Training - Convoys: Team Roles and Responsibilities

Roles in a Guerilla Convoy

Vehicle-Level Roles

Each vehicle (e.g., truck, SUV) typically has 2-4 occupants, with roles designed to maximize functionality within the vehicle while contributing to the convoy’s overall mission.

• Driver
  • Responsibilities: Operates the vehicle, maintains formation, executes evasive maneuvers (e.g., J-turns), and monitors terrain for obstacles or threats.
  • Example: In a lead vehicle, the driver follows the planned route and signals hazards (e.g., a roadblock) to trailing vehicles.
• Vehicle Commander/Shooter
  • Responsibilities: Directs the vehicle’s actions, communicates with other vehicles, and engages threats with available weapons (e.g., rifle, pistol, or improvised explosives). May double as a navigator if needed.
  • Example: In a flank vehicle, the shooter scans for ambushes and returns fire during a “react to ambush” drill.
• Navigator (Optional)
  • Responsibilities: Tracks the route using maps, GPS, or landmarks, advising the driver on turns or alternate paths. May assist with communication or observation.
  • Example: In dense terrain, the navigator identifies a bypass route to avoid a suspected checkpoint.
• Medic/Utility (Optional)
  • Responsibilities: Provides first aid for casualties, manages supplies, or handles improvised repairs (e.g., fixing a tire). Often combined with another role in small teams.
  • Example: In a rear vehicle, the medic stabilizes a wounded member during a “casualty evacuation” drill.

Convoy-Level Roles

These roles oversee the entire convoy, coordinating actions across vehicles to achieve the mission.

• Convoy Commander
  • Responsibilities: Plans the route, sets formation, makes real-time decisions (e.g., engage or evade), and communicates orders to all vehicles. Typically rides in the lead or central vehicle for visibility.
  • Example: Decides to bypass a roadblock after receiving a scout’s report, signaling the convoy to divert.
• Lead Driver
  • Responsibilities: Sets the pace, maintains formation (e.g., diamond), and scouts for immediate threats. Works closely with the convoy commander.
  • Example: Accelerates through a linear danger area to minimize exposure, as per the “flow through” tactic.
• Rear Security
  • Responsibilities: Monitors the convoy’s rear for pursuers or ambushes, provides covering fire if needed, and ensures no vehicle is left behind.
  • Example: Signals an approaching enemy vehicle, initiating the “react to ambush (far)” drill.
• Scout (Optional)
  • Responsibilities: Moves ahead (e.g., on a motorcycle or in a light vehicle) to recon routes, detect threats, or liaise with locals for intel. Reports back to the commander.
  • Example: Identifies a suspicious checkpoint and signals the convoy to take an alternate route.

Communication Protocols

Clear communication is critical for a small convoy to coordinate under stress, especially with limited equipment.

• Hand Signals
  • Example: For “linear danger area, flow through/bypass,” extend one arm with an open palm, sweeping side-to-side to signal a hazard and movement (as detailed previously). Another signal could be a raised fist for “halt” or pointing forward for “move out.”
  • Use Case: Used when vehicles are close (e.g., 20-50 meters in open terrain) or radios fail. Visible from vehicle windows or by dismounted personnel.
• Radios
  • Example: Use short, coded phrases like “Alpha, danger ahead” for a hazard or “Bravo, clear left” to confirm a safe bypass. Pre-set frequencies and call signs (e.g., “Lead” for convoy commander, “Rear” for rear security) reduce confusion.
  • Use Case: Ideal for dispersed formations (e.g., 50-100 meters in dense terrain) or when visual signals are impractical (e.g., at night).
• Improvised Methods
  • Example: Flashing headlights twice for “attention” or honking in a pattern (e.g., two short beeps for “slow down”). Colored cloths or flags (e.g., red for “stop,” green for “go”) can be waved from windows.
  • Use Case: Used when radios are unavailable or compromised, or to blend with civilian traffic while signaling discreetly.

Cross-Training in Small Team Dynamics

Cross-training, where each member learns multiple roles (e.g., driver also trained as a shooter, medic as a navigator), is essential for a small guerrilla convoy.

• Limited Manpower: With only 4-12 members, losing one person (e.g., to injury or capture) can cripple the team. Cross-training ensures others can fill critical roles, such as a driver taking over as convoy commander if needed.
• Flexibility: Guerrilla operations are unpredictable, requiring rapid role shifts (e.g., a shooter becoming a medic during a casualty evacuation). Cross-training enables seamless adaptation to changing conditions.
• Resilience: Small teams lack external support, so members must handle diverse tasks (e.g., navigation, repairs, or combat) to maintain mission success, especially during battle drills like “vehicle breakdown.”
• Team Cohesion: Training together across roles builds trust and understanding, vital for a small group operating under stress with limited resources.

Cross-training maximizes the convoy’s ability to function despite losses or unexpected challenges, aligning with guerrilla principles of adaptability and survival.