Training - Introduction to Convoy Operations

Purpose of Convoys

Convoys are organized movements of vehicles and personnel designed to transport people, supplies, or equipment safely through potentially hostile or contested areas.

Their primary purpose is to ensure the secure and timely delivery of critical resources, maintain group cohesion, and minimize vulnerability to threats like ambushes, theft, or environmental hazards. For civilian guerrilla groups, convoys are vital for sustaining operations, moving personnel to safe zones, or delivering supplies to support resistance efforts, all while evading detection or engagement by superior forces.

Differences Between Military and Guerrilla Convoys

Military convoys are typically large-scale, involving dozens of vehicles, heavy armor (e.g., MRAPs, tanks), and support from air or artillery units, with objectives like supplying bases, reinforcing positions, or conducting offensive operations. They rely on standardized doctrine, robust logistics, and advanced communication systems, often prioritizing firepower and control of terrain.

In contrast, guerrilla convoys are small (2-6 vehicles, 4-12 members), use civilian vehicles (e.g., trucks, SUVs), and lack heavy weapons or external support. Their objectives focus on stealth, survival, and mobility, such as smuggling supplies, relocating personnel, or avoiding enemy checkpoints. Guerrilla convoys operate with limited resources, improvising with local knowledge, civilian cover, and minimal equipment, making flexibility and evasion critical to success.

Key Principles

• Speed: Rapid movement reduces exposure to threats, especially in open terrain where detection is likely. Guerrilla convoys prioritize quick transit through danger areas, using speed to outpace pursuers or avoid ambushes, compensating for their lack of armor or firepower.
• Dispersion: Maintaining appropriate vehicle spacing (e.g., 50-100 meters in dense terrain, tighter in open areas) minimizes the risk of multiple vehicles being hit by a single attack, like an IED or RPG, while allowing flexibility to maneuver or scatter if needed.
• Adaptability: Guerrilla convoys must adjust to changing conditions, such as shifting routes to avoid detection or responding to unexpected threats like roadblocks. This includes using alternate paths, blending with civilian traffic, or abandoning vehicles if compromised.
• Low Profile: Unlike military convoys that project strength, guerrilla convoys aim to avoid attention by mimicking civilian behavior, using unmarked vehicles, and avoiding military-style formations or equipment that could reveal their purpose. This principle is crucial for evading surveillance or blending into local environments.

These principles, tailored to the constraints of small teams and civilian resources, ensure guerrilla convoys can operate effectively in high-risk settings while prioritizing survival and mission success.