Field Ordering Officer and Paying Agent Handbook - US Army ...

FIELD ORDERING OFFICER AND PAYING AGENT HANDBOOK
Chapter 9
Security
Buying off the street during combat operations can be a hazardous business. The
field ordering officer (FOO) and paying agent team must develop and implement
detailed standing operating procedures to execute their functions. Fundamentals
include maintaining 360-degree security, maintaining local security within 15
meters of a vehicle, completing the deal quickly, never establishing precise
timelines for meetings with vendors, and using different routes when exiting the
purchase sites.
Figure 9-1. Security for a FOO, paying agent, and vendors
Never underestimate the dangers of being a FOO or paying agent. It is likely you
will travel outside secured or protected areas to make purchases. Each FOO and
paying agent team must ensure it has adequate protection at all times. Many times
the enemy deliberately targets a FOO and/or paying agent. Like the “wild West,”
news travels very fast when someone is carrying cash.
Things to consider for your security:
Never tell the contractor or vendor your intended schedule for an onsite
visit unless necessary.
If departing your base, treat all excursions as combat patrols. Ensure you
have proper security at all times.
If possible, have all transactions done inside your base’s security, not
only for your protection, but also for your vendors. The vendors will be
less vulnerable to observation by insurgents, and you will have better
means to apply sound information and operations security measures.
Using periods of darkness or early morning hours can also limit
observation. The FOO and paying agent along with units responsible for
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