5. The remaining occupants are positioned in the
bed of the vehicle, each facing outboard.
6. The maximum number of people in the bed of a
hardened 6 by 6 truck should not exceed 13 (fig. 5-2).
CONVOY COMMANDER
The position of the convoy commander is where
he or she can best control the convoy. This position
should never be the lead vehicle. A second in
command and a vehicle commander for each vehicle
are designated by the convoy commander. Briefing by
the convoy commander before departure is detailed
and explicit. All drivers and vehicle commanders are
present. The briefing includes the following:
Formation (close column, open column, or
infiltration)
Timings
Route
Figure 5-1.--Hardened vehicle.
Speed
offensive action. The organization of a rifle squad as
Order of march (organization of vehicles and
occupants of a 6 by 6 truck is as follows:
vehicles intervals)
1. A vehicle commander is designated for each
Communication (radio frequencies, horn
vehicle. The squad leader is usually the vehicle commander
signals, and arm signals)
and is positioned in the bed of the vehicle where he or she
NOTE: Figure 5-3 shows recommended arm
can best control the squad and operator of the vehicle.
signals. It is important that each member of the
2. An assistant driver (shotgun rider) capable of
operating the vehicle is seated in the cabin with the
driver. The shotgun rider is armed with a M-203
grenade launcher with the M-16 as a automatic rifle.
After debarkation, the shotgun rider remains with the
vehicle to act as close protection for the driver and
vehicle. He or she does not accompany maneuvers
executed by the occupant squad.
3. Four comer sentries are positioned in the bed of
the vehicle. The two at the front observe an arc of 90
degrees from the front to each side. The two at the back
observe an arc of 90 degrees from the back to each side.
When possible, each sentry is armed with an automatic
rifle. If the vehicle is ambushed, the sentries fire
immediately from their positions within the vehicle.
Their fire covers the debarkation of the occupants if the
vehicle is halted in the ambush killing area. They also
help the vehicle commander by notifying the
commander of any convoy formation.
4. If a machine gun team is traveling with the
occupant squad, it should be positioned facing out the
rear of the vehicle and be prepared to debark
expeditiously, bringing fire to bear on the enemy and
Figure 5-2.--Organization of occupants in a hardened 6 x 6
covering the debarkation of the four corner sentries.
truck.
