551-88M-0005 (SL1) - Operate a Vehicle in a Convoy

1.   Start the engine, after receiving the signal or the
order from the march unit commander.

a.
Start the engine.

b.
Apply the parking brake,
if appropriate.

c.
Adjust the seats so you
can comfortably manipulate the
vehicle controls.

d.
Adjust driving mirrors to
obtain a clear view on both sides
and to the rear of the vehicle.

e.
Fasten your seat belts,
if appropriate.

f. 
Place the transmission
shift lever in neutral (N) or park
(P), as appropriate.

g.
Place the differential
lock/unlock control to the unlock
position, if appropriate.

h.
Turn off all accessories.

i.  
Disengage the engine
retarder system, if appropriate.

j.  
Push in the clutch pedal,
if appropriate.

k.
Turn on the engine run
switch, if appropriate.

l.  
Engage the start button
or ignition switch, as appropriate,
while depressing the accelerator
pedal.

m.  
Release the start button
or ignition switch, as appropriate.

Note. If the engine fails to start, wait two minutes before
trying again (diesel engines only).

n.
Press on the accelerator
as necessary to maintain idle speed
and observe the oil pressure gauge.

o.
Observe all instruments
and warning lights for proper
indication.

2.   Set the vehicle in motion, after receiving the
signal or the order to move out.

a.
Check all gauges to make
sure the vehicle is ready for
operation.

b.
Turn on the light switch
at night, as required.

c.
Apply the brake.

d.
Release the parking
brake, if appropriate.

e.
Place the transmission
shift selector lever in drive (D),
as appropriate.

f. 
Place the transmission
shift lever in low/first gear, as
appropriate.

g.
Release the clutch pedal
until it takes hold, if appropriate.

h.
Check for approaching
traffic.

i.  
Signal to indicate the
direction of movement.

j.  
Remove your foot from the
brake pedal.

k.
Depress the accelerator
while releasing the clutch pedal, as
appropriate.

l.  
Continue shifting until
reaching the desired road speed, as
appropriate.

3.   Operate the vehicle at the prescribed speed and
maintain proper interval between
vehicles.

a.
Maintain a minimum of a
5-minute gap between march units on
the open road.

b.
Maintain a minimum of 10
minutes between serials on the road.

c.
Maintain the maximum
speed for the segments of the road.

Figure
551-88M-0005-1. 
Extend (Open Up)

d.
Adjust speed interval and
position according to the signals in
figures 551-88M-0005-1,
551-88M-0005-2,
551-88M-0005-3,
and 551-88M-0005-4.

Figure 551-88M-0005-2.
Close up

e.
Relay either of the above
signals received from the march unit
commander to the driver behind you.

Figure 551-88M-0005-3.
Slow Down

Figure 551-88M-0005-4. 
Increase Speed

4.   Stop the vehicle at the rest site.

a.
Place the transmission
ratio selector lever in neutral (N)
or park (P), as appropriate.

b.
Set the parking brake, if
applicable.

c.
Shut down the engine.

5.   Perform during-operation PMCS.

a.
Before inspection, study
the applicable TM. Pay particular
attention to the section on PMCS.

b.
Begin inspection at the
first during-operation maintenance
check listed on the PMCS chart.

c.
Inspect in an orderly
sequence, as described in the
applicable TM, to save motion and
eliminate the possibility of missing
an important item.

d.
Note deficiencies as you
find them without trying to remember
all of them.

e.
Complete the inspection
when you return to the starting
point.

6.   Resume vehicle operations (steps 1 through 5).

7.   Park vehicles in a line at the convoy destination
assembly area.

a.
Place the transmission in
neutral (N) or park (P), as
appropriate.

b.
Set parking brake, if
appropriate.

c.
Shut down the engine.