Define the head of a convoy.

• A. The lead vehicle that sets pace
• B. The first and fastest vehicle
• C. A vehicle designated as pace setter by the commander
• D. Slowest and heaviest vehicle excluding oversized, carries pace setter

Answer: (D)

The head of a convoy is defined by which vehicle sets the overall pace for the group. In practice, the head is the slowest and heaviest vehicle (excluding oversized ones) that carries the pace setter. This arrangement keeps the convoy moving as a unit: the slower vehicle determines the tempo, and the faster vehicles can conform to that speed to maintain even spacing and safety. The pace setter’s role is to establish that speed, and placing it with the head vehicle ensures the entire column follows a consistent pace. The other notions—being the lead because it’s first or fastest, or simply designated as pace setter—don’t capture how tempo is actually controlled in a convoy, where the slowest, heaviest vehicle anchors the speed and leads the way.