Escalation of Force Kits

Escalation of Force is one of the most dynamic programs at ADS. Developed at the request of the US Army to provide additional options conforming to the U.S. rules of engagement, the idea was to offer non-lethal solutions in addition to the existing lethal ones already at the disposal of those manning checkpoints and convoys. The EOF Kit provides flexibility in order to avoid unnecessary civilian and U.S. Military casualties both at home and abroad.

EOF is serious business and not only includes tools to effectively manage contact with vehicular and foot traffic but also includes training and doctrine development. In mid-2007, the Center for Army Lessons Learned at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, published a handbook on escalation of force procedures which featured an interactive DVD with training scenarios that replicated some of the shoot/don’t-shoot situations soldiers might encounter in the field. This has been expanded with the fielding of simulators to train troops on common scenarios.

The initial kits were developed in conjunction with the US Army’s Rapid Equipping Force and there are currently two types; the Traffic Control Point and Convoy kits. Both are available in three different standard configurations but ADS provides the logistics to tailor a kit to your particular needs.

Additionally, as new technologies are developed or Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures change, the EOF Kit adapts to accommodate these improvements.

A traffic control point (TCP) is a designated spot on the ground, on a road network, or in a static garrison-type environment where Military Police (or other designated units) control the traffic flow. The three goals in point control of traffic are orderly movement of traffic in accordance with traffic control plans, no unnecessary traffic delays, and minimum essential control methods. It is important that traffic control devices can be used by personnel who are not policeman by trade. ADS’s TCP kit is available in three different configurations and all include voice translation device, speed bumps, traffic cones with power flares, spike strips, and a lighting system.

In addition to the TCP Kits, Convoy Kits were developed for use by Soldiers as they ride in their vehicles. The kits are designed to minimize contact with other vehicles on the road.

Now that we know a little about the types of kits and what components are included in each one we need to highlight some of the individual pieces. Every component in each kit is selected by the user community based on how they do business.

One of the most important components across the spectrum of kits is the visible laser. There are two types of crew served lasers currently in use. While both are supplied by B.E. Meyers, one is used primarily by the Marines and the other by the Army. The Glare non-lethal lasers differ by emitted power and were selcted based on TTPs. Additionally, DS offers an individual laser that may be mounted below the barrel of a rifle or carbine.

There is a great deal of conjecture over the use of green lasers both pro and con. One example is that green is a color of respect in Islam. On the other hand, green has been criticized because it means “go” when associated with traffic. However, the truth of the matter is that green is more attractive to the eye and projects the brightest during daylight. In fact, you are four times as likely to see a green laser during daylight and over 300 times at night. Quite simply, it works. When drivers are dazzled, they stop.

CROWS II

Green Laser in EOF Role on CROWS II

The Army is currently integrating the same crew served weapon laser technology into the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) turret system in order to increase that system’s versatility. CROWS has been emplaced on a modified armored HMMWV trucks and allows an operator to fire a heavy weapon from within the saftey of the truck. This new modification means that Soldiers will no longer have to expose themselves during heightened threats to employ the laser.

Since few American troops speak foreign languages the TCP kit offers a choice of two electronic translation devices. Both the Voxtec SQUID® SQ.200 and VRT allow the user to speak a simple command in English and the device does the rest. Both will broadcast a translation of the command into the target langauge allowing checkpoint personnel to provide clear direction to civilians.

It is also imperative that checkpoint or convoy can accurately identify vehicular or foot traffic. Consequently, light systems are an essential component of all of the kits. Lighting components include Surefire Scout Lights for individual weapons, spotlights to illuminate vehicles and pedestrians at a safe distance, as well as the Surefire Hellfighter Heavy Weapon Light.

SureFire® Hellfighter® Heavy Gun WeaponLight

The HellFighter utilizes two switching options to power on and off: a replacement spade grip, which has a built-in constant-on/off switch, and a constant-on/off switch located at the rear of the housing’s grip. Powered by one or two military 5590 batteries or from a 12-volt auto battery, either power source can be quickly connected to the HellFighter using its 10-foot cable, which is equipped with two plugs for 5590 batteries and an integrated DC adapter for a standard vehicle accessory socket. The Hellfighter emits 3,000 lumens and is designed to take the shock of an M2 .50 machine gun firing full auto.

In addition to the adaptive nature of the kits, several incremental improvements have been made over the life cycle of the program. One of the most profound has been packaging. Early iterations were packed in kit bags but versions are now available in hard sided crates which not only protect the items from the environment factors but also from damage during shipping.

ADS has also answered the call to augment already fielded kits with additional capabilities. For example, in 2009, ADS won a contract to supply forces in Afghanistan with such equipment as search mirrors, pen flares, air horns, and flex cuffs.

One of the most important aspects of ADS’s EOF strategy is the kitting process. Rather than an organization attempting to assemble their own kits, ADS does all of the work for them. Based on user specifications, they order products from disparate vendors, assemble them into kits, and deliver a solution that is ready for action. This allows the customer to concentrate on actually using the products rather than dickering with suppliers and fielding half-filled kits.

ADS Kitting

Escalation of Force Kitting Operations at ADS

ADS has access to an astounding number of technologies and is constantly meeting with vendors to seek out new products to improve the effectiveness of the Escalation of Force Kit. ADS also works hand in hand with their customers to ensure that new equipment is properly employed which may include actual hands-on training or the development of instructional materials. As always, ADS maintains alternate sources of supply for kit components in order to avoid fielding delays.

ADS has worked with the Army since the inception of the EOF kit and been very responsive in adapting the program to support new technologies and changing threats.

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Eric Graves is the Editor of Soldier Systems Daily, a web-based publication of the tactical industry. He is a retired Air Force officer who also saw service as a non-commissioned officer in the US Army. Following his military service he worked for a period in the defense technology arena and started Soldier Systems Daily in 2008.

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