Checkpoint and Traffi c Control Point Operations

(Reprinted from September-October 2004) In April 2003, the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. We arrived in Baghdad in the middle of May and immediately began conducting a wide range of operations. Despite major combat operations ceasing in Baghdad in late April, my unit, B Troop, 1st Squadron, 2d ACR, was tasked to execute a mixture of combat, stability, and support operations in and around the city, and we often executed checkpoints and traffic control points (TCP) throughout the deployment. Checkpoint Operations During the first six months of our deployment, checkpoint operations proved to be key in our unit’s area of responsibility (AOR). Checkpoints allowed us to maintain a visible presence in our AOR, while also deterring enemy forces and criminal activity. We primarily executed two main types of checkpoints. The first was a stationary or deliberate checkpoint. Stationary checkpoints were often done during the day when we could be visible to a high volume of traffic and search several vehicles. The second type of checkpoint we performed was a “rolling” or “flash” checkpoint. Rolling checkpoints were done mostly at night during the hours after curfew. Stationary checkpoints involved more planning and required more assets to successfully accomplish the mission. A common task for a checkpoint operation was to identify enemy forces and criminal activity. Our purpose was often to deny enemy forces and criminals the ability to operate throughout our AOR. Vehicle and personnel requirements varied based on the terrain, volume of traffic along the route, and if we decided to stop traffic in both directions. Conducting successful checkpoint operations requires proper equipment. Our unit used the following items for stationary checkpoints:

• Two checkpoint signs (English and Arabic) warning people to stop and take all commands from coalition forces.

• Cones or warning triangles.

• Female searcher or metal-detecting wands.

• Interpreter.

• Spotlight or Maglight (for night operations).

• Concertina wire.

• Integrated communications (ICOM) or Motorola radios for communication between all checkpoint elements. While conducting checkpoint operations, it is important to respect local customs and courtesies. It is a major insult for American men to touch Arabic women. A female searcher is good to have; however, if one is not available a metal-detecting wand will suffice. Because of this custom, criminals attempt to hide weapons beneath the garments of females. Females must be searched! Often, we used a profiling system to determine which vehicles to search. This system was based on intelligence received prior to executing the checkpoint. The S2 provided abe-on-the-lookout (BOLO) list to commanders. The BOLO list was compiled from intelligence throughout Baghdad, highlighting vehicles of special interest. The list gave a brief description of the car (make, model, color, license plate number, and sometimes occupants). These specific vehicles were often believed to be involved in suspicious activity. Two soldiers, positioned at the first vehicle (blocking vehicle), identified vehicles to be searched and directed them to the stop line. At the stop line, two soldiers would hold identified vehicles until search teams were ready for them at the search area. Once a vehicle hit the search area, search teams would instruct occupants to open all doors and compartments and stand to the side. It was critical to separate personnel from the vehicle. You do not want people interfering while a search of the vehicle is underway. The Arabic word for “sit” or “kneel” is “Ajles” and is good to know. Often, we separated the occupants from their vehicle, searched them, and instructed them to Ajles until the ve- 78 — hicle was completely searched. You must maintain personnel security at all times. Once the people were consolidated, a two-man team began searching the vehicle with a noncommissioned officer to supervise the operation in the entire search area. The second vehicle at the checkpoint served as the command and control vehicle as well as the rear and flank security. It is important to remember that all soldiers moving within the checkpoint do so in teams of two for security. The concertina wire is set up for any possible detainees at the site. My soldiers took all confiscated weapons to the command and control vehicle. We kept an accurate count of all weapons and ammunition and reported the information to the higher command. This is just one set up that proved successful. The key to checkpoints is the element of surprise. The enemy and criminals love to travel at night, which makes the checkpoint procedure very effective. Traffic Control Points During our combat, stability, and support operations in Baghdad, establishing traffic control points along major routes was another common mission our unit executed. A likely task for this mission is to control traffic flow on major routes with the purpose of facilitating freedom of movement for friendly forces and interests. Often, we blocked traffic to allow large convoys to move freely throughout our AOR. We would also establish a TCP as part of an outer cordon during a raid. The requirement for trucks and personnel was dictated by the amount of traffic and the terrain. Often, two trucks and full crews effectively executed this mission. The trucks with crew served weapons oriented toward the flow of traffic served as the blocking position. The soldiers provided rear and flank security. An interpreter should be used to talk to the locals, explaining to them the reason for the delay. We occasionally used concertina wire to deter anyone from attempting to pass the TCP on foot. In the event a large crowd forms, it is important to have the interpreter readily available. A bullhorn is a good tool for the interpreter to use. Also, setting up a detainee holding area is a good idea. If the crowd gets unruly, detain one or two of them (preferably the instigators). Once the crowd sees you mean business and that they will be arrested for being unruly, they usually settle down quickly. After the mission was complete, we allowed the detainees to go about their business with a stern explanation to never interfere with coalition forces again. The 2d ACR conducted full-spectrum operations during the year we spent in Baghdad. Checkpoints and traffic control points were just a few of the many missions we executed. These techniques are a couple of the many ways to accomplish checkpoint and TCP operations. Personnel and vehicle requirements will vary based on mission, enemy, time available, terrain, troops available, and civilian considerations. Through trial and error and many hot summer days, we found these methods to be the most effective to accomplish our mission. First Lieutenant Michael Gantert is currently serving as the troop executive officer, B Troop, 1st Squadron, 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received a B. S. from Virginia Military Institute. His military education includes Armor Officer Basic Course and Scout Platoon Leaders Course. He has served in various command and staff positions, to include scout platoon leader, C Troop, 1st Squadron, 2d ACR, Fort Polk, LA; and antitank platoon leader, B Troop, 1st Squadron, 2d ACR, Fort Polk. — 79 “Often, we blocked traffic to allow large convoys to move freely throughout our AOR. We would also establish a TCP as part of an outer cordon during a raid. The requirement for trucks and personnel was dictated by the amount of traffic and the terrain. Often, two trucks and full crews effectively executed this mission. The trucks with crew served weapons oriented toward the flow of traffic served as the blocking position. The soldiers provided rear and flank security.” “Once a vehicle hit the search area, search teams would instruct occupants to open all doors and compartments and stand to the side. It was critical to separate personnel from the vehicle.”