Training - Convoys: Vehicle Preparation and Maintenance

Vehicle preparation and maintenance ensure a small guerrilla convoy (2-6 vehicles, 4-12 members) remains operational, reliable, and mission-ready in high-risk environments.

This involves selecting suitable vehicles, making basic modifications for survivability, and conducting maintenance checks to prevent breakdowns, all tailored to limited resources and the need for a low profile.

Selecting Vehicles

Choose vehicles that balance reliability, terrain capability, and the ability to blend with civilian traffic to avoid detection. Prioritize fuel efficiency and cargo capacity for supplies or personnel, given the guerrilla context’s lack of logistical support.

Examples

• Pickup trucks (e.g., Toyota Hilux) for off-road capability and cargo space.
• SUVs (e.g., older Jeep Cherokees) for passenger capacity and moderate terrain handling.
• Motorcycles for scouting or quick escapes, ideal for navigating narrow paths.

Basic Modifications

Modify vehicles to enhance survivability, concealment, and functionality without attracting attention. Modifications should be low-cost and reversible to maintain a civilian appearance.

Examples

• Camouflage: Apply removable paint or netting to blend with terrain (e.g., earth tones for rural areas, neutral colors for urban settings).
• Improvised Armor: Add sandbags, metal plates, or heavy-duty tarps to doors or floors for protection against small arms or shrapnel.
• Tire Upgrades: Install all-terrain or run-flat tires to handle rough roads or punctures during evasion.

Maintenance Checks

Regular checks prevent mechanical failures that could strand the convoy in hostile areas. Focus on critical systems and carry portable repair tools for emergencies.

Examples

• Fuel: Ensure tanks are full and carry extra fuel cans (e.g., 5-gallon jerry cans) for long routes.
• Oil and Fluids: Check engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels to avoid overheating or breakdowns.
• Tires: Inspect for wear, pressure, and spare tire availability; carry a tire repair kit (e.g., plug kit, portable compressor).
• Emergency Kit: Include tools like wrenches, tow straps, and jumper cables for quick fixes.

These steps ensure vehicles are mission-capable, discreet, and resilient, aligning with guerrilla principles of mobility and adaptability.