Convoy Security Shortfalls
Abstract
In October 1993, the Quick Reaction Force Headquarters in Mogadishu, Somalia, observed that "convoys are more vulnerable to attack than ground maneuver forces and should be planned and executed as a combat operation." During the period from 1993 to 2012, every major U.S. Army operation confirmed this reality. Logistics forces conducting ground convoys suffered 17% (167 soldiers) of all Army personnel killed in action during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom between Nov 2001 and Sep 2010. Whether high intensity, as experienced during the March 2003 Iraq invasion, or low intensity, as seen during Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti from 1994 to 1995, sustainment organizations were required to conduct supply distribution operations with armed convoy escorts. Based on the enduring concept of AirLand Battle introduced in the 1980s with Field Manual 100-5, it was assumed that the Army conducted convoys as a rear-area operation and that the rear area was secure. Sustainment brigade doctrine, published in 2009, countered that claim, indicating that supply routes are assumed to be insecure in high-threat areas. This monograph posits that when externally resourced convoy escorts are used, the sustainment brigade commander assumes risk with his distribution mission, and when internally resourced convoy escorts are used, the commander has complete control over convoy unity of command, home station training, and convoy cohesion. The monograph examines multiple options available to operational-level planners when building theater distribution capability. It focuses on the benefits and shortfalls of both internal and external armed convoy escorts. It also provides historical examples of convoy operations in asymmetrical environments and the associated security challenges. Finally, the monograph offers multiple convoy security solutions for operational planners, force managers, and the sustainment doctrine community to consider for review and implementation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 06, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA569938
Entities
People
- David L. Thompson
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College