Intelligence Operations

Keshav Mazumdar

Sr VP Anti Terrorism Accreditation Board

Military Police Checkpoints

Checkpoints

• Checkpoints are manned locations used to control movement and to enforce circulation control measures and other laws, orders, and regulations.

Roadblocks

• Roadblocks limit the movement of vehicles along a route or deny access to certain areas or roads. Roadblocks are used with checkpoints to channel vehicles and personnel to the search area.

Guiding Principles

• Separate search and assault elements are used.
• This allows soldiers to focus on specific tasks and also helps the image of the search element in the eyes of the population.
• Leaders must ensure that soldiers know the rules of engagement.

Site Selection

• To prevent bypass or avoidance, an area where the terrain restricts the traffic should be selected.
• However, the area should not be so restrictive as to present a safety hazard.

Establishing a Checkpoint

• Two parallel obstacles are placed (each with a gap) across the road.
• The distance (in meters) between obstacles depends on the amount of traffic that is held in the search area.
• The blocked section of road can be used as the search area. If possible, an area adjacent to the road is used to search large vehicles without delaying the flow of the traffic.

Female Search Females if Possible

• Areas are required for searching female suspects and detaining persons for further interrogation.
• If possible, the personnel manning a checkpoint should include a member of the civil police, an interpreter, and a trained female searcher.

Static Security Post

• In 1993, the Joint Readiness Training Center and the 6th Infantry Division conducted an exercise to test various peace enforcement tactics, techniques, and procedures.
• Largely as a result of this exercise, many units have begun to refer to "static security posts" as part of the checkpoint terminology. A static security post is the search area and the immediate security around it.

Signs

• Portable signs in the native language and in English should be available.
• Signs should denote the speed limit of approach, vehicle search area, vehicle parking area, male and female search areas, and dismount point. (The 10th Mountain Division recognized the need for artificial lighting in Somalia and had to purchase several large searchlights.)

Special Equipment

• Lighting is needed for the search area at night.
• Communication is required between the units supporting the checkpoint. Barbed-wire obstacles should be provided across roads and around the search area.

Must Have Adequate Firepower

• Soldiers must have adequate firepower to withstand an attack or to halt a vehicle attempting to flee or crash through the checkpoint.

Obstacles

• Reinforcing obstacles should funnel the traffic into a single lane. FM 5-114 provides technical and design information for obstacles useful in checkpoint operations.
• The spacing of the obstacles is governed by the desired allowable speed of vehicles.

Passive Vehicle Barrier

• A passive vehicle barrier is permanently emplaced.
• Obstacles should defeat the vehicle, not the driver.
• For example, a cable-reinforced chain link fence can stop a 5,000-pound vehicle traveling at 45 miles per hour and a 4,000-pound vehicle traveling at 50 miles per hour. (FM 5-114.)

Active Vehicle Barrier

• An active vehicle barrier must be manually or automatically deployed in response to a threat.
• For example, a cable-beam barrier can stop a 10,000-pound vehicle traveling at 15 miles per hour. (FM 5-114.)

Hasty Checkpoint

• The hasty checkpoint is mobile and can be quickly positioned where needed. While more adaptable, the hasty checkpoint does not send the constant visual reminder the deliberate checkpoint does.

Deliberate Checkpoint

• These checkpoints are pre-positioned. They are useful deterrents and send a strong law and order message.

Flying Checkpoint

• One type of hasty checkpoint used in Operation Provide Comfort was the flying checkpoint.
• Mobile units of mounted infantry, combat engineers, and TOW vehicles moved to key intersections where armed Iraqis were known to operate.
• The mobile units setup hasty roadblocks to disrupt the threat.

Flying Checkpoint Considerations

• The flying checkpoint must have enough soldiers to search and detain intruders. The checkpoint must have an over watch element, air cover on station, mobile mortar support, and quick reinforcement of TOW and infantry carriers that could extract or reinforce the checkpoint.

Organization

• All checkpoints should have a headquarters or control element, a security element, a search element, an interrogation element, and an assault element.

Headquarters Element

• The headquarters element is responsible for the checkpoint.
• The politically sensitive nature of stability and support operations makes good communication a must.

Security Element

• The security element acts as an OP to provide early warning of approaching traffic. Battalion snipers are well suited for this role. If an unmanned aerial vehicle is available, it can enhance observation of approaching traffic.

Search Element

• The search element conducts the search in the search area. It refers suspicious vehicles and personnel to the interrogation element.
• If MPs are available, they should be part of this element.
• The search element should maintain a record of all traffic that passes through the checkpoint. A video record is best, but a written log is sufficient.

MP Mobile Area Security Patrol Element

• The MP mobile area security patrol element acts as a "mobile screen" around checkpoints to prevent infiltration and surprise attack.
• The MP patrols detect and defend against the threat before it reaches the direct-fire range of the checkpoint.
• The MP mobile area security patrol element maintains surveillance, provides early warning, impedes and harasses the enemy reconnaissance elements within the MPs' capabilities.

