USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety
Convoy Operations
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY Risk Management
• We‟ve heard the Buzz and News Reports.
BUT, What are the risks? What is killing and
Injuring soldiers in convoys?
– Enemy
• IEDs
• Ambush
– Accidents w/ Collisions and Rollovers
• Trauma/being crushed
• Drowning
Convoy Safety
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Convoy Operations Risk Management
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Conduct Risk Management
Include Route and Terrain Analysis before each mission.
• Understand the vehicle capabilities specified in the TM and published
Safety Messages.
• Don't drive too fast for the road and weather conditions.
• Wear seatbelts and Kevlar/CVC helmets.
• Vehicle Commanders/Gunners ride under nametag defilade to the
extent possible.
• Learn the individual vehicle TMs, TCs, and Safety Messages that
address rollovers for each specific vehicle in your inventory. A
couple of examples are:
– Ground Precautionary Message (GPM) TACOM-WRN-Control
Number GPM-00-005 Subject: Implementation of Crew Drill,
Bradley Rollover Procedures
– ARTEP 19-100-10 for HMMWVs
• Conduct rollover drills.
Bottom Line: First Line Supervisor
Ensure Soldiers are Adhering to Standards.
Convoy Operations Risk Management
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Commanders and leaders should consider the following actions to
prevent rollover incidents:
• Ensure convoy speeds are established and disseminated
• Ensure senior occupants understand their responsibilities as outlined
in AR 600-55. Specifically:
– Enforcing speed restrictions
– Enforcing use of restraint devices
– Assisting the driver in identifying road hazards
– Ensuring drivers keep the proper distance interval between vehicles
– Ensure drivers are trained in accident avoidance, hands-on skills
improvement (e.g., Advanced Skills Driver Training), and local area
hazards
• Crew selection - Pair inexperienced operators with experienced
operators
Bottom Line: First Line Supervisors must
Ensure Soldiers are Adhering to Standards.
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety
EMERGENCY ROLLOVER PROCEDURES
WARNING
Army tactical wheeled vehicles are not
designed with rollover protection as a
primary requirement. At the first sign of a
vehicle rollover, occupants should
immediately brace for impact. As a
precaution, ensure all loose items and
equipment, which can cause severe injury
or death, are firmly secured prior to
movement.
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety
ROLLOVER PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Driver Training. Start by training your drivers in the
six important factors that can affect vehicle stability.
These six factors are:
(1) Vehicle Center of Gravity.
(2) Load Security.
(3) Radius of Curves and Slope of Roadways.
(4) Vehicle Speed
• adjusted to environmental/road conditions.
(5) Trailer Towing.
(6)Vehicle Condition and Preparation.
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety
Vehicle Control Factors
(1) Vehicle Center of Gravity. The height of a vehicle's center of
gravity and the length of the wheelbase determine the vehicle's
stability.
(2) Load Security. Improperly secured loads can change a
vehicle's center of gravity and its stability. Bulk tank trucks are
inherently less secure because fluids can surge when trucks
brake or go around curves, thereby altering the center of gravity.
Also, a vehicle loaded with containers will have a higher center
of gravity. Additionally, it is important that payloads are secured
as closely as possible to the lateral centerline of the truck or
trailer bed. If the payload is not centered properly, the vehicle
stability will not be equivalent when turning to both the right and
left. See Figures: next slide
(3) Radius of Curves and Slope of Roadways. These are
important because they generate a centrifugal force that acts
sideways on the vehicle, thereby decreasing vehicle stability.
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Convoy Safety
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Convoy Safety
Load Distribution Examples
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Convoy Safety
Vehicle Control Factors
(4) Vehicle Speed.
As the vehicle's speed increases, the centrifugal force, or sideways
force increases. Faster speeds also result in decreased driver
response times. Speed is the factor over which the driver can
exercise the most control. When maneuvering through curves or
sudden traffic situations, a vehicle with a high center of gravity can
easily turn over.
• Speed is even more important when the movement of liquid cargo is
"in phase" with the vehicle's maneuver. If the liquid is on one side
during the first curve, then shifts to the other side during the next
curve, the liquid is positioned to shift back to the first side with four
times the side force it had during the initial curve.
