In convoy operations, what are the duties of a screen commander?

• A. Duties include escort coordination and navigation planning.
• B. Protect the convoy, coordinate escorts, maintain situational awareness, and ensure timely reaction to threats.
• C. Only monitor weather and fuel consumption.
• D. Randomly adjust speed without threat assessment.

Answer: (B)

The key responsibility of a screen commander is to actively protect the convoy by directing the protective screen, coordinating escorts, maintaining a complete picture of the tactical situation, and ensuring a timely response to any threat. In convoy operations, the screen commander oversees how escorts are arranged and patrolled, assigns sectors and watch duties, and ensures that sensors (radar, sonar, ESM) and communications are integrated to detect submarines, surface threats, or air danger early. They must keep communications tight with the convoy commander and other assets, so threats can be escalated and countermeasures deployed quickly. This role also involves planning and rehearsing reaction options, so if a threat is detected, the screen can execute the appropriate maneuver or call for additional support without hesitation. The emphasis is on defense and preparedness across all potential threats, not just weather, fuel, or generic escort coordination.