| Critical Task: | 101-519-3311 |
OVERVIEW
Refuel-on-the-Move (ROM) operations allow the fastest penetration into an area. When properly directed, a minimum amount of time is required to dispense an adequate amount of fuel to all vehicles that will allow them to reach their next destination.
Lesson Description:
This lesson covers the procedures for directing the refuel-on-the-move operations (ROM).
Terminal Learning Objective:
| Action: | The soldier will learn to supervise the layout of the equipment and refueling operation, document the quantity of fuel issued on DA Form 3643 (Daily Issues of Petroleum Products), observe fire and safety precautions, and identify environmental considerations. |
| Condition: | Given subcourse QM5094. |
| Standards: | The soldier must score a minimum of 70 percent on the end of subcourse examination. |
Due to an increase in ground equipment, convoys are being used throughout the theater to transport personnel, equipment, and fuel to forward areas. The "doctrinal purpose" of ROM is to extend the time that ground maneuver forces can spend on the objective. Refuel-on-the-move operations are flexible and should be tailored to meet the situation. While providing several options on how to conduct a ROM operation, this lesson does not dictate a one-and-only "school solution."
Safety is a consideration, especially in peacetime training. ROM operations should be carefully thought out and properly supervised and executed. Remember to consider Mission, Enemy, Terrain, Troops and Time Available (METT-T).
ROM for ground vehicles is synonymous with rapid or hot refueling for aircraft. ROM is normally accomplished as far forward on the battlefield as the tactical situation permits prior to the tactical assembly area. The "doctrinal purpose" of ROM is to extend the time that ground maneuver forces can spend on the objective, although ROM can be tailored to other situations as well. When vehicles enter a ROM site for refueling, they receive a predetermined amount of fuel (usually timed) and move out to return to their convoy or formation. This distinguishes it from routine convoy refueling operations. The manner in which this refueling is done depends upon the tactical situation. Each refueling operation is unique depending on the number of vehicles to be refueled, the distance the unit is traveling, and how many times the unit wants to be refueled. However, the assembly and operation of each ROM are basically the same. Due to safety considerations normal vehicle refueling is done with engines off.
The following components make up the ROM kit (Figure 6-1):
Figure 6-1. ROM assembly/disassembly.
ROM is a concept that is equipment independent. As long as the concept is followed, any number of current equipment configurations can be used to do a ROM operation. ROM operations can be employed anywhere on the battlefield where there is a need to rapidly refuel combat vehicles.
The ROM kit consists of enough hoses, valves, and fittings to refuel up to eight combat vehicles at the same time. The kit takes care of transporting the ROM. Any cargo vehicle with a payload capacity greater than 1.5 tons can be used. The ROM weighs about 2,900 pounds. It cannot be loaded on the fuel-transporting semitrailer due to the weight limit of the semitrailer. The main fuel source is the 5,000-gallon fuel semitrailer (model 969 and M131A5C) using the onboard pump and filter/separator. The average flow rate at each of the eight nozzles using the fuel semitrailer is 35 GPM. The area to set up and operate the eight-point ROM kit is about 550 feet long by 150 feet wide. Multiple tankers can be connected to the ROM kit by means of a Y- or T-fitting and valves. One tanker will be dispensing fuels through the ROM to refuel vehicles. The remaining tanker is backup and ready to replace the issuing tanker when it is empty.
NOTE: If conducting multiple tanker operations, fuel should not be received into and dispensed out of the same tanker at the same time. This would only be possible through top loading, which is a safety hazard.
As a tanker is emptied, the fuel-dispensing source is transferred to the backup tanker by the resetting of the values at the Y and/or T. This will allow fuel issues to continue to the combat vehicles. Fuel semitrailers can be shuttled to and from the ROM site to maintain a fueling tanker on-site.
Site Selection and Signaling. Plan a contingency plan for equipment failure. Make sure that there is enough room in the site to move equipment. Make the most of natural cover and concealment. Include a signal system to coordinate the operation. Use signals to start and stop refueling operations and coordinate the vehicle serials to and from the holding areas. Use the arm and hand signals or flags during the day. Long distances may require radio communications. At night or in low visibility conditions, use chemical light or flashlights for signals.
Refueling Operations. Set up these areas at locations before and after the ROM site. Coordinate areas before to the start of the operation. Use the first area (prior to the ROM site) to organize the march column into serials of vehicles equal to the number of refueling points available. Call the vehicles forward out of the holding area one serial at a time to move into position to receive the predetermined amount of fuel. When each serial has received its allotted fuel, it moves to the second holding area (after the ROM site). In the second holding area, organize the vehicles back into their convoy march elements or combat formations.
Set up, perform PMCS, operate, and retrieve the equipment used in the operation. Ensure safety (for example, grounding, bonding, fire extinguishers, no smoking signs, drip pans, spill equipment is in place and personnel are familiar with procedures). Ensure personnel are familiar and equipped with operational control signals (flags, lights, radio) to be used. Man fuel nozzles to refuel vehicles when convoy personnel (assistant driver or commander) are not available to refuel their own vehicles. Ensure vehicles safely enter and move through the ROM site and receive the prescribed amount of fuel.
Document the Quantity of Fuel Used. To document the quantity of fuel issued, use either DA Form 3643 (Daily issues of Petroleum Products) or DA Form 2765-1 (Request for Issue or Turn-In), depending on the situation.