• Sudden vehicle maneuvers are especially risky because the
combination of speed and load shift makes the vehicle unstable.
This is probably the most important factor contributing to vehicle
instability because it magnifies problems presented by the first
three factors.
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety
Vehicle Control Factors
(5) Trailer Towing.
Vehicles towing trailers are much more prone to roll over,
especially in curves and during sudden steering maneuvers,
as a result of the exaggerated motion of the trailer.
(6) Vehicle Condition and Preparation.
It is critical the vehicle is in good operating condition before
starting your mission, with particular attention paid to the tires‟
condition and air pressure. Properly performed PMCS is the
best way to control this potential hazard.
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety
Risk Management Control Measures.
Every driver can take eight basic steps to prevent or reduce the potential for rollovers.
1. Adjust the vehicle speed to allow a "Speed Cushion" for maneuvering (at least 10 MPH
below the posted speed limit is recommended when approaching a curve).
2. Slow down and downshift early. Do not shift in the curve.
3. Observe speed limit and check speedometer to ensure that your vehicle is below the
posted speed.
4. Do not rely on a "seat of the pants" sense to judge speed and vehicle maneuverability.
New suspensions and chassis set-ups give a false sense of control.
5. Slowly accelerate out of the curve.
6. Maintain a "Space Cushion" (distance between your vehicle and other traffic) so that you
have a safe maneuvering speed to compensate for errors in judgment, weather, road
conditions, and poor driving by other motorists.
7. Avoid the temptation to brake hard if the rear of the vehicle or trailer “slides out”. Instead, if
there is clearance, attempt to apply steady throttle, allowing the vehicle to straighten itself.
Braking will accelerate the skid, contributing to loss of control and rollover.
8. Risk Management Procedures. Personnel are required to wear seatbelts. All US Army
personnel should follow unit standard operating procedures/tactical standard operating
procedures and be in proper uniform when operating or riding as a passenger in military
vehicles. It is recommended when operating tactical military vehicles in off-road conditions
during field training, driver‟s training, and tactical operations that the Kevlar helmet be worn
at all times with chin strap properly secured.
NOTE: Commanders should include safety tips in initial and
sustainment tactical wheeled vehicle operator training.
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety
WARNING
Never attempt to leap from a rolling vehicle. It may roll
over you. Ensure that the vehicle has stopped its
roll before moving. Upon complete evacuation of all
personnel, vehicle should be inspected for fire
hazards such as leaking oil, fuel, and hydraulic
fluid. Use the portable fire extinguisher when
inspecting vehicle for leaks in case of fire, which
could cause injury or death. If hazardous/explosive
materials are involved, driver should take actions
according to the DD Form 836 accompanying load.
Notify emergency response personnel and remain
at evacuation distance while securing accident site.
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety
Wheeled Vehicle
ROLLOVER PROCEDURES
• The driver and passengers MUST wear seat belts (if
equipped).
• The senior occupant is responsible for ensuring all
personnel, riding in or on a vehicle, are wearing seatbelts (if
equipped) and that all required equipment inside the vehicle
is properly stored and secured.
• The senior occupant must ensure that all personnel are
checked for injuries and injured personnel are given
emergency first aid as needed.
• All sensitive items are to be secured, and the accident
reported immediately.
• The first soldier to notice vehicle beginning to rollover
should shout “ROLLOVER!”
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety
Wheeled Vehicle
ROLLOVER PROCEDURES
When rollover is imminent the driver performs the following:
(1) Release the accelerator.
(2) Keep hands on the steering wheel with extended but not
locked arms, tucks head and chin into chest and braces for
an impact.
(3) Yell “ROLLOVER!”
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety
Wheeled Vehicle
ROLLOVER PROCEDURES
When the vehicle is stabilized the driver performs the following:
(1) Shut down the engine.
(2) Check for injuries.
(3) Identify an evacuation route.
(4) Retrieve fire extinguisher.
(5) Exit the vehicle.
(6) Check for fire and fuel leaks or spills.
