Converting a CONEX Container Into a BnlTF Command Post

Establishing afield trains command post is a dilemma laced by the new banal-iOlll'task force headquarters company commander. Since oor tables 01 organization and equipment are getting smaller and smaller every day, and the odds of procuring anew piece of equipment lor the HHC commander are slim to none, the solution is to buHd it yourself.

Doctrinally the field trains command post consists 01 two radios, a S6 22 switchboard, and a map, all organized in a tent. This configuration works in some situations, but since the HHC commander is one 01 the key players In the logistics 01 a BNfTF, he needs a command post that requires lil-tie maintenance and selup lime, offers adequate communications, the ability to track operations, and is highly mobile. Various methods of buildirIQ CPs wol1t; what is used depends on what's available. Trailers are easiest to convert, and are usually more readily available. Building a CP out of plywood is another lechnique, btlt one which loses flexibility by committing a prime mover to continuouSly haul the CPo The power supply lor the radios is the greatest costacle to overcome. Ideally, using a generator is the best altemative. Another source of power is the prime mover itself. If no other source is available, an alternative is speakers and hand mikes with extended cables remoted from the company commander's HUMMER.

A technique that has worked well is to use a shipping CONEX (See sketch). A CONEX converted to a self-contained command post can be accomplished with organic equipment and material in the battalion motorpool. Installation of a platform or table to mount the radio Installation kits is the mosl time-consuming aspect of the conversion. Once converted, the SI 2""-ton truck can carry a CONEX configured in this way (Cargo straps and chains hold it in place) and when the truck has to be used fOf other missions, the CONEX can be removed by a HEMTT crane, and dug in. When dug in, the CONEX makes an excellent foundation for a command bunker complex. The prime mover fOf this CONEX does not have to be the S1 truck; it can be any truck within the company. The greatest advantage of the CONEX command post Is its mobility. Moving the CP by short halts, the HHC commander can now monitor combat status reports, an-BNITF FIELD TRAINS COMMAND POST ticipate with the 54 the battalion's ammunition needs, prepare for lOGPACs, reconfigure loads, or dispatch trucks for EPW collection, while moving the field trains. A quick call from the HHC commander to the FSB commander, warning of potential supply needs, can mean the difference between success or fallure. A self-contained CP reduces setup time and allows for a quick establishment of a key command and control asset for the LOG players in the battalion and the battalion commander. The addition of another net facilitates C2 for the HHC commander. The third net can be set on the battalionfTF command net. Because our doctrine requires the logistical players to anticipate needs, the addition of another net allows the commander to monitor battalion operations, which is critical to this function. In some cases, the field trains can now assist in laking reports while the Combat Trains Command Post is moving, or fOf some reason can't be reached. In other words. the field trains CP can form a similar relationship with the combat trains CP as that of the TOC and TAC. The addition of another FM net changes the headquarters company commander from a reactor to an actor. Additions to the CP are only limited by the imagination, and mission needs. For example: externally mounted reels of telephone wire with labeled lines designated lor each tenant of the field trains will reduce the time it takes to estab· MAP BOARD lish intemal communications. Additionally, when deploying, the CONEX can also serve as an arms room and be used to store all the other orderly room and St shop equipment that must deploy. What actually goes in the CONEX is obviously up to the commander. The CONEX oilers more mobilily and flexibility for the banalion/task force logistical command and con-lrol. The type of CP you build Obviously depends on the time and equipment available, and the specific needs of your organi-2ation.

Captain Christopher Mitchell is a graduate of the Airbome and Ranger courses, AOB, IOAC, and CAsa. He served in the FRG as a tank platoon leader, company XO, and BMO in 2/68 Armor, 8th 10. He also seNed as the adjutant, Bravo Company commander, and HHC commander in 3/67 Armor, 1st "Tiger" Bde, 2AD. He was recently assigned to the Command and Staff Department, USAARMS, as the author of FM 90-3, Desert Operations. and is currently an AOAC small group instructor.