Safety and Security Items. Once your supply point is set up, you must take steps to make sure it is
safe and secure. Set up a checkpoint at the entrance and one at the exit of the operating area. Give
personnel coming to the area a safety briefing at the entrance checkpoint. Use the checkpoints not only to
control the vehicles going in and out, but also to account for the receipt and issue of petroleum in the supply
point. Develop a fire plan. You must set up many different types of signs in the area of operation. Place
stock locator signs at petroleum storage areas, including bulk reduction storage sites. Place signs identifying
NO SMOKING areas and dangerous areas throughout the supply point. You must also set up speed control
and traffic direction signs.
PART B - DEFENSE PLAN
Rear Area Protection (RAP). Rear area protection operations may be defined as all actions taken to
prevent or neutralize localized enemy threats to units, activities, and installations in the rear area. It includes
area damage control (ADC) prevention and control measures which are taken before, during, and after an
attack or natural disaster to minimize its effects. Together, these actions represent an added dimension to
the responsibilities of theater army area command (TAACOM), corps support command (COSCOM), and
division support command (DISCOM) commanders. Thus, combat service support units may have to be
diverted temporarily from their primary missions to rear area protection tasks such as local security, base
defense, fire fighting, decontamination, emergency medical treatment, and traffic control. The commander
responsible for rear area protection operations determines the manner and extent to which these units will be
diverted.
The theater army commander has overall responsibility for RAP operations within the COMMZ. In the
corps, the deputy corps commander is the RAP officer who directs the rear area battle. To assist these
individuals in defining and assigning RAP responsibilities, a rear area operations center (RAOC) is assigned
to each TAACOM, area support group, and corps. The RAOC's mission is to plan, coordinate, advise,
monitor, and assist in directing the execution of the rear area battle. Petroleum units interface with the
RAOC.
Phases. Rear area protection may be divided into two phases -- the preparation phase and the operational
phase.
The preparation phase includes preventative readiness measures taken before an enemy attack. These
operations range from the initial planning to the actual reconnaissance, surveillance, and counterintelligence
operations. Measures taken during this phase include establishing local security elements; organizing,
equipping, and training units specifically designed for these missions; assigning area responsibilities; and
establishing communications and warning systems. SOPs are written and rehearsed, and route patrolling
and convoy escorting are carried out.
The operational phase includes measures taken during or after an attack or a natural disaster. These
actions begin when an incident occurs and include units sending reports to the commander concerned on the
nature and extent of the damage. These reports allow for necessary estimates and orders for establishing
route clearances and redirecting supply flow. Thus, interruption of support to combat forces is reduced.
Combat forces receive data in time to change priorities and tactical plans if needed. Fire prevention and fire
fighting actions are conducted. Salvage and search and recovery operations begin on order. Traffic and
personnel movement controls are established. If necessary, nuclear, biological, chemical (NBC)
decontamination is begun. Emergency supplies are distributed, and communications are reestablished.
Petroleum Group. The extent to which the petroleum group becomes involved in rear area protection is
prescribed by higher authority. The group and its units stand ready to participate in these operations as
directed. Consequently, the group security officer stays in close contact with the RAOC. The group security
officer also supervises development of petroleum group rear area protection plans and procedures. He
directs implementation of plans and procedures by subordinate elements.
Protection of Petroleum Supplies. Protective measures for petroleum supplies include special
packaging, proper storage, dispersion of supplies and installations protection against chemical contamination
and nuclear fallout, and maximum use of natural and artificial protective shelters or other shielding devices.
Every advantage is taken of natural cover and camouflage for pipelines located above ground. Underground
pipelines are used whenever possible. Embankments and underground storage facilities can be effectively
3-5
QM 5095
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