Advanced Driving

The Advanced Driving certification is a mobility qualification available to operators within MSOT 8213 – Task Force Raven. This certification provides operators with advanced vehicle handling, convoy operations, and recovery techniques to enhance mounted mobility in diverse environments.

It is modeled after SOCOM advanced mobility and defensive driving courses.

Responsibilities

Serve as the team’s expert in tactical driving and convoy operations.
Train operators in convoy defense and mounted maneuver.
Advise leadership on vehicle selection and route planning.
Conduct vehicle recovery operations under hostile conditions.
Ensure convoy discipline and safety during operations.

Training Required

Must be a Critical Skills Operator (CSO) in good standing.
Prior assignment as a Mobility/Vehicle Operator billet is required.
Completion of the Advanced Driving Training Course.

Skills & Capabilities

Proficiency in high-speed off-road driving.
Convoy defense tactics (react to contact, push-through, recovery).
Night and blackout driving with NVGs.
Vehicle recovery under fire (tow ropes, expedient techniques).
Integration of mounted and dismounted elements.
Coordination of mounted weapons and gunners during convoy ops.

Equipment

Assigned tactical vehicle (GMV, MRZR, or equivalent).
Vehicle-mounted weapons systems (if applicable).
Recovery tools (tow ropes, spare tires, repair kit).
Night vision and blackout lighting systems.
Communications equipment for convoy operations (ACRE2 radios).

Training Course

Module 1 – Vehicle Handling

High-speed off-road maneuver.
Driving under adverse conditions (mud, sand, slopes).
Blackout and NVG driving techniques.

Module 2 – Convoy Tactics

Convoy formations and spacing.
Communications protocols during convoy movement.
React-to-contact drills (ambush, IED strike, vehicle disabled).

Module 3 – Vehicle Recovery

Tow and winch operations (if supported).
Field expedient recovery methods.
Security during recovery under threat.

Module 4 – Integrated Mobility Exercise

Full convoy operation with mounted and dismounted elements.
Combined vehicle gunnery and movement drills.
Recovery during simulated enemy contact.

Graduation Criteria

Demonstrates proficiency in high-speed off-road driving.
Executes convoy defense drills successfully.
Recovers a disabled vehicle under simulated field conditions.

Advancement

After earning Advanced Driving certification, operators may advance to:

Mobility SME roles within the MSOT.
Instructor cadre for vehicle operations and convoy tactics.
Integration with logistics planning and sustainment roles.

Summary

The Advanced Driving certification equips Task Force Raven operators with the skills to dominate mounted operations. Through mastery of vehicle handling, convoy defense, and recovery, mobility operators ensure the MSOT can maneuver effectively in any environment.