Chapter 2

Driver Selection, Training, and Supervision

This chapter outlines a system (described in detail in AR 600-55) for identifying, selecting, and qualifying trainers and drivers. The Army vehicle driver's contribution to combat efficiency is not always recognized or appreciated. Nevertheless, driver performance is critical to keeping a vehicle in the fight. Poor driver training can cause a unit to fail in its mission. Even the best-designed vehicles maintained by the best Army operators and mechanics cannot compensate for poor driving practices. Therefore, quality trainer and driver selection is crucial to Army goals.

PREPARATION FOR DRIVER TRAINING

2-1.        Effective driver training is the result of careful planning and thorough instruction. Before instruction begins, a careful and complete estimate of driver training requirements must be made. Next, plans and schedules must be developed; selected instructors must be trained; and adequate facilities and equipment must be located. Students should be made aware of all relevant regulations during the first phase of training. To accommodate this, units should have a current file of all Army, post, and unit publications and policies that pertain to driver training.

ESTIMATE OF DRIVER TRAINING SITUATION

2-2.        When preparing to conduct a driver training program, an estimate of the driver training situation should be made by answering the following:

(1)       How many personnel require qualification (monthly/annually)?

(2)       How many previously licensed drivers need verification or recertification?

(3)       What are the capabilities and general experiences of new drivers who need qualification?

(4)       What are the seasonal requirements for unit location?

(5)       How much time is available?

(6)       What type of wheeled-vehicle accidents has the unit experienced?

(7)       How many instructors are available?

(8)       Will the training be part of unit in-processing?

(9)       What special training do the instructors require?

(10)     What facilities, supplies, and equipment (including training aids, vehicles, and driving ranges
           with varied terrain) are available?

(11)     What major training events are scheduled for the unit?

2-3.        Answers to these questions should then be analyzed to help develop and organize an effective training plan. The appropriate TSPs should be analyzed to determine the following:

(1)       The number of instructors who need training and a schedule for their instruction.

(2)       The duties and responsibilities of each instructor.

(3)       The number of drivers who require training or retraining and a schedule for their instruction.

(4)       How students will be grouped and how each group will be rotated.

(5)       What facilities, supplies, and equipment are needed and how to get them ready.

(6)       The standards for training required by the appropriate TSP and your unit's needs.

INSTRUCTOR SELECTION

2-4.        Battalion-level officers are normally responsible for the selection and training of instructors. Selection of the best NCOs for positions as vehicle drivers, maintenance personnel, and instructors is crucial. All prospective instructors should—

    l        Be competent and well trained in their military occupation skills.

    l        Be qualified to operate the equipment

    l        Have been licensed on the equipment for at least one year.

    l        Have technical knowledge of the equipment.

    l        Have the knowledge and experience necessary to instruct.

INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

2-5.        Instructors should be given refresher training to sharpen their skills and help them become more proficient instructors. It may not be necessary for instructors to take the entire course students receive. However, the entire course must be covered to make sure instructors are familiar with all teaching points. Refresher training should cover— 

(1)           Army, state, local, installation, and unit driving regulations.

(2)           Safe driving procedures.

(3)           Seasonal hazards.

(4)           Operator maintenance and use of the training vehicle's operator manual.

2-6.        Emphasis should be placed on the importance of observing student driving techniques so errors can be corrected immediately.

2-7.        Instructors must be specially trained to administer the physical qualifications, written, and  performance tests. Prior to administration instructors must understand the purpose and nature of each test. They should thoroughly understand each examination's standards and scoring requirements. (This information will be outlined in the TAG for each examination.) They must also adhere to the test administration guide(s) (TAG) in the TSPs.

DRIVER SELECTION

Select The Best-Qualified Personnel (AR 600-55)

2-8.         Poor drivers often cause a loss of valuable unit training time through produced injuries (to themselves and others), or equipment damage. Therefore, poor training risks should be identified and eliminated before training starts. When selecting personnel for training as Stryker vehicle drivers, it is best to pick those with previous driving experience. When this is not possible, Soldiers with no previous driving experience can be selected, if the requirements are met. Once a driver is selected, information obtained from the interview, battery tests, physical qualification tests, and the road test should be recorded on DA Form 348. (For proper use of this form, see AR 600-55.)

