TASK ORGANIZATION

D-49. The basic organization of a checkpoint includes a security element, a search element, an assault element, and a mission command element. The actual strength and composition of the force is determined by the nature of the threat, road layout, type of checkpoint required, and anticipated number of vehicles to be processed. Table D-3 details typical duties of these elements as well as a general list of do’s and don’ts.

Table D-3. Task organization

Task organization

Task organization Task organization


MISSION COMMAND ELEMENT

D-50. The mission command element controls the operation. The mission command element normally consists of a leader, his RTO and runner.

D-51. The leader normally establishes a headquarters administrative area to synchronize the efforts of the subordinate activities. The headquarters and security element should be sited centrally and in a position which facilitates control of the obstacles. The headquarters area should be secure and large enough to incorporate an administrative area and vehicle search area. Depending on the threat, this area should have sufficient cover or survivability positions should be built.

D-52. The checkpoint should have communication to their controlling headquarters by radio. A spare radio and batteries should be supplied to the checkpoint. Radio and telephone checks are carried out as per the unit’s SOP using signal security measures. Communications within the site should be undertaken using whatever means is available.

CIVIL AUTHORITY ASSISTANCE

D-53. The closest liaison must be maintained between the checkpoint leader and senior policeman. Policemen at a checkpoint are employed to assist in the checking and searching of vehicles and personnel, to make arrests when necessary. Police ideally are employed on the scale of one officer for each lane of traffic. These civil authorities should attend rehearsals. As the degree of threat increases, police officers should be on standby to move with the patrol to the checkpoint site. Wherever possible, it should be the responsibility of the military to mission command the checkpoint while the police control the search aspects.

D-54. The leader must understand guidance from his chain of command on contingencies occurring outside of the checkpoint area that might require forces from the checkpoint. The checkpoint, unless otherwise ordered, is the primary task. If an incident occurs in the vicinity of the checkpoint most likely to require manpower and affect the efficient operation of the checkpoint, the leader should seek guidance from his higher headquarters.

D-55. Sequence of events for establishing the checkpoint include─

  • Leader’s reconnaissance.
  • Establish support-by-fire-positions (and fighting positions as required).
  • Establish blocking positions (entrance and exit).
  • Establish search area for personnel and vehicles.
  • Establish holding area (if required).
  • Establish an area for mission command and admin.

SECURITY ELEMENT

D-56. The nature of the checkpoint makes it particularly vulnerable to enemy attack. Protection should be provided for overall position as well as those of subordinate positions. Concealed sentries should also be positioned on the approaches to the checkpoint to observe and report approaching traffic, and to prevent persons or vehicles from evading the checkpoint. When available, early warning devices or radar may be used to aid guards on the approaches to the checkpoint.

D-57. The security element stays alert for changes of scenery around the checkpoint. Crowds gathering for no apparent reason or media representatives waiting for an event are all indicators something may happen.

ESCALATION OF FORCE

D-58. Escalation of force is a sequential action beginning with nonlethal force measures which can escalate to lethal force measures to protect the force. Soldiers at the checkpoint must ensure they follow ROE and EOF guidance when reacting to situations.

D-59. An imminent hostile threat can be engaged at any time, but if not yet determined to be a threat, use reasonable non-deadly force or EOF as the situation dictates, to protect yourself and to develop the situation.

D-60. Soldiers at every level must understand EOF procedures – before, during, and after an EOF event; to include the possible Strategic Impacts of EOF incidents on Local Nationals’ negative perceptions.

  • Soldiers must train and rehearse EOF procedures.
  • EOF never limits a Soldier’s inherent right to self-defense
  • All Soldiers understand in order to prevent hesitation.
  • Leaders must include EOF in planning and preparation for operations
  • Correct equipment reduces unnecessary casualties.

D-61. The use of nonlethal weapons and munitions provide a safer, less-than-lethal alternative to warn and deter individuals during potential EOF incidents. Units should use nonlethal munitions and tools whenever possible during EOF incidents. Soldiers should conduct proper training, familiarization, and certification with each type of nonlethal munitions and tools prior to their use.

D-62. When time and circumstances permit;

  • Use audible warning (horn, loudspeaker, flash/bang device, or siren).
  • Use visual aids (lights, laser pointers, flares, colored flags, signs).
  • Show weapon and demonstrate intent to use it.
  • Use other non-lethal means (stop strips, physical barrier, vehicle, visual/audio signal, signs).
  • Fire disabling fire (tires, engine block, windows).

SEARCH ELEMENT

D-63. Soldiers may be required to conduct both vehicle and personnel searches at checkpoints.

Vehicle Searches
D-64. Two members of the search team position themselves at both rear flanks of the vehicle undergoing a search, putting the occupants at a disadvantage. These Soldiers maintain eye contact with the occupants once they exit the vehicle and react to threat attempts by the occupants during the vehicle search.

D-65. The actual search is conducted by two Soldiers. One Soldier conducts interior searches; the other performs exterior searches. They instruct the occupants (with interpreters if available) to exit the vehicle during the interior search and instruct the driver to watch the vehicle search. Once the interior search is complete, they escort the driver to the hood of the vehicle and instruct him to open it. After the engine compartment has been examined, they instruct the driver to open the other outside compartments (tool boxes, gas caps, trunks). The driver removes loose items not attached to the vehicle for inspection. Search team members rotate positions to allow for mental breaks.

D-66. Soldiers use mirrors and metal detectors to thoroughly search each vehicle for weapons, explosives, ammunition, and other contraband. Depending on the threat level, the vehicle search area provides blast protection of the surrounding area.

Personnel Searches

D-67. Every attempt should be made for host-nation authorities to conduct, or at least observe, searches of local nationals. Additionally, leaders must plan for same-gender searches. Personnel searches are conducted only when proper authorization has been obtained, usually from higher headquarters, according to the ROE, Status of Forces Agreement, or host nation agreements. This does not preclude units from searching individuals posing a threat to U.S. or other friendly forces.

D-68. Units may have to detain local nationals who become belligerent or uncooperative at checkpoints. The OPORD and ROE must address the handling of such personnel. In self-protection measures should be planned and implemented according to the orders from higher headquarters.

D-69. Searches of local nationals should be performed in a manner preserving the respect and dignity of the individual. Special consideration must be given to local customs and national cultural differences. In many cultures it is offensive for men to touch or even talk to women in public. Searchers must be polite, considerate, patient, and tactful. Leaders must make every effort not to unnecessarily offend the local population. Such situations can have a negative impact on peace operations and can quickly change popular opinion toward U.S.or other friendly forces.

D-70. Each captive is searched for weapons and ammunition, items of intelligence value, and other inappropriate items. Use of digital cameras will record detainees, weapons, ammunition, and evidence of contraband.

D-71. When possible, conduct same gender searches. However, this may not always be possible due to speed and security considerations. If females are not available, use medics or NCOs with witnesses. Perform mixed gender searches in a respectful manner using all possible measures to prevent actions interpreted as sexual molestation or assault. The onsite supervisor carefully controls Soldiers doing mixed-gender searches to prevent allegations of sexual misconduct.

D-72. Soldiers conduct individual searches in search teams consisting of the following:

  • Searcher. A searcher is the Soldier actually conducting the search. He is in the highest-risk position.
  • Security. Security includes at least one Soldier to provide security. He maintains eye contact with the individual being searched.
  • Observer. The observer is a leader having supervisory control of the search operation. He also provides early warning to the other members of the team.

D-73. The two most common methods used to conduct individual searches are the frisk search, and wall search:

  • Frisk search. This method is quick and adequate to detect weapons, evidence, or contraband. However, it is more dangerous because the searcher has less control of the individual being searched.
  • Wall search. This method affords more safety for the searcher because the individual is searched in a strained, awkward position. Upright surfaces, such as a wall, vehicle, tree, or fence may be used.

D-74. If more control is needed to search an uncooperative individual, the search team places the subject in the kneeling or prone position.