Dissecting The Fascinating Presidential Motorcade

December 22, 2022

Whenever the president is traveling, he does not just get into his family car. If he is not in Marine One or flying in Air Force one, then he is traveling on a fascinating presidential motorcade. Always there are Secret Service agents around and the “Beast” is bulletproof. Other than that, there are more fascinating things about the presidential motorcade. Remember that this is the riskiest, and at the same time safest, presidential motorcade on the planet. Other than the fleet of vehicles, it includes a communications office, medical facilities, and a fully armed response force. The following is what makes up the presidential motorcade:

Pilot Car and Route Car

The pilot car is a local police car that is manned and driven by the local officers. It is usually approximately a quarter a mileahead of the main party. The purpose of this car is to alert police officers along the route of the presidential motorcade that is on the way. Also, it checks ahead of any signs of disturbance, trouble, and complications. If they encounter ambush, they will be the first to respond. The difference between a pilot car and route car is that a route car is a few minutes ahead of fleet whereas a pilot car is just a few seconds ahead.

Sweepers

hese are police cars and motorcycles that act as guides and pacesetters with two purposes: monitor suspicious activity and keep moving. The officers also provide intelligence when they plan the route that should minimize overpasses, bridges, and avoid railroad crossings. Also, they are in control of traffic lights and keep the procession moving fast. In fact, they clear the way to ensure the speed of presidential motorcade remains consistent. The number of sweepers varies depending on the event, potential risks, and trip length. Thus, if the situation is very dangerous, more sweepers will join the motorcade. A small motorcade can have ten sweepers, while a large one can have upwards of forty.

Halfback

This is the presidential security detail SUV. This car carries the President’s Secret Service body guards. It is outfitted with police lights that are mounted on the light bar, in the grill and interior windows. Should anything occur en route, this is the first backup for the President’s limo. It follows a planned set of VIP protection protocols and defensive driving tactics. It must have at least one armed Secret Service officer, and the tailgate or window remains open always. The car follows the presidential limos closely, and it is loaded with military weapons such as machineguns for firepower. The team in this vehicle must be highly-trained.

Watchtower

Officially known as electronic countermeasures vehicle, it has large domes and vertical aerials on the spine, and it is loaded with remote detonating devices and communications. In certain configurations, it works at detecting the incoming projectiles and unmanned aircraft. Moreover, this vehicle can offer laser warning and radar warning for the motorcade against anti-tank guided missiles. If it detects a threat, whether it is a laser threat or radar threat, it will deploy chaff, IR smoke, and targeted jamming to disrupt such attack. The team in this vehicle is charged with protecting the POTUS. The team is highly armed and well-trained.

Control Vehicle and Support Vehicles

The support vehicles control high-value staff like the President’s cabinet, secretaries, and their security detail. Moreover, it carries the President’s doctor and extra security personnel. The control vehicle carries military aid with a high level of clearance. It assists the president during a serious military incident, providing operational guidance. The control vehicle also carries the Nuclear Football.

Usually, these vehicles are modified SUVs with low-profile police lighting and enhanced communications. The Nuclear Football is a briefcase that contains contents used by the president to authorize nuclear attacks even when far from the fixed command centers like White House Situation Room. It works like a mobile hub in the strategic defense system of US.

Hawkeye Renegade

These are counter assault team vehicles. They are usually large SUVs, with rails and police lights. They provide external transport for agents, and the rear gates are heavily armed. An armored commando hanging at the back with an assault rifle ready can be seen. The team in these vehicles is known as CAT (Counter Assault Team). The CAT assigned to the President are known as Hawkeye, followed by the POTUS's callsign, which was "Renegade" for Obama. They give the motorcade what is known as heavy hitting combat punch. The team carries state-of-the-art weapons such as assault rifles, concussion grenades, flash bangs, and night vision goggles and even heavy body armor. If the presidential motorcade is attacked, the CAT counter-attacks or sets up the defensive buffer if they sense danger. Then, presidential security detail will rapidly evacuate the Commander-in-Chief from the scene.

Press Vans

These are large vans which carry the Press Corps. The space is reserved for news outlets and the President’s media team. There is also the “Roadrunner” which is the president’s communications vehicle. It is usually called Mobile Control and Command Vehicle. It accommodates the satellite communications array and an antenna along its roof-line. It is this vehicle that keeps the White House officials and President connected to the world. It provides encrypted internet, video, and voice communications through hardened communications satellites. The vehicle can provide communications for the release of nuclear arms. The vehicle is also useful in facilitating communications within the presidential motorcade itself. In fact, it provides a wi-fi hotspot, communications control center, and radio repeater.

Overwatch

The presidential Secret Service acquires a security helicopter from Department of Homeland Security which offers planning, intelligence, and over-watch for the President's movements when he travels. This mission can be accomplished using a helicopter provided by the Border Patrol, US customs, Coast Guard, or other Federal government agency,depending on where the motorcade is heading to. It can also be used for counter-attacks in case the motorcade is attacked.

Sometimes the Presidential Marine One helicopter is part of the motorcade he uses when taking trips within the country. In some instances, the aerial entourage is bigger. Another helicopter can carry the President’s aides and the third one carries US press corps.

The Beast

The Beast was introduced during the inauguration ceremony of President Obama in 2009. The Beast is known for its defense capabilities such as infrared/night vision driving systems, top-level ballistic armoring, an independent air supply and supply of blood that matches the President’s type. Other great features include the oil slick deployment and infrared smoke-screen, tear gas dispensers, and several other things. It also has modern communications connectivity, internet, and secured telephone communications. There is also a decoy Beast to ensure people are not sure which car is the president riding in. Even when traveling overseas, the Beast will be shipped in advance. Just like the presidential limos, the Beast and its decoy have the same number plates.

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