Embracing The Automated Route Reconnaissance Kit In U.S. European Command
A Lesson In Nesting A Warfighting Capability Across Multiple Functions
By MAJ Darryl W. Kothmann
Article published on: in the Fall
2024 Edition of Army Sustainment
Read Time: < 6 mins
The Automated Route Reconnaissance Kit (ARRK) is a little-known capability outside the engineer regiment. It has
incredible potential to positively affect other warfighting functions. Using the ARRK to survey the area of
operation (AO) of the AO Victory distribution network improved the delivery of commodities to regionally aligned
forces (RAF) and served as a passive route refinement asset. Simply put, the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade’s
(3DSB’s) employment of the ARRK synchronized mobility, distribution, and route refinement, greatly increasing
shared understanding of the AO and ultimately creating safer conditions for Soldiers and civilians.
While deployed as the RAF division sustainment brigade assigned to V Corps in AO Victory, 3DSB executed frequent
distribution missions across more than 3,000 km and eight countries. 3DSB provided distribution support to two
RAF divisions, Security Assistance Group – Ukraine, and multiple brigades in Eastern Europe and the Baltic
States. The diversity of military and governmental agencies governing 3DSB’s movements provided a diverse
problem set, particularly for the movement of military vehicles and commodities.
Movement throughout each country in AO Victory is governed by National Movement Coordination Centres (NMCCs).
The NMCCs are responsible for arranging clearances for all troop movements and frequently direct the exact route
a convoy will take. The rules and regulations for governing the selection routes are just as diverse as the
roadway conditions from country to country.
Roadway conditions and traffic regulations not only vary between countries but are also diverse within a single
country. Roadways in Poland, for example, frequently fluctuate between cities and villages. Rural areas are
often restrictive and complex to navigate with military equipment. The heavy trucks, trailers, and recovery
assets used by the DSB further frustrate the infrastructure constraints experienced throughout AO Victory. By
the time drivers and vehicle commanders become familiar with the obstacles along their assigned portion of the
distribution network, they are replaced by another RAF unit who must experience the same learning process.
Failure to adopt a common operating picture (COP) between stakeholders further complicates the process.
3DSB identified a lack of shared understanding between the RAF DSB, the NMCCs, and the other RAF units operating
in AO Victory. There was no assembled COP of which routes constituted the distribution network. Additionally,
routes selected by the NMCC often contained obstacles unsuitable for the type of equipment necessary to execute
the mission. Military vehicles often exceeded the height restriction imposed by an overpass or the turn width
available on an intersection. Poorly selected routes resulted in vehicle accidents, damage to equipment, risk of
injury to personnel, and the delayed delivery of commodities. 3DSB identified a need to properly assess the
status of each route to produce a distribution COP between stakeholders.
Two ARRKs were requested by 3DSB from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). The primary
components of the ARRK include a Toughbook computer and dashboard camera. Both are simple to install on any
vehicle. All Soldiers and military occupational specialties can be trained to use the ARRK without engineering
experience. The ARRK passively collects data on roadway conditions and obstacles as a vehicle travels. The data
is sent to ERDC and compiled into a file. The brigade’s geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) analysts can transcribe
ERDC’s file onto a map. With the ARRK on hand, 3DSB began formulating a plan for employment.
3DSB planned to integrate the ARRK into existing distribution missions to collect data on obstacles throughout
the distribution network. Route data is collected to build a COP of the distribution network used by 3DSB, the
NMCCs, and other RAF and NATO units. Each route within the distribution network receives a name that all
stakeholders can use as a reference. Additionally, ARRK data is used to advise the NMCCs on route selection for
planned convoy movements. Initial collection through existing distribution missions was successful, resulting in
increased demand for additional collection.
Actual employment of the ARRK eventually drifted from integration into existing distribution missions to
non-tactical vehicle (NTV) movements planned specifically for data collection. Limiting the ARRK to existing
missions degraded the frequency and speed at which the ARRK could collect information. NTVs can travel longer
distances, require fewer stops, and can navigate obstacles better than 3DSB’s heavy equipment. NTVs are also not
limited by an NMCC’s dictated route and can collect information on proposed alternative routes. With the ARRK
now resourced and missions specifically designed for data collection, 3DSB was armed to begin compiling the
distribution COP.
The ARRKs collected data throughout AO Victory on roadway width, underpasses, chokepoints, restrictive turns,
bridges, and other obstacles along routes. Data from ERDC was processed by the brigade S-2 shop and their
assigned GEOINT analysts. The S-2 named routes between nodes, selected alternative routes for recommendation to
the NMCCs, and compiled all route names into a single distribution network COP for AO Victory. The COP was
presented to NMCCs and command posts at echelon with the goal of achieving shared understanding and
implementation throughout AO Victory.
Once adopted, the distribution COP for AO Victory will assist the NMCC in selecting the most appropriate route
for the type of equipment assigned to a convoy. The distribution COP will provide RAF and NATO units with a
planning resource for moving personnel and commodities throughout AO Victory. The COP will reduce the number of
incident reports and accidents, ultimately creating safer conditions for both Soldiers and civilians in the AO.
The COP also creates a common language for route planners and command posts at echelon in the AO. All objectives
are made possible by the ARRK.
The ARRK is easy to resource, train, and employ. Unfortunately, it is a capability primarily employed by
engineers. Engineer designation or knowledge is not required to request the ARRK from ERDC. Points of contact
and information on requesting the ARRK are available on ERDC’s website. ERDC will mail the ARRK directly to the
requestor, who can inventory and sign for the equipment remotely. The engineer regiment owes the warfighter a
better understanding and general knowledge of the ARRK capability, especially those serving in the sustainment
and intelligence communities.
3DSB used the ARRK in AO Victory to complete a survey of a massive distribution network in less than three
months. The positive implication for other theaters is obvious and profound. The COP made possible by the ARRK
synchronizes mobility with distribution by exploiting the most underrated collection asset in the engineer
inventory. The output is shared understanding of the AO and a safer operating environment for our Soldiers and
partners. Additionally, 3DSB’s new knowledge of the AO improved the brigade’s readiness if the theater were to
escalate to armed conflict. When assessing on-hand capabilities, Soldiers should consider the implications for
other warfighting functions to maximize a capability’s potential.