Records Review

2-9.         The commander or his designated representative will review the following records:

(1)           DA Form 348 (Equipment Operator's Qualification Record [Except Aircraft]).

(2)           Medical profiles.

Interview

2-10.     After reviewing the records, an interview will reveal useful information about the individual under consideration. During the interview, any characteristics that might affect driver performance should be noted.

2-11.     Areas of concern include:

    l        Maturity.

    l        Attitude.

    l        Past driving record.

    l        Hearing.

    l        Extreme nervousness.

    l        Any abnormal characteristics.

    l        Medication (used regularly) that causes drowsiness, impairs vision, or affects coordination. (Check with medical personnel     regarding concerns about medication.)

2-12.     Suggested questions for the interview should include:

    l        How much experience have you had in driving a passenger car?

    l        How many miles have you driven during the past 12 months?

    l        Have you ever driven a combat vehicle?

    l        Have you operated any heavy equipment such as tractors, road graders, or bulldozers? If so, for how long?

    l        How much experience have you had driving a truck of 1/2-ton or greater capacity?

    l        Have you ever driven a truck with all-wheel drive?

    l        Have you had an accident in which someone was injured or property damage exceeded $1,000? If so, explain who was at fault, and     how, in your opinion, the accident could have been avoided.

    l        Have you had any traffic violations?

    l        How do you account for your good or bad driving record?

    l        Do you think you would make a good Stryker vehicle driver? Why?

    l        Can you repair automobiles or related machinery? If so, what is your experience with this sort of work?

    l        Do you have any problems with your eyes that would affect your driving ability (day or night)? Do you wear corrective lenses?

    l        Do you have any hearing problems?

    l        Do you know of any physical problems that might affect your ability to drive?

    l        Have you ever been involved in a drug or alcohol offense?

PHYSICAL EVALUATION MEASURES

General

2-13.     All military personnel are required to undergo periodic medical examinations according to AR 40-501, Standards of Medical Fitness. AR 600-55 requires all potential military drivers to undergo physical qualification tests. The purpose of these tests is to ensure operators of military motor vehicles possess at least minimum physical requirements for safe driving. They are also intended for diagnostic, guidance, and counseling purposes. AR 600-55 describes the procedures for administering the physical qualification tests in detail.  The test's primary components follow.

Equipment

2-14.     The portable driver testing and training device contains all materials necessary to conduct a physical qualifications test. This equipment can be requisitioned through supply channels. If assistance is required, the post safety officer can properly identify the vehicle model and training source of supply. Equivalent testing instruments may be constructed locally, provided they are made to accurately measure the physical characteristics prescribed in the following paragraphs.

Testing Conditions

2-15.     The general conditions of the test situation are prescribed in Section III, AR 611-5. Rooms in which the tests are given must be well lighted (without glare), and well ventilated. The examinee should be made comfortable so physical discomfort does not affect test results. If it is necessary to test multiple examinees simultaneously in the same room, distractions during testing should be kept to a minimum. The reaction time test must be given under conditions that are free from noise and other distractions.

Supplementary Instructions to Examiners

2-16.     The following instructions apply to all physical evaluation testing and supplement the specific instructions accompanying the equipment.

(1)           Before giving any test, become knowledgeable on the purpose of the test, the equipment to be used, and the prescribed procedure.             Give a number of trial tests to become familiar with the test and test procedures.

(2)           Before each test, explain its purpose and what examinees should expect.

(3)           Measure physical characteristics in the order they are listed in the following paragraphs.

(4)           Record measurements on DA Form 348, Equipment Operator's Qualification Record (Except Aircraft), or an equivalent official form.

(5)           On completion of testing, inform examinees of any discovered physical limitations.

(6)           Describe compensating measures that may be taken.

