Basic Fire Team Transport

-by Thumper

Depending on vehicle size, a Field Support vehicle should be able to transport a five man team and gear plus unit First Aid supplies, food, water and ammo.  SUV’s, Pick-up’s, Van’s (Mini & Full sized) and four door Sedans are what should be considered (4WD would be ideal).  If you happen to have a Deuce and a Half, even better.

Vehicles should never have less than a half tank of fuel at any time. Read the owners manual and comply with the maintenance schedule except for oil and lube intervals.  Get your oil change and lubrication every 2,500 miles.  Equip your vehicle with first-quality all-weather all-terrain tires and the largest battery you can get (don’t need to run out of gas, have your battery die or your engine seize in the middle of an OP.)  Consider carrying a small hydraulic floor-jack and a large four-way lug wrench along with the usual emergency equipment (flares, spare tire, tire repair kit, flashlight, fire extinguisher, tow strap, jumper cables, tools, compressor).

Team members should be able to enter and exit the vehicle with ease while wearing their gear.  Weapons and ammo should be stored in compliance with state laws (until the balloon goes up).  Extra ammo, food, water and Squad First Aid Kit will also need to be stored and quickly accessible.  Do not over burden your vehicle by exceeding its load capacity, bring what is needed to complete your OP.  All other supplies and gear may be left at your base camp.

Above: Militia members stop by Support Truck for re-supply...

Vehicle must also have proper communication gear for the OP as well as emergency situations.  FRS, CB, HAM or CELL PHONE with optional DC power adapter for the vehicle.  A strobe light for emergency location and a portable spotlight (Million candle) for needed occasions.  Let's top this off with map book, binoculars and a compass (Vehicle GPS even better).

The vehicles shown are already in urban & metro camo mode.  Parked in the woods, a simple light weight camo net or parachute may be used for concealment.

Nothing will prevent you from using a VW Rabbit as a support vehicle...