Searching

• The searching element must be cautious.
• It works in buddy teams to provide security. Searchers approach vehicles from an angle at the rear; this gives the searchers an observation advantage over the driver.
• Based on METT-T, the searchers should have the occupants dismount.

Searching A Vehicle

• The driver should observe the search to alleviate misunderstandings. If sufficient searchers are available, occupants can be searched simultaneously. (A checklist from the Joint Readiness Training Center and 6th Infantry Division exercise is in Figure 16-1.)

Purpose of Search

• To prevent smuggling and infiltration of armed elements, and to protect coalition personnel and property.

Procedures

• Allow only one vehicle at the static security post.

50 Meters From Other Vehicles

• Have all other vehicles remain 50 meters from the static security post with engines off.

Be Aware of Additional Threats

• Keep all stopped vehicles under surveillance.
• It is a common tactic to have a distraction of the security at a checkpoint while another vehicle attempts to run or ram the gate.

Inspect a Vehicle as Follows:

• Have all personnel get out of the vehicle
• Have Driver open all Doors, Hood and Trunk.
• Check all Identification papers against the Black/Gray list from S2

Search for New Wires

• Have all personnel face away from the security element.
• Start on the end of the engine compartment and work to the other side of the compartment.
• Look for new wires.
• Use mirrors to observe hard to see areas.

Inside the Vehicle Search

• Pay Special Attention to Sun Visors and Glove Compartments.
• Look Under Seats and Feel Seat Backs for Packages.
• Feel Headliner for Packages.
• Feel Door Panels for Packages.

Never Touch Suspicious Electronics

• Inspect Area Behind Read Seat Backs for Packages or Wires.
• Inspect Under Dashboard.
• Look Under Carpet for Wires.
• Never Touch Wires or Switches.
• Give Suspicious Objects to EOP Personnel.

Innocent Looking Items

• Look at and under Spare Tire.
• Inspect all Luggage and Packages.
• Be Suspicious of innocent looking items (For Example, Newspapers, Envelopes.

Don’t Skip the Tires or Gas Tank

• Inspect Bumpers, Wheels and Covers.
• Inspect Complete Chassis with Mirrors.
• Inspect Spare Gas Tank Closely

Be Sure to Check the Tires

• In Iraq it was found that the tires would have the rubber cut off and C4 Explosive wrapped around the tire and the tire then retreaded the fresh smell of rubber fooled the bomb dogs.

Inspect Personnel as Follows:

• Feel along clothing, Pay Extra Attention to Arm Pits and Lower Back.
• Check Boots, Hats and so Forth
• Searching using a Metal Detector over the Whole Body.

Secure the Search Area

• Search All Personnel Away from the Vehicle.
• Conduct Searches in a Concealed Position Behind Cover.
• Provide Security for the Element Conducting the Search.

Search Positions

• Separate Searched from Non-Searched Personnel.
• Have the Person Standing Facing a Wall, Lean over at a 45 degree angle with his feel Spread, One Hand Behind His Head.

Physical Search is Critical

• If Wall is Not Available, Have the Person Lie on the Ground with his Arms Outstretched and his Legs Crossed.
• If Available, Have a Woman Search the Woman.

Notes

• Mechanics from Brigade or Battalion Should be used to Assist in Vehicle Search.
• Static Security Posts Should have Limited Maintenance Capability to Move Disabled or Broken Vehicles to a Safe Area.

Black and Gray List

• Not Every Vehicle or Person will be Search to the Degree Listed Above.
• The Black and Gray Lists Should Identify Vehicles and People to be Thoroughly Searched.
• The Chain of Command Modifies the Search Checklist, Based on the Threat, for all others.

Interrogation Element

• This element does a detailed search of anything the search element considers suspicious. Its composition should cover as many contingencies as possible. (Both the 82d Airborne Division in the Dominican Republic and the 10th Mountain Division in Somalia recognized the requirement for language capability.) As in all stability and support operations situations, the requirement for liaison is intense.

Assault Element

• The assault force has a clear combat mission aimed at vehicles that violate the checkpoint.
• It is separate from other elements to allow proper focus.
• To take into account misunderstandings and panicking drivers, universally understood check-fire signals are necessary.

Heavy / Light Considerations

• Tanks, BFVs, LAVs, and APCs are useful as part of the headquarters, security, and assault elements.
• These vehicles also can be a reserve or reaction force to respond to threats to checkpoints.
• Mechanized units (sections, platoons) are ideal for flying checkpoints.
• The vehicles can carry large amounts of barrier materials, especially when towing trailers. For hasty checkpoints, the vehicles can be positioned on the roadway to act as vehicle barriers.
• Rules of engagement must take into account the weapon systems carried by the tracked vehicles.

Tracked Vehicles as Part of a Hasty Checkpoint

• The tracked vehicles are used to slow and canalize approaching vehicles.

