Does a HMMWV require a TC?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 12:56:22 -0400

I can't find anything in AR 385-10, my Brigade Master Driver Book, Fort Bragg Regulation 385-10.Is this just a norm that we place on ourselves, without questioning? If a HMMWV does not require a TC, then which vehicles do?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 25 at 2019 1:24 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 13:24:10 -0400

Tanks mainly.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 25 at 2019 1:25 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 13:25:02 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member it is usually unit policy (BN/BDE/DIV/Senior Commander) to require a TC. Example: 11th ACR Circa 1995. The Regiment had a policy (Articulated by Regimental Command Policy Letter) that no vehicle rolled without a TC that had to be CPL or above as the TC. It was demonstrated that we were not manned to roll each vehicle with a minimum of CPL and above. There was a hinky (and painful) process to obtain a relief memo for each "lone driver" from the Squadron Commander. Then they relaxed it so that if the vehicle was in a convoy, you didn't need a memo to go without a TC. Then as long as you didn't cross the white light line you didn't need a TC for like 5ton and below. The spirit of the memo was to have two soldiers together at all times. But the policy was in place after:
- a number of Class A accidents (both OPFOR and BLUFOR) that involved single vehicle accidents with one soldier in the vehicle
- a rash of failed road side inspections where the vehicle was known to be not ready, operator was not licensed, or the vehicle was not dispatched nor on a valid road test. Deadlined vehicles, Joes without a license, expired dispatches, did not have fire extinguishers/warning triangles...
- several high profile incidents where the vehicle occupants were capital L lost without working comms or any sort of contingency plans. One in particular (M551 crewed by 2 joes and 1 inexperienced SGT) ended up wandering into the adjacent Navy air to ground range. No radio comms. No food. No water. No map. No idea where they were supposed to go or how to get there....just follow the guy in front of you.

The role of the TC was:
- Precombat checks, pre combat inspections to make sure the vehicle and crew was ready (dispatch, water/food, licensure, PMCS, safety items, BII/OVM present, troop strap, comms).
- Keep the driver awake
- An adult to stop everything when it became unsafe
- An adult to confront others when they knowingly were bypassing the rules
- Someone to fry when it went bad.

I saw in another forum, this as a reference which I have not yet vetted. AR 600-55, paragraph 1-4, k

The 2007 version has this in 1-4 paragraph:
k. The senior occupant in a military vehicle is the ranking individual present. The senior occupant will— (1) Ensure the driver does not exceed the maximum operating hours listed in AR 385–55 without a rest break. (2) Not permit a driver who appears fatigued or physically, mentally, or emotionally impaired to operate a vehicle. (3) Ensure the authorized seating capacity of the vehicle is not exceeded. (4) Ensure vehicle occupants wear installed restraint systems when the vehicle is in motion. (5) Assist the driver in recognizing unsafe traffic situations and unsafe mechanical conditions of the vehicle. (6) Assist the driver in backing or executing other difficult maneuvers. (7) Ensure the driver complies with road signs and posted speed limits and adjusts as dictated by weather, traffic, and road conditions. (8) Ensure highway warning devices are properly displayed when the vehicle is stopped on or beside the traveled portion of the street, road, or highway (see FM 21–305). (9) Post personnel, if applicable, to warn approaching traffic when the vehicle is halted or disabled in a manner that may obstruct traffic. (10) When traveling in convoy, relay to the last vehicle information received from the convoy commander and ensure compliance with march discipline when at a halt. (11) Ensure tire chains are used when needed and are removed when no longer needed. (12) Ensure the driver maintains proper interval between vehicles. (13) Ensure driver’s vision is not obstructed. (14) Ensure that only authorized personnel are allowed to travel in Government vehicles, and that Government vehicles are used for official purposes only. (15) Be responsible for the overall safety of the occupants according to AR 385–55.

The 2017 version does not have this part of 1-4. Recommend looking at AR385-55

Response by SPC Corey Blue made Mar 25 at 2019 2:10 PM

SPC Corey Blue — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 14:10:36 -0400

From what I understand, the only people I know that are permitted to drive a HMMWV are the Higher ups that don’t follow the unit SOP with the addition of the Overseers at NTC (I don’t remember their real title)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2019 6:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 18:29:19 -0400

Typically anything over 2 1/2 tons, but then again... anything that your leadership requires to have a TC/Ground guide, must have one

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Mar 25 at 2019 8:28 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 20:28:31 -0400

My hunch and experience says no. Then again, for the first few years I was in, most HMMWVs were allowed to be driven with a soft cap by my higher command. Being involved in a roll over with my team leader changed that one in a hurry.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Mar 26 at 2019 9:44 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 09:44:09 -0400

Very simple, if your unit leadership says so then yes! Now, there are times a TC is not required such a garrison supply run to 3SC.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 26 at 2019 10:41 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 10:41:13 -0400

By regulation, no. By policy, usually. Almost every post has a policy requiring a TC, and usually also requiring a helmet. Neither are required by reg. If not a post policy, usually BDE or BN CDRs will require it.

If none of the above, have fun! (But triple check for policy first).

Response by SPC Fred DeJohn made May 25 at 2019 8:38 AM

SPC Fred DeJohn — Sat, 25 May 2019 08:38:26 -0400

Heavy Armor APC, TANKS ETC.