(7) Attempt to contain fire and /or fuel leaks/spills.
(8) Account for occupants and sensitive items.
(9) Seek medical attention, as needed.
(10) Radio for help.
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety
Wheeled Vehicle
ROLLOVER PROCEDURES
When the vehicle is stabilized the passenger(s) perform the
following:
(1) Check for injuries.
(2) Exit the vehicle.
(3) Account for personnel and sensitive items.
(4) Seek medical attention, as required.
(5) Assist the driver.
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety
LEADER ACTIONS: There are many good programs leaders can establish to
reduce accident risk. Designated-driver programs and unit on-the-spot
safety inspections are good starting points.
a. Commanders should:
· Know their soldiers.
· Require disciplined, legal behavior.
· Conduct individual soldier risk assessments (see format on page 3-10).
· Provide incentives for safe performance.
· Provide accident avoidance and remedial driver training programs.
· Hold subordinate leaders accountable for leader intervention.
b. Squad leaders and Platoon Sergeants are the first line of defense. They
should:
· Know their soldiers’ driving habits.
· Ensure that deficiencies identified in vehicle inspections are corrected and
then re-inspect.
· Recommend when driving privileges should be revoked.
· Counsel individuals on the repercussions of unsafe driving.
· Conduct periodic tailgate safety briefings to small groups.
· Encourage soldiers to look out for each other.
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety
Wheeled Vehicle
ROLLOVER PROCEDURES
When the rollover is imminent the passenger(s) performs the
following:
(1) Tuck head and chin into chest and braces for impact.
(2) Plant feet firmly on the floor while holding onto a
stationary object.
(3) Yell “ROLLOVER!”
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
NAMETAG DEFILADE
Within the last year, two soldiers have died in accidents because they were not following established procedures during
the operation of a combat vehicle. In the first accident, a M1A1 tank commander (TC) lost his life when his tank slid off a
concrete turn pad and rolled over, crushing the TC in the process. While there are other factors involved in this accident,
the TC was not at nametag defilade. The second accident occurred when a Bradley commander, standing waist defilade in
the commander‟s hatch, received a fatal blow to the face from a tree limb that was 22 inches in circumference. Had this
soldier been at nametag defilade, the branch would have passed harmlessly over his head rather than crushing it.
Interviews conducted by the accident investigation teams in both accidents revealed that the soldiers in both units
involved knew the standard of nametag defilade when standing in the hatch of combat vehicles. Furthermore, most soldiers
understood the reasons for maintaining nametag defilade: less exposure to enemy fire and ease of dropping down in the
vehicle while conducting rollover drills. Despite knowledge of the standard, leaders in both accidents condoned the actions
of the vehicle commanders who failed to maintain the nametag defilade standard.
This hazard is not unique to M1 series tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles. This same hazard can pose serious risk to
soldiers operating trucks with ring mounted weapons, HMMWVs with pintle-mounted weapons, FAASVs, M109s, recovery
vehicles and many other tracked / wheeled vehicles. Leaders at all levels must identify the risk associated with soldiers
standing in the hatches of vehicles and strictly enforce the nametag defilade standard. Furthermore, vehicle occupants and
crews must rehearse rollover drills to the point where it becomes second nature for the soldiers standing in hatches to drop
down and brace for a rollover situation.
The nametag defilade standard is as old as tracked vehicles themselves, but still requires constant enforcement by
leaders at all levels. Strict enforcement of the nametag defilade standard WILL save our soldiers lives in both combat and
training environments.
JAMES E. SIMMONS
Brigadier General, USA
Director of Army Safety
SAN000000ZJUL01
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Convoy – Name Tag Defilade
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USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy - Centerline Troop Seats
(Shown on 5T Cargo Truck)
• Uses existing seats for installation
• Configuration allows space for equip
• Seats are removable (bolt to bed)
• Soldiers face outward IOT engage
• Seating capacity is the same
• Manufactured w/ locally procured iron
• Relatively inexpensive
• Easy to install
• Minimal changes made to bed of truck
Safety/Risk Assessment of
Outward Facing Benches
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SOLDIERS STANDING IN VEHICLE IN
ORDER TO LOOK OUT.
