MASTER SGT. TOM COLLUM
Jefferson City, Missouri
Before deploying to Iraq, our transportation unit was understrength, so other Soldiers in the state that had an 88M military occupational specialty (transportation) were pulled from their units to head out with us. This caused some unforeseen issues. For instance, when ground guiding, these Soldiers used different hand and arm signals. At times, this could be frustrating.
When working around vehicles, a driver and ground guide must remain alert to everything surrounding them. Due to the noise level of vehicles and other equipment, they must be able to communicate effectively by using hand and arm signals. It’s important everyone uses the same signals so we work more effectively as a team. The best way to accomplish this is to ensure all Soldiers are familiar with the standardized visual signals in Field Manual 21-60.
A driver must always use a ground guide when a vehicle is in a motor pool, bivouac or assembly area, or when backing up. If these areas are tight or congested, two ground guides must be used. This helps ensure the driver doesn’t run into another piece of equipment, gear or, more importantly, a Soldier. This is why it is very important that the ground guide and driver communicate effectively.
To avoid confusion, it’s a good practice for the driver and ground guide to go over the hand and arm signals before they begin moving a vehicle. All commands should come from the ground guide, who must remain in the driver’s sight at all times. If the driver doesn’t understand what the ground guide wants him to do, he must stop immediately, get out of the vehicle and go over the hand and arm signals again. If the driver can’t see the ground guide or notices he is in a dangerous position, he must stop immediately and get out of the vehicle to ensure the guide is OK.
The ground guide must always stay at least 10 yards away from the vehicle or piece of equipment to ensure nothing will be damaged when the vehicle is in motion. He should never run or walk backward or between two vehicles. When using two ground guides, the driver and both guides must go over hand and arm signals and decide who will be the primary guide. The primary ground guide is the one from whom the driver takes his signals. If there is any confusion or one of the guides can’t be seen, the driver must stop the vehicle immediately to ensure the safety of the guides.
Ground guides are an essential part of moving vehicles and heavy equipment safely. The proper use of ground guides can reduce injuries and accidents in the military.
FYI
Ground guides are a vehicle operator’s eyes when maneuvering equipment in areas of limited visibility. Therefore, ground guiding a vehicle is one task where training and coordination between the two is paramount. For more information on ground-guiding procedures, see Army Techniques Publication 4-11, Army Motor Transport Operations; Training Circular 21-305-20, Manual for the Wheeled Vehicle Driver; Training Circular 21-306, Tracked Combat Vehicle Driver Training; and Field Manual 21-60, Visual Signals.