ATP 3-18.14 Special Forces Vehicle-Mounted Operations Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

Until the mid-1980s, the US Army lacked a dedicated mounted special operations capability. Recognizing that traditionally dismounted Special Forces operations in desert environments were unrealistic, the 1st Special Operations Command and the 5th Special Forces Group (SFG) authorized the formation of two elements in 1984 in order to develop mounted doctrine and operational techniques. Elements of Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th SFG, moved to Fort Bliss, Texas, and, in the autumn of 1986, began to fulfil this mission. Early detachments were equipped with M880 trucks and M151 jeeps. Later, they appraised, evaluated, and accepted the high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV) as the interim desert mobility vehicle. In October 1987, A 1/5th SFG produced a summary of the lessons learned between 1985 and 1987. The initial intent of the compendium was to provide a reference for the training and employment of mounted SF detachments within 5th SFG. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and lessons learned from both 3rd SFG and 5th SFG were incorporated, and procedures for new or improved equipment were added. Although many of the tactical principles remained essentially unchanged, revisions were necessary to account for equipment updates, such as the new ground mobility vehicle (GMV) and Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. This ATP encompasses the tactics, techniques, procedures, and lessons learned by personnel at Fort Bliss, Fort Campbell, Fort Bragg, and overseas, as well as data extracted from Operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM, RESTORE HOPE, PROVIDE DEMOCRACY, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM. This ATP is designed primarily to serve as a reference for the training and employment of mounted SF detachments operating in desert terrain during long-term, unassisted operations; however, the information in this ATP may also be applied to any SF long-range vehicular operation. As with all doctrinal manuals, ATP 3-18.14 is authoritative but not directive. It serves as a guide and does not preclude SF units from developing their own SOPs to meet their needs.