FM-3-81 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Download
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Chapter 4 4-14 FM 3-81 09 November 2021 Convoy Security 4-67. A convoy security operation is a specialized type of area security operation conducted to protect convoys. The MEB conducts convoy security operations when there are insufficient friendly forces to continuously secure routes in the support area and there is a significant danger of enemy or adversary ground action directed against the convoy. The MEB commander may also conduct convoy security in conjunction with route security operations. Planning includes designating units for convoy security; providing guidance on tactics, techniques, and procedures for units to provide for their own security during convoys; or establishing protection and security requirements for convoys carrying critical assets. Local or theater policy typically dictates when and which convoys receive security and protection and the configuration of the convoy. See ATP 4-01.45 for more information on convoy security training requirements and tactics, techniques, and procedures. Port Area and Pier Security 4-68. The MEB may provide area security for port and pier areas. The joint force commander and subordinate joint force commanders ensure that port security plans and responsibilities are clearly delineated and assigned. If MEB commanders are assigned a port area as part of the support area. they must develop and organize plans to ensure that forces are trained, led, and equipped to concentrate the necessary combat power at the decisive time and place to protect or secure port areas and cargo, as necessary. The patrol of harbors and anchorages is generally the mission of a dedicated port security unit and may include waterfront security operations. See JP 3-10 for additional information on port security units. Area Damage Control 4-69. The MEB performs area damage control before, during, or after incidents within the assigned support area or in support of a corps or division specific mission (see JP 3-10). Area damage control is performed to reduce the probability of damage and minimize its effects. To help minimize its effects, area damage control includes actions to recover immediately, resume operations, and maintain and restore order. Area damage control involves centralized planning and decentralized execution. Commanders assess their ability to withstand hostile action and man-made or natural disasters and then allocate area damage control resources to mitigate the hazards in consonance with their importance to the mission. 4-70. Following an enemy attack, the MEB or base camp commander may need to reorganize while transitioning from defensive to routine operations. Reorganization is all measures taken by the commander to maintain unit combat effectiveness or return it to a specific level of combat capability (FM 3-90-1). 4-71. Incident management plans and area damage control are key components to a successful protection plan. The area damage control plan includes subordinate and support area or base camp tenant responsibilities that include the specific actions to be taken before, during, and after incidents. The area damage control plan is synchronized and coordinated with the defensive and protection plans (including survivability and AT plans). The IPB process and safety techniques are used to identify and assess hazards and make recommendations to prevent or mitigate the effects of those hazards. Training and rehearsals assist in the ability to respond immediately to damage. Assessment teams advise the commander on the extent of damage and estimated time for recovery. 4-72. Incident management plans should also include the contingency of CBRN contamination mitigation, including clean and dirty route management, equipment and personnel decontamination points, decontamination logistical replenishment planning, and a prioritized list of capabilities that must be decontaminated first. The goal should be to limit the impact of CBRN attacks on normal operations, preventing cross-contamination while protecting personnel and rapidly reconstituting combat power. 4-73. Area damage control is a tiered response. As a part of area security operations, all commanders conduct area damage control to prevent, respond, and recover from the negative effects of enemy or adversary action that can diminish combat power with local assets and resources. The base camp is the next level of area damage control response with their capabilities. Each base camp defense plan includes an area damage control plan. The designated support area land owner coordinates area damage control within the support area according to the area damage control plan, additional support from higher headquarters, or specialized