FROM A FORCE PROTECTION STANDPOINT
Only the GUNNER has ability to return fire • Outward seating just makes Sense.
effectively. • Mitigates the problems shown on the left.
FROM A SAFETY STAND POINT
• Soldiers lose ability to have a hand hold (loss of side
running bar).
• Promotes Staying Seated while increasing Force
Protection
FURTHER RECOMMENDATION:
• Use rolled canvas top in order to provide protection
from the sun. Soldiers can still see out.
• Add sandbags to bed of truck/metal plates to side.
SOLDIERS NOT • Use, evaluate, try to provide hand hold (5/50 cord?)
MAINTAINING • Use slat type seats or pad the seats for long
SITUATIONAL distances.
AWARENESS • Add head support bar across top.
Convoy Safety – Lessons Learned
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Further Recommendations
for Center Line Seating:
• Install permanent collapsible seats affixed to the center of
the truck bed that accommodates:
– Seatbelts or Lap belts with shoulder harnesses built into
the seat.
– A head restraint to help counter whiplash.
– UH-60 style restraint system has been suggested as a
baseline for design.
Convoy
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY Safety Lessons Learned
• ISSUE: Numerous wrecks and rollovers have occurred during movement
through Iraq during combat and non-combat operations.
• BACKGROUND: Vehicle accidents resulted from environmental conditions that
drivers were not prepared for, such as:
– ROUGH TERRAIN: CROSS COUNTRY TRAVEL THROUGH THE DESERT,
CREVICES, RAVINES, AND WASHOUTS,
– DUST OBSCURING VISION: THE CAUSE FACTORS FOR MOST ACCIDENTS
WERE
• FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, SPEED
LIMITING REACTION TIME,
• LIMITED VISIBILITY (Night and Dust) AND FAILURE TO ADJUST VEHICLE
SPACING,
• EXTREME DUST CONDITIONS LIMITING VISIBILITY, AND EXTENSIVE NIGHT
DRIVING
• STOPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF A DUST CLOUD RESULTING IN REAR END
COLLISIONS.
• DAYS OF TRAVEL OVER LONG DISTANCES.
Convoy
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY Safety Lessons Learned
• DISCUSSION - Accident reports indicate the causal factors for most accidents
were:
• Following too closely for environmental conditions,
• Excessive speed limiting reaction time,
• Limited visibility and failure to adjust vehicle separation.
• Stopping in the middle of a dust cloud have resulted in several rear end collisions.
• Numerous vehicles have rear ended each other or rolled over in extreme dust
conditions.
• Convoys passing each other creates additional dust condition problems.
• RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Driving Courses at Training Centers should simulate driving conditions found in
desert type environments.
• Include inflatable/soft vehicles/obstacles that will not damage military equipment in
the event of collisions.
• Master Drivers’ program should be expanded to require soldiers to negotiate
courses with field representative ‘hazards.’
• Once in theater drivers should gain experience within base camp surroundings
prior to executing combat driving (within mission time constraints); maximize
supervision until experience is gained.
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Convoy Lessons Learned – Spare Tires
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EXTREME TIRE WEAR LEADING TO BLOWOUTS
WITHOUT SPARE TIRES BEING AVAILABLE.
BACKGROUND
• Vehicles deployed for operations; however, tires
already exposed to environmental exposures were
dry-rotting. This resulted ed in premature failure
and wear out which wasn’t visible during PMCS.
• RADIAL AND BIAS TIRES are not interchangeable;
this has lead to additional problems.
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Convoy Lessons Learned – Spare Tires
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
DISCUSSION
• Extensive mileage was placed on vehicles during the conflicts and
SASO portions of OIF/OEF.
• Spare tires / Rims availability has been limited within theater resulting
in vehicles running with unserviceable tires. In some cases tires have
had to be replaced due to the type of tires and incompatibility with
replacement tires.
• Excessive heat exposure has resulted in increased side wall
blowouts.
• Vehicles have not been equipped with a means of carrying a spare
tire.
