9. Route Selection

Question 1

In which one situation should someone outside of your team know any part of the route?

Answer 1

Where the Principal is leaving from and where they are arriving

Question 2

Name some of the Vantage and Vulnerable Points.

Answer 2

• Rush hour, slow moving vehicles, diversions, school runs
• Traffic lights, pedestrian crossings road works parked vehicles
• Quiet, unlit areas
• Roundabouts / Junctions
• Overlooking features (buildings – natural terrain)
• Level crossings (slow or stop bottlenecks)
• Thick scrub trees (good concealment)
• Gradients (slow heavy moving traffic)
• High banks, bends and narrow roads (good concealment)
• High crime areas, known terrorist areas (political and intelligence brief update)
• Combustible, volatile storage tanks
• Arrival, departure, stops, end route
• Time of the day, weather conditions

Question 2

Which information should only be known by your team?

Answer 2

The route between point A to B

Question 3

Name some of the Principles of Route Selection.

Answer 3

• Avoid Routine
• Maintain secrecy of times & dates
• Maximum possible, safest (legal) speed
• Safest route is not always the shortest route
• Use correct vehicle for the terrain etc.
• Adequate security on route
• Reserve of men and equipment
• Communications
• Awareness
• Alternatives/contingencies
• Initiative and flexibility
• Operational requirements (date, time, from, to, time allowed)
• Consider Principal Profile and Threat & Risk Assessment
• Typical traffic conditions and traffic choke points
• Anticipate possible abnormal traffic conditions e.g. road closures, road
  works, holidays, one-off events, rail strikes etc.
• Potential ambush/attack areas
• Communication black spots
• Refuelling / rest stops
• Access to emergency support (back up, safe havens, emergency services)

Question 4

What are some aspects of a good Route Selection?

Answer 4

1) Map study (paper and/or online)
2) Aerial photography / any other sources of data
3) Routes and alternatives
4) Select wide fast roads
5) Least number of vulnerable points
6) Possible routes: alternative and escape