Physical Characteristics to be Tested

2-17.     The following instructions apply to all physical evaluation testing.

Visual Acuity

    l        Purpose. Determine whether the examinee can see well enough to drive safely.

    l        Minimum standard. Uncorrected distant visual acuity of any degree that is correctable to not less than 20/40 with a numerical     designator of "l," "2," or "3" under the "E" factor of the physical profile serial. Tested with both eyes open, a visual acuity of 20/40     must be attainable with corrective lenses. All Army drivers who require corrective lenses to attain 20/40 visual acuity are required to     wear corrective lenses while operating Army vehicles. Operator permits must be annotated to reflect this requirement.

Field of Vision

    l        Purpose. Determine whether the examinee can see to the side while looking straight ahead.

    l        Minimum standard. A lateral range of 75 percent on each side of the focus line is the minimum standard acceptable for each eye. If     the standard is not met, the examinee will be referred to appropriate medical personnel to determine if his lateral vision is sufficient     for safe driving.

Depth Perception

    l        Purpose. Determine how well the examinee can judge distances.

    l        Minimum standard. None; the results of this measure are used in driver counseling and training.

Color Perception

    l        Purpose. Determine if the examinee is color-blind.

    l        Minimum standard. The examinee will not be disqualified for a vehicle operator's license because of color-blindness. However,     examinees who test color-blind will be given additional training on traffic light sequence and traffic observation to assist safe     driving.

Foot Reaction Time

    l        Purpose. Determine whether the examinee can move his foot quickly enough in response to driving conditions.

    l        Minimum standard. Reaction time up to and including 0.60 second is acceptable. If the examinee's reaction time is faster than 0.40     second, he will be cautioned about the possibility of rear-end collisions with following drivers whose reaction times are much     slower.Any sudden application of brakes could invite such a collision with a slower reacting driver. If the examinee's reaction time     is between 0.50 and 0.60 seconds, he will be made aware of this slower time and advised to allow extra following distance to     compensate for the deficiency. If the reaction time of the examinee is slower than 0.60 second, he will be referred to medical     personnel for a professional driving status decision.

hearing test

    l        Purpose. Determine whether the examinee can hear well enough to drive safely.

    l        Minimum standard. Examinees must attain a numerical designator of "1" or "2" under the "H" factor of the physical profile serial to     unconditionally pass the hearing test. Those scoring a "3" or "4" will be referred to medical personnel for a professional driving     status decision. All driver personnel are required to have an annual hearing conservation examination.

TRAINING PROGRAM

2-18.     The commander develops his training strategy after assessing the strengths and weaknesses of his unit. The assessment must include any personnel turbulence (changes). His strategy must focus on his METL, sustain his unit's strengths, and correct its weaknesses. He will find that some tasks apply to  Soldiers generally, and that others apply exclusively to Soldiers in a squad. These factors require an integrated training strategy. Vehicle commanders are proficient with all tasks performed on the vehicle, just as drivers are proficient with all driver tasks. However, squad members who are trained to be  proficient on all vehicle tasks, including driving, will function better as a team.

basic driver training

2-19.     Basic driver training develops individual skills needed to operate the vehicle. The driver is trained and evaluated on—

    l        Performing all preventive maintenance checks and services on the hull.

    l        Performing offensive and defensive driving techniques.

    l        Performing recovery operations.

    l        Performing day and night driving techniques.

    l        Performing crew and squad drills.

stryker driver trainer

2-20.     The Stryker Driver Trainer (CDT/SV) allows simulated training in multiple environments without the expense of using the actual vehicle. Training focuses on driver coordination and tasks such as ground guide railhead operations, and unusual driving conditions.

Advanced Driver training

2-21.     Advanced driver training develops specific skills needed to operate the vehicle in extreme or unusual conditions.