• Radial tires have proven to be the choice for the environment.
• Off-the Shelf replacements have been purchased but are often not to
military specifications.
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Convoy Lessons Learned – Spare Tires
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Recommendations
• Deploy some vehicles with a spare tire (mounted and inflated on a
rim) to the extent possible.
• Supplement TMs/Supporting references to add some spare tires to
the BII Requirements.
• Theater Level Logistics Packages add some spare tires (rim mounted)
to vehicles, with replacement quantities sufficient for mission.
• Equip some convoy vehicles with a roof rack or rear end holder for
carrying a spare. Note: Alteration of Center-of-Gravity may alter
stability to some extent resulting in safety risk. Perform Risk
Assessment to determine acceptability.
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Convoy Safety
Exercise Composite Risk Management
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Convoy Safety - CLFX
Convoy Live Fire Training
Local Training Area Requirements:
• SOP – Detailing the training
• Risk Assessment required for all phases of the training
• Range Record must include the type of weapons, caliber, distances and
vehicles to be used. (if not these need to be evaluated and updated)
• One safety NCO per firer recommended in initial live fire phases
Inherent Safety Risk – Combines Vehicles and Weapons
• Employ a Crawl-Walk-Run Approach
• Gated-Phased training
• Guidance in AE Pam 350-100 Convoy Operations/ Convoy Live Fire
Program (DRAFT) - Supplements Lessons Learned from OIF/OEF
The safe conduct of soldiers firing weapons and pyrotechnics, detonating
explosives, and maneuvering on ranges is a command responsibility.
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety - CLFX
Convoy Live Fire Training
• Initial training conducted at Local Training Areas
– Advanced Marksmanship/Reflexive Fire (Table IV*) Requires High
Level of Weapon
– Static Vehicle Firing Familiarization (Table VI*) Discipline
– Dry Fire, then Blanks, then Live Fire
– Requires Weapon Discipline to prevent Negligent Discharges or
Off Range Rounds.
– Ideal situation is one safety NCO (E4 or higher) per firer.
– In the Event of a Negligent Discharge or round leaving safe zone
All local/associated Range Operations will Cease with Report to
Range Control.
– All incident/accidents will be investigated and cleared by range
control prior to resuming.
*AE Pam 350-100
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Convoy Safety - CLFX
Convoy Live Fire Training
• Advanced phases of training conducted at Grafenwoehr Training
Area
• Weapons Discipline is Extremely Important.
– At any time half the weapons may be pointed off installation
• The major underlying reasons for errors related to all accidents and
injuries are:
– Lack of self-discipline.
– Failure to enforce standards.
– Inadequate training.
– Failure to follow procedures
– Improper or inadequate clearing
– Untimely loading/unloading
– Personnel in the path of recoil or back-blast
– Fratricide
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety - CLFX
• Risk Assessment – Use FM 100-14, and FM 3-22.9 for Guidance
– Consider Target Audience – i.e., Advanced Infantry Based Weapons training
for CS/CSS Units.
– High Level of Weapon Discipline Required
• Never point weapons at people unless intent is to kill
• Load only on Command
• LTAs Require Special Attention to Weapon Discipline due to Area Limitations
– Observe Local Range SOPs/Regulations/Guidance
– Maintain weapons on „Safe‟ until ready to fire. Pointed Downrange, Finger
outside trigger housing area.
– Never touch weapons with personnel downrange.
– Maintain Control of Ammunition/Brass – Issue/Turn-In
• Keep Live and Blank Ammunition Separate
– Clear and Rod weapons prior to leaving firing line
– Maintain Medical/Emergency Personnel/Equipment
• Two communications systems
– Police the range when completed.
– Anyone observing unsafe act has responsibility to call “Cease Fire!”
– Treat all weapons as „Loaded” at ALL times.
USAREUR & 7TH ARMY
Convoy Safety
• Convoy Safety/Survivability has become a
Focus of Army Attention.
• The Enemy has Targeted Convoy
Vulnerability.
• With Proper Training we can Eliminate this
perceived Vulnerability.
• Safe and Effective Training is Key – along
with Composite Risk Management.