Prepare for the Big Journey With the “OSMEAC” Military Convoy Technique
Even something as simple as a family trip can benefit from some military precision. This coaching technique will keep everyone you travel with in the know, especially if you are traveling in multiple cars.
There are many military tips and tricks you can use in your day-to-day life, and Jordan Jones of ITS Tactical shares useful military equipment that you can use every time you plan to travel in multiple vehicles. It’s called OSMEAC (sometimes just SMEAC), which is a type of ” five-paragraph field order ” or a simple way to quickly inform everyone about a situation. Jones explains:
Orientation: Give the group a rough view of the area. This is not something that would require a terrain model and topographic map, just general highlights of the area itself. “We’re going to drive to Piggly Wiggly mostly along these lanes.”
Situation: For most groups in the civilian world, this is simple: “You don’t know how to get to Piggly Wiggly, so you have to follow me.”
Mission: Determine the main goal of the journey to the location. “We need to get to Piggly Wiggly by 8:00 pm to catch their special dessert and also make sure you don’t get lost along the way.”
Implementation: Discuss actual travel plans and what to do in special circumstances. “We’re going to take this road to this road. If they stop you, I’ll go to the next gas station on the right side and wait. (Stopping on the right refers to countries where it is wise to drive on the right side of the road.)
Administration and Logistics: There is not much administrative work for civilians for this kind of travel. Some of the things you might want to double check are the vehicle inspection, driver’s license, etc. “Does everyone have what they need? Are your wallet, phone, fuel, keys and spare tire pumped up? Want to get a 50% discount on Death by Chocolate Cakes? “
Communication: Discuss how to communicate with group members, both electronically and otherwise. “My phone number is ___. Two quick beeps means ___.
You don’t really need to do a handout or send an email with this information – you can just talk it over with everyone before you hit the road – but it’s still a smart way to prepare before every trip. A summary before any plan reduces the likelihood of any complications.
Road Trip: Applying War Convoy Technique to Your Next Adventure | ITS Tactical