Checkpoint Issues in the Dominican Republic

• Some of the problems US forces faced in the Dominican Republic were—
• Guns placed in automobile gas tanks.
• Hearses and ambulances were loaded with weapons instead of bodies and patients.
• Rebels created a diversion or mounted a sniper attack to allow vehicles to run a roadblock.
• Women wearing loose fitting dresses or maternity clothes smuggled contraband through the checkpoints; female inspectors were unavailable.
• Rebels tried to bypass checkpoints by using the sewer system.

Practical Exercise

TASK STANDARDS:

• 1. Checkpoint is established in a location and at the time specified in the order.
• 2. Checkpoint can accommodate both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
• 3. Checkpoint can quickly transition to an effective roadblock.
• 4. Checkpoint is illuminated, marked, and constructed in accordance with force SOP.
• 5. Checkpoint cannot be easily bypassed, nor overrun by a speeding vehicle.
• 6. Checkpoint is manned to allow adequate searches to prevent the smuggling of contraband or prohibited items.
• 7. Command and control facilities allow checkpoint to serve as an OP for integration in the unit observation plan.
• 8. Unit adheres to rules of engagement.

SUBTASKS AND STANDARDS

• 1. Leader task-organizes unit to accomplish assigned task. Task organization includes—
• a. Headquarters or control element.
• b. Security element.
• c. Search element.
• d. Interrogation element.
• e. Assault element.

Reconnaissance Tasks

• 2. Unit leaders organize reconnaissance to determine location for checkpoint or to verify area configuration if site location is directed by higher headquarters. Reconnaissance tasks include—
• a. Routes leading to and around checkpoint.
• b. Nature of terrain on checkpoint and in vicinity.
• c. Size of area suitable to the scope of checkpoint operations.

Resources Required

• 3. Leader ensures resources are available to conduct checkpoint operations:
• a. Vehicles for transport of personnel and supplies, minimum of two vehicles, three vehicles preferred.
• b. Warning signs to indicate a checkpoint ahead in native language and English.
• c. Barricade materials.
• d. Aids to conduct search, mirrors, lights, military working dogs, and so forth.

Authority and Techniques

• 4. Leader analyzes task and assigns priorities of work.
• 5. Leader briefs personnel on requirements and limitations of mission.
• 6. Unit conducts a rehearsal before execution of the task. Rehearsal includes—
• a. Specific limitations on use of lethal force to stop charging vehicle or fleeing pedestrian.
• b. Specific authority and methods to search vehicles and personnel.
• c. Methods of stopping vehicle(s) and conducting questioning and or search.
• d. Authority and technique for apprehension and detention of civilian personnel.

Securing the Main Body

• 7. Security element dispatched to secure site before arrival of the main body.

Barricades Placed

• 8. On arrival, work starts immediately in accordance with designated priorities of work.
• a. Traffic barricades are positioned perpendicular to the road to slow traffic.
• b. Protective, defensive positions are constructed.
• c. Vehicle search area is constructed, earthen berm raised to provide protection from car bomb blast.
• d. Pole barricade, sliding gate, or other barrier is constructed to block the roadway.
• e. Protective wire perimeter is established or natural obstacles reinforced to force pedestrian traffic to checkpoint and to protect against dismounted assault.

Illumination

• f. Other roads and possible bypasses are barricaded, blocked, posted with signs, or placed under observation.
• g. Containment or isolation area is established for segregation of directed detainees.
• h. Personnel search area is established. Separate area established for search of females.
• i. Command post and aid station are established. Wire communications is installed to all positions.
• j. Soldier rest area is established.
• k. Rotation schedule is established to aid the rest plan and guard against complacency.
• l. Light set is emplaced with two sources of electricity. Illumination shows obstacles, signs, and barriers without illuminating the security elements.

Multilingual Signage

• m. The following multilingual signs are posted at all designated areas:
• (1) Warning, prepare to stop (25 to 50 meters from sentry and barrier).
• (2) UN checkpoint, prepare to stop, have ID ready, and so forth (at barrier).
• (3) Contraband warning sign.
• (4) Stop, follow orders of sentry (at pole barrier).
• (5) Vehicle search area.
• (6) Driver and passengers dismount, open doors and hoods and trunks (in vehicle search area).
• (7) Personnel search area.
• (8) Aid post.
• (9) Command post.
• (10) Detention and holding area.

Pedestrian Checkpoints

• Pedestrian walkway and checkpoints are established within the confines of the checkpoint without interfering with vehicular operations.

Assault Element with Antitank Weapons

• 9. The assault element is positioned to engage in accordance with the rules of engagement any vehicle that forces its way past the search element.
• a. Assault element has a clear combat focus.
• b. Assault element is in fortified positions.
• c. Assault element has command-detonated obstacles to halt vehicles.
• d. Assault element is equipped with automatic and antitank weapons.
• e. Assault element knows check-fire signals.

Rehearsals and Training

• 10. Rehearsals are conducted of vehicular and pedestrian traffic to ensure construction of site serves the purpose.
• 11. Communications to higher headquarters are tested. Land line is laid or tested.
• 12. Improvements are continuously planned and constructed.
• a. Permanent guard house is at the roadblock.
• b. Command post, aid post, and soldier rest area are improved.
• c. Latrine facilities are improved.