but non-threatening). Use de-escalation (e.g., verbal warnings) before engaging.
  • Respond to threats (e.g., looters attacking a pharmacy) with immediate action drills: break contact if outnumbered, or flank and neutralize if safe, as trained.
• Community Support:
  • Distribute limited aid (e.g., water, bandages) to civilians during patrols, prioritizing vulnerable groups.
  • Medical lead uses MARCH protocols to treat minor injuries on-site (e.g., cuts, sprains) or evacuates serious cases to a safe location.
• Emergency Responses:
  • Ambush: Execute hasty ambush drill: accelerate through kill zone if possible; security team returns controlled fire to break contact.
  • Roadblock: Scouts assess; convoy detours or clears minor obstacles with winches. Radio updates (e.g., “All units, detour to alternate route, over”).
  • Medical Emergency: Secure area with diamond formation; medical lead stabilizes casualties for transport in MEDEVAC vehicle.
  • Distress Call: Redirect convoy to assist (e.g., civilians under threat), securing the site before rendering aid.

4. Post-Patrol

• Debrief: Review patrol outcomes (e.g., threats deterred, civilians aided), route challenges, and radio effectiveness. Refine tactics for future patrols.
• Resupply: Restock ammo, fuel, and medical supplies at your base. Scavenge local resources (e.g., abandoned vehicles) if necessary and ethical.
• Security Check: Inspect vehicles and gear for wear; ensure night vision and radios remain operational.

Challenges and Mitigations

• Obstructed Routes: Debris or blockades may hinder mobility. Use alternate routes (from prior navigation training) and carry tools (e.g., winches, shovels) to clear obstacles.
• Hostile Groups: Looters or desperate civilians may pose threats. Use night vision for stealth, diamond formation for defense, and de-escalation to avoid conflict.
• Community Tensions: Civilians may fear armed patrols. Wear clear identifiers (e.g., “Community Patrol” vests) and coordinate with local leaders to build trust.
• Resource Scarcity: Fuel and ammo may be limited. Pre-cache supplies and ration usage during patrols.
• Communication Issues: Radio interference may occur. Use backup hand signals (from ASL training) or visual signals (e.g., flares).

Example Convoy Setup (6 Men, 3 Vehicles)

• Vehicle 1 (Lead/Scout): SUV with 1 driver, 1 scout (armed, night vision). Equipped with radio, winch, and binoculars. Scans for threats.
• Vehicle 2 (Command/Medical): SUV with 1 driver, 1 convoy leader, 1 medical lead. Carries radios, trauma kits, and 10 gallons of water for civilians.
• Vehicle 3 (Rear Guard/Supply): Pickup truck with 1 driver, 1 security member (armed, night vision). Carries ammo, food, and blankets; secures rear.
• Formation: Staggered column on open roads; file in confined areas.
• Mission Example: Patrol a 10-mile loop around a community food bank, deterring looters, checking for distressed civilians, and delivering water to a shelter.

Additional Tips

• Night Vision Advantage: Use night vision for stealthy patrols in low-visibility conditions, giving your group an edge over untrained threats.
• Community Engagement: Regularly update local leaders via radio or in-person to align patrols with community needs.
• Terrain Flexibility: Adapt to varied terrain (urban, rural) using prior navigation training to maintain mobility.
• Ethical Conduct: Act as protectors, not aggressors, to maintain community trust. Avoid excessive force.