STUDY UNIT 4 CHECKPOINTS

Overview

Scope A unit conducts checkpoint operations to control its area of responsibility.

Checkpoints deny the enemy freedom of movement while at the same time providing security for military units and for certain portions of the population.

In this study unit, you will learn how to establish and operate an effective checkpoint.

In This Study Unit

This study unit contains the following lessons:

Topic See Page

Establishment 4-3

Operations 4-13

MCI Course 0326 4-2 Study Unit 4

(This page intentionally left blank.)

MCI Course 0326 4-3 Study Unit 4, Lesson 1

LESSON 1 ESTABLISHMENT Introduction

Scope Well-planned checkpoints will contribute to the security of military units and portions of the local population. During OIF II, Marines consistently

established checkpoints throughout Iraq to stabilize the area. Although each unit conducts a checkpoint according to their SOPs, there are some similar characteristics for establishing a checkpoint.

Learning Objectives

After completing this lesson, you should be able to

• Identify the different types of checkpoints.

• Identify a canalization zone at a checkpoint.

• Identify the minimum distance to place warning signs for a checkpoint.

• Identify a deceleration zone at a checkpoint.

• Identify the different search zones at a checkpoint.

• Identify a safe zone at a checkpoint.

In This Lesson This lesson contains the following topics:

Topic See Page

Introduction 4-3

Types 4-4

Zones 4-5

Security/Search Teams 4-8

Lesson 1 Exercise 4-9

MCI Course 0326 4-4 Study Unit 4, Lesson 1

Types

Characteristics The characteristics of the three checkpoints are listed in the table below:

Checkpoint Characteristics

Deliberate • Permanent or semi-permanent

• Employed to protect operating base or well-established MSRs

• Maximum use of natural and artificial obstacles

• Located in areas to provide greatest depth for reaction

• Established automatic and crew-served weapons positions

Hasty • Planned in advance

• Set for a short period of time, normally less than 24 hours

• Frequently employed during the conduct of vehicle or foot patrols

Snap • Little or no advance planning

• Employed for a short period of time, normally a few hours at a time

• Conducted when specific intelligence indicates it will hinder the enemy’s freedom of movement at a specific time and place

Searches The checkpoints listed above can be used to search:

• Personnel only

• Vehicles only

• Personnel and vehicles

Advantages and Disadvantages

The table below lists the advantages and disadvantages of conducting a checkpoint:

Advantage Disadvantage

Intimidating show of force May lead to more conflicts with local nationals.

Better situational awareness Will provide enemy the ability to gather intelligence on your disposition.

Restricts enemy movement Will exhaust a force more rapidly.

MCI Course 0326 4-5 Study Unit 4, Lesson 1

Zones

Types There are five types of checkpoint zones:

• Canalization

• Deceleration

• Search

• Subordinate

• Safe

Canalization Zone

The canalization zone uses natural and, or artificial obstacles to canalize the vehicles into the checkpoint. An effective canalization zone will not allow the checkpoint to be bypassed.

• Place warning signs out at least 100 meters forward of the checkpoint to alert drivers. Signs should be in the local language.

• Canalize vehicles so that they have no way out until they have the consent of personnel controlling the checkpoint.

• Encompass the area from maximum range to maximum effective range of your weapon systems.

• Incorporate disrupting and, or turning obstacles.

Continued on next page

MCI Course 0326 4-6 Study Unit 4, Lesson 1

Zones,

Deceleration Zone

The deceleration (or turning) zone forces the driver into making a rapid decision. The vehicle can decelerate, make slow hard turns, or maintain speed and crash into the barriers. This area is set up to ensure vehicles are stopped facing an obstacle—capable of stopping a slow moving truck—or a series of improvised obstacles, which may consist of the following:

• Downed trees

• Beirut toothpick (nails driven through lumber)

• Caltrops placed across the road

• Debris, rubble, large rocks

• Abatis

• Road cratering

• Dragons teeth, tetrahedrons, concrete blocks

• Mines (may not support the overall effort to stabilize the area)

• Prepared demolitions

• Concertina wire

Search Zone The search zone is a relatively secure area where personnel and vehicles are positively identified and searched. A decision is made to confiscate weapons and contraband and detain the vehicle or allow it to pass. This area is set up with a blocking obstacle that

• Denies entry/exit without loss of life or equipment

• Isolates the vehicle from trying to escape

• Emplaces an overwatch position with a crew-served weapon in an elevated position to cover the vehicle

• Obstructs the vehicle or person being searched from passer-byers to prevent the enemy from gathering intelligence on your search techniques and procedures

Continued on next page

MCI Course 0326 4-7 Study Unit 4, Lesson 1

Zones,

Subordinate Zones

The search zone is further divided into three subordinate areas.

• Personal search zone—used to positively identify, search, and or detain people only. This area may include partitioned or screened areas to provide privacy, especially when searching women and children.

• Vehicle search zone—used to positively identify, search, and or detain the vehicle.

• Reaction force zone—located in the search zone to reinforce the

checkpoint and immediately provide assistance using lethal and non-lethal force. Engineers, dog teams, and EOD personnel may be co-located here to assist as needed.

Safe Zone The safe zone is the assembly area for the checkpoint that allows personnel to eat, sleep, and recover in relative security.

Graphic of Checkpoint Zone

The graphic below shows the different zones for a vehicle checkpoint on a main supply route.

MCI Course 0326 4-8 Study Unit 4, Lesson 1