Drivers are trained and evaluated on—

    l        Operating the vehicle in combat conditions.

    l        Operating the vehicle in unusual terrain or environmental conditions.

    l        Operating the vehicle with slat armor or with combat weight.

    l        Performing high speed driving techniques.

    l        Performing evasive driving techniques.

cross-training

2-22.     Cross-training enhances the coordination between the vehicle crew and squad. It must occur as often as possible because it is critical to countering personnel losses in peacetime or combat. Effective cross-training incorporates the individual and squad to sustain basic crew skills. It also provides additional training so squad members can perform as Stryker drivers.

Training plans

2-23.     Once the commander has developed his METL and thoroughly assessed training proficiency, he begins the detailed process of developing a training plan.

master driver

2-24.     The primary mission of the Master Driver is to train vehicle drivers. The Master Driver helps commanders at all echelons plan, develop, execute, and evaluate all driver-related training.

2-25.     Directed by the commander in his specific responsibilities, the Master Driver—

(1)           Assists the validation or certification of newly assigned Soldiers.

(2)           Sets up or conducts initial skills training for new drivers.

(3)           Trains and certifies driver training evaluators.

(4)           Assists all elements in the unit concerning drivers training.

(5)           Forecasts all resources for training.

(6)           Manages driver records.

(7)           Coordinates and controls training device use.

(8)           If SIO (senior instructor/operator) qualified, he certifies and recertifies other I/Os to conduct Stryker Driver Trainer training.

(9)           Plans and manages simulation training.

(10)        Executes driver training.

(11)        Assists in training new drivers.

crew stability management

2-26.     The greatest problem a commander must contend with in developing a training plan is personnel turbulence (personnel changes). He must develop a plan to reduce and control it before developing and executing his training plan. This turbulence is inevitable. However, he can reduce it with short- or long-term solutions.

Short-term Solutions

(1)        Change personnel as a crew rather than a single crewman.                             

(2)        Train an alternate for each position.

Long-Term Solutions

(1)        Continually cross-train personnel for replacements. Experienced Soldiers are easier to train than new Soldiers.

(2)        Form complete crews as personnel come into the unit. Match the loss dates (ETS, PCS, and DEROS) within the same crew.

training conditions

2-27.     Driving and operational conditions vary so crews learn to fight in any battlefield environment. Training in a variety of conditions ensures crews can perform in adverse weather and degraded mode operations. Thermal sights must be used not only at night, but also during daylight operations in smoke, adverse weather conditions, and concealing terrain.

Adverse Weather

2-28.     Soldiers must know how adverse weather affects their senses. They must also know how to mechanically operate the weapons system.

(1)        Fog, snow, and heavy rain hinder target acquisition, range determination, and burst on target (BOT).

(2)        Temperature extremes and humidity affect cyclic rates of fire and ballistics.

Degraded Mode Training

2-29.style='margin-left:45.0pt;text-autospace:none'' Squads must be trained to function with less than a fully operational system in less than normal operating conditions.

(1)        Battle damage and maintenance problems can deny the use of primary vehicle control systems. Squads must continue the fight           using degraded mode operations.

(2)        NBC conditions severely influence the squad's ability to—

    l        Operate the controls and perform individual duties.

    l        Observe through the optics and sensors.

    l        Perform during continuous operations.

driver incentive programs

2-30.     Army policy encourages incentive awards programs to motivate personnel in skills improvement. Every organization should have an incentive awards program for its drivers to ensure they receive recognition for their efforts. Competitive operator maintenance inspections, obstacle driving, and vehicle maneuvers are a few programs the commander may initiate. These events give drivers a chance to demonstrate their abilities. They also give the commander a chance to evaluate the unit's overall driver training program. Expert driver badges or certificates presented to qualified drivers give them due recognition. To emphasize the importance of these awards, the commander should present them during a ceremony or formation. Award requirements can be found in AR 600-8-22.

program administration

2-31.     Publications, forms, historical records, and reports are part of daily operations. Forms and publications used at the unit level should be part of the driver training program to ensure proper management control and compliance with maintenance procedures. These forms are covered in detail in AR 600-8-22. Both the commander and trainer must be familiar with the publications that govern driving Army vehicles. The manuals listed in the references section are necessary to properly manage and supervise the driver training program.