Previous: E-114: Maintenance
E-117. Leaders are responsible for recovery operations occurring within their units. However, leaders should consult the senior officer or noncommissioned officer of the attached vehicular unit for technical aspects of the recovery operation. Infantry leaders must have a thorough recovery plan ensuring their combat vehicles can be recovered throughout the operation. Recovery operations extricate damaged or disabled equipment and move it to locations where repairs can be made. Recovery is the primary responsibility of the using unit. The primary role of the Infantry during recovery operations is to provide security and assist with the recovery under supervision of the vehicle crew.
E-118. Recovery operations can be dangerous. Recovery should be conducted under the supervision of the Infantry leader, using the experience and technical competence of the combat vehicle crew. The general rule in recovering a vehicle simply non mission capable in simple terrain is like vehicles can recover each other. For example, tanks recover tanks, and BFV recover BFV. However, there are vehicles specifically designed for recovery operations. These vehicles should be used if vehicles become stuck, flipped over, or severely damaged. The M-936 medium wrecker can be used to recover some wheeled vehicles, to include the armament carrier HMMWV.
E-119. The M984A2 Heavy expanded mobility tactical truck (HEMTT) wrecker can be used to recover heavy or medium sized wheeled vehicle like all the variations of the ICV and MRAP. The MK36 MTVR wrecker can be used as well. One of the best recovery vehicles being utilized for wheeled vehicles is the Interim Stryker recovery system (ISRS). It can handle a towing payload of 60,000 lbs. The M88A1 medium recovery vehicle (MRV) is a full-tracked armored vehicle used to perform battlefield rescue and recovery missions. The M88A1 MRV performs hoisting, winching, and towing operations in support of recovery operations and evacuation of heavy tanks and other tracked combat vehicles. It has a fuel/defuel capability and is fully equipped to provide maintenance and recovery support of the main battle tank family and similar vehicles. These functions can be performed in all types of terrain during all weather conditions.
E-120. Leaders need to ensure every Soldier knows his specific job when it comes to vehicle recovery operations. It is vital every Soldier knows vehicle recovery battle drills. Every vehicle recovery may be different based on METT-TC and type of vehicle to be recovered. It is up to the leader to ensure rehearsals are conducted on a regular basis, METT-TC dependent.
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Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad