1/C/2/11 INF OPERATIONS ORDER (OPERATION IRON FALCON)

Reference: Map, Fort Benning Military Installation, 1:50,000

Time Zone Used Throughout the Order: Eastern (Local) –Tango

TASK ORGANIZATION:
HQ 1st SQD
PL 1st SL
Medic ATL
Interpreter BTL
RTO AR x 2
PSG RFLM x 2
FO GRN x 2

SITUATION

A. ENEMY ANALYSIS:

(a) Disposition:

3BCT/3 ID is facing a battalion-sized insurgent force operating in AO Cusseta. They are

currently conducting decentralized operations while attempting to regroup from their
recent losses against them in the town of Cusseta. They are believed to be under the
leadership of Chucktar Mustasha al-Sahib, an influential local from Cusseta. Despite his
losses, Al-Sahib has managed to utilize inflammatory rhetoric and threats of violence to
inspire fanaticism among his followers. He has divided his forces into three company-
sized elements (80-100 PAX) located, south west and northwest of Cusseta and one in
Cusseta itself. The south west company, SH1, has been conducting decentralized attacks
to disrupt US forces along ASR NEW YORK in order to prevent the US from massing
combat power against the ME. The northwest company, SH2 is attempting to resume
disruption along MSR TEXAS in order to prevent US forces from massing forces against
his DO in AO Cusseta. The eastern company, DO, recruiting locals and massing combat
power in AO Cusseta IOT prepare for large scale attacks against the IA and coalition
forces.
Our TF is facing the southwestern company, SH1, of Al-Sahib’s forces. They are currently
arrayed in the hills southwest of Cusseta and preparing to increase ambushes and
establish a more robust base of operations in the AO. The insurgent company has been
conducting these decentralized attacks to disrupt US forces in order to allow the
Company in AO Cusseta to build up for future large-scale attacks. They have moved
additional logistical assets into the AO over the past 48 hours to sustain their
operations. This enemy company is loosely organized into three platoons: two
Disruption Platoons, the company SH1 and SH2 (vic GL 0472 and 0475 respectively), are
forward, disrupting US Forces along ASRs NEW YORK and MAINE in order to prevent US
forces from massing their combat power against the company ME. The third platoon,
the company DO (vic GL 0773) will conduct attacks to destroy US forces in order to
prevent US ability to build combat power in AO Cusseta. They are actively recruiting and
training from the local population in order to regenerate their recently reduced combat
power. Over the next 72-96 hours, the Disruption Platoons will begin to rest, refit and
rearm in their forward positions in preparation for increased operations in the AO.

Our company is facing a platoon-sized Disruption Force, the company SH1, and it is
believed that the company leader, Muqtada al Jaheem, is located forward with this
platoon. The platoon is comprised of three similar squad-sized elements and a C2
section supported by an 82mm mortar. One squad, the platoon DO (vic GL 026724-OBJ
HILL) destroys one US convoy along ASR NEW YORK IOT prevent US forces ability to
mass combat power against the Co DO from the west. A second squad, platoon SH1 (vic
GL 036737-OBJ JACKSON) disrupts US forces along ASR MAINE IOT allow the platoon DO
to mass fires on the US forces along ASR NEW YORK. A third squad, platoon SH2, (vic GL
041724-OBJ LEE) secures IOT allow the command and control of the squads in sector.

(b) Composition:

Al-Sahib’s SH1 company is comprised of 80-100 PAX, made up of three platoon-sized

elements comprised of 20-30 PAX. The company is operating decentralized primarily in
team to squad-sized elements. The company is armed with various former-soviet style
and other small arms, RPGs, 2-3xheavy machine-guns, 2-3x82mm mortar systems and
utilizes various IEDs to include VBIEDs and SBIEDs. They have the capability of mounting
both mortars and machine gun on vehicles. They make exclusive use of civilian vehicles
(2-3) and pack animals to move personnel, equipment and supplies along roads and
improved trails. They have limited engineer assets in the form of hand held farm tools
and access to simple building materials. The insurgents are difficult to distinguish from
the local populace due to their lack of uniform, but have been seen wearing non-
 standard paramilitary equipment during planned operations. They have a loose
command and control structure that relies heavily on standing orders issued
intermittently by Al-Sahib and his company commanders.

The Disruption Platoon we are facing is comprised of 20-30 PAX broken into 3 similarly
manned and equipped squad-sized elements of 6-8 PAX each. Each platoon member is
individually armed, and the platoon has 3-5 medium machine guns, 8-10 RPGs and light
anti-armor weapons, limited hand grenades, and the ability to emplace 1 IED per squad.
Additionally, they will use their minimal engineer assets in conjunction with a limited
supply of AT and AP mines for protective obstacles. The platoon will have internal
support from a mortar team (1x82mm tube w/ crew) and 1xheavy machine gun, both
can be vehicle mounted. The C2 element (2-3 PAX) is likely co-located with the mortar
and any additional vehicles or pack animals. They communicate primarily via cell phone
and runner. Muqtada Al Jaheem usually travels with a 2-3 man PSD (private security
detail).

(c) Strength:

The enemy forces in sector are operating at 80% combat power. His morale is high
despite recent setbacks, but may be easily discouraged if another major setback occurs.
His personnel strength is IAW the above listed composition. Weapons and equipment
breakdowns are as follows:

Weapon System Range Munitions On hand (per

platoon)

ATGL- RPG-7V 500/300m 85mm HEAT 8-10

RPK-74 800m 5.45mm (like a 4

SAW)

AK-74 450m 5.45mm (like an 15-20

M16)

RPD 1100m 7.62mm (like an 4

M240-B)

BG – 15 400m HE (like M203) 4-8

82mm mortar 5000m HE, Illum 1

DShK 2000m 12.7mm (like .50 1

 cal)

Specialty equipment: The enemy has an increasingly sophisticated set of civilian-made

paramilitary gear. They are approximately 10% NVDs capable (leaders only). Most NVDs are
first generation equipment (AN/PVS-4/7As). They also have a limited number of GPS systems
(commercial). Each squad sized element may have up to 3 cell phones (both digital and analog)
and limited non-secure commercial radios.

(d) Capabilities by WFF

(1) Protection: The enemy forces in our company AO have no dedicated anti-aircraft
capability. They will attempt to volley RPG and small arms fire at rotary wing aircraft
targets of opportunity. They have limited engineer assets in the form of hand-held
farm tools and readily available simple building materials. They will use these to
construct hasty survivability positions at their C2 and refit locations and will
reinforce these positions with protective obstacles using their limited supply of AT
and AP mines.

(2) Intel: The insurgents rely heavily on team-sized recon parties and HUMINT gathered
from the local populace to gain intelligence. They are proficient at this and will likely
be able to detect most of our platoon movement in sector. The enemy uses limited
LP/OPs along with simple unmanned early warning devices on major avenues to
provide early warning for insurgent teams.

(3) C2 (Command & Control)

At all levels, the insurgents are equipped with cell phones and limited non-secure
commercial radios (range of 200-300 meters). Due to the coalition’s ability to
monitor these in our AO, they have operated primarily under communications
silence and use them only when necessary, relying instead on runners. The
centralized control comes in the form of standing orders issued by Al-Sahib and
company leaders intermittently.

Changes to these orders are disseminated by Al-Sahib or his designated

representative. Any decision required that falls outside of these standing orders, will
be made by company leaders. As a result, each platoon and company-sized element
operates independently with little to no formal chain of command structure,
however, each element will likely have an informal leader(s). At platoon level, the
C2 element/location resembles a cache site and centralized meeting location.
Additionally, it will likely contain the platoon vehicle, mortar and heavy machine gun
and is intermittently used as a refit site.
 The platoon C2 location will be well concealed and personnel and weapons at that
location will be used to defend the site in case of attack. The reserve site relies on
early warning and the ability to quickly withdrawal to another site for survival.

(4) Movement & Maneuver

1. General: Most insurgents have combat experience and are proficient in basic combat
patrolling. They can mass to operate as a platoon if needed in approximately 2 hours.
Each squad-sized element also has at least one designated marksman.

2. Vehicles: The platoon has one civilian type vehicle that may have a machine gun or
mortar mounted. It is also used to move personnel, supplies and equipment. When not
in use it is hidden VIC C2 element

3. Reserves: None known of

a. Dismounted: Within our company zone, the enemy squads we face are
capable of reinforcing each other within 30-60 minutes. They will reinforce one another
only to assist other squads in disengaging or if the potential for a successful exploitation
attack is high. The platoon reserve can reinforce either squad within 20-30 minutes,
using the low ground along the creek beds as dismounted avenues of approach. It will
reinforce either squad to allow them to disengage and the platoon vehicle is not
available for mounted movement.

b. Mounted: At the company level, the DO platoon is capable of reinforcing

either platoon with 1-2 x squads in 30 minutes upon notification, utilizing all available
mounted assets along all available avenues of approach. They could reinforce either
Disruption Platoon if either one is about to be destroyed, or if Muqtada Al Jaheem
himself is in danger of being killed or captured. They will maneuver as close as possible
to the threatened element and will fight until they have either neutralized the threat or
allowed the threatened element to break contact. The platoon reserve can reinforce
either squad within 10-15 minutes along mounted avenues of approach.

The insurgents have a limited bomb making capability which allows them to emplace 1
IED per ambush. These IEDs however, may be remotely-detonated and contain multiple
charges.

(5) Fire Support:

a. Artillery: The insurgents have no known artillery assets available.

 b. Mortars: The insurgents in our company AO have 2-3 x 82mm mortars with a range
of 5000m. They will fire small barrages of 8 – 12 rounds to facilitate breaking contact if
an enemy element becomes decisively engaged and to conduct harassing fires along the
ASR. Companies will mass all available mortar fires to prevent Al-Sahib and company
leaders from being killed or captured.

c. CAS: No known fixed or rotary wing assets are available.

(6) Sustainment

The enemy utilizes well-concealed caches to make up for his austere logistical
footprint. The caches are capable of supplying the platoon for 3-4 days. The enemy
usually attempts to refill the caches to maximum capacity every 4 days during hours
of limited visibility. Expect cache sites to be off natural lines of drift and buried. It is
likely that the cache sites will not be under direct observation.

(e) Enemy COA Statement:

(DT) The enemy accomplishes this by conducting a mobile defense. (Decisive) to this
operation is destruction of one U.S. vehicle or one U.S. SQD. This is decisive because it
will cause U.S. forces to dedicate its’ forces to casualty evacuation and allow more ENY
forces to mass fires. 1-SQD (DO) T: Destroy P: Prevent US from massing CBT PWR
against DO from west. 2-SQD (SH1) T: Disrupt P: Allow PLT DO to mass fires on US
forces on ASR New York 3-SQD (SH2) T: Secure P: Allow C2 of SQDs in sector. (WFF)
Purpose of (Fire SPT) mortars is to disrupt US forces and support withdrawal. Purpose
of sustainment is to provide ample and caches located near ENY forces. Endstate: U.S.
forces destroyed on main MSRs and forced to withdrawal from AO

(e) Enemy Scheme of Maneuver

The enemy platoon will conduct his operation in two phases: Reconnaissance (Phase I)
and Ambush (Phase II). He is currently in Phase I. During Phase I, the enemy platoon
will gather intelligence of US convoys moving along ASR NEW YORK. This phase will
likely take between 48-72 hours to complete. Each squad will emplace concealed
LP/OP’s along the ASR. He will man these OPs during hours of visibility, when US traffic
along the ASRs is high. Specifically, he is looking for the movement times, routes of
platoon-sized, soft-skinned convoys, and suitable ambush locations along the ASR.
During this time, the remainder of his forces will be occupying hide positions within 300
meters of the OP’s. To date, he has not seen any US forces in his AO other than convoys
along the ASR. He is focused on refit operations and the final assembly of IEDs in his
squad hide positions. He will have another OP position to the rear of his hide position to
prevent being cut off from his escape routes, but can only man one OP at a time. He will
man this OP during hours of limited visibility, when US traffic along the ASRs extremely
light. The squads will rest in hastily prepared survivability positions. He will emplace
simple improvised early warning devices within 100 meters of his hide positions. The
platoon mortar remains inactive to avoid detection at his C2 location and will only be
employed to assist the squads if they are attacked unexpectedly to allow them to break
contact. The squads have limited supplies on hand at their hide sites, enough for 24
hours. The C2 location serves as the primary supply site and has enough on hand to
sustain his forces for an additional 72 hours. He will use the platoon vehicle, kept at the
C2 site to resupply the squads during the daylight hours.

During this phase, he will limit his cell phone use to avoid detection by US intelligence
assets. He will operate based on the standing orders given by Al-Jaheem to focus their
reconnaissance efforts. If Al-Jaheem is present, he will most likely be located at the C2
site. His presence will make coordination between squads and platoons more likely.
Otherwise, the squads will not talk to one another, unless they pass information at the
platoon C2 site. At the squad level, they will communicate using commercial radios
between the LP/OP and the hide location.

Phase II begins upon confirmation of their intelligence requirements, a vulnerable US

convoy. This phase will likely take up to 24 hours. During Phase II, he will move from his
hide positions to establish ambushes at previously selected sites. The DO squad will
likely ambush vic BM 149 along ASR NEW YORK (GL025728). The other squad, SH1, will
likely ambush NORTH of Hilltop 155 along ASR MAINE (GL033742). The reserve squad
will remain at the C2 location vic OBJ LEE (GL042724) ready to reinforce the ambushing
squads if decisively engaged. Also, this squad may rotate with one of the ambushing
squads if this phase takes longer than expected. He will establish his ambushes where
the terrain restricts the US convoy from being able to maneuver out of his kill zone. He
will use his IED to destroy the lead vehicle and his RPGs to destroy the rear vehicle,
completely preventing any further mounted movement by the convoy either forward or
backward along the ASR. With the convoy now immobilized, the enemy will complete
the rapid destruction of the convoy using RPG’s and small arms fire. Once the convoy is
destroyed, the ME squad will quickly withdraw back to the C2 location using the
dismounted avenue of approach along the creek bed. The SH1 squad will remain in
place, to ambush any US reinforcements moving against the DO along ASR MAINE.
 Once the SH1 squad ambushes any reinforcements or is notified to withdraw by the DO
squad via cell phone, the SH1 squad will withdrawal to the C2 location using the
dismounted avenue of approach along the creek bed. The platoon mortar will fire in
support of the DO squad’s withdrawal. It is unlikely the ambushing squads will reinforce
each other.

The SH2 squad will withdraw along mounted avenues of approach from the C2 location
only if the DO squad is about to be destroyed or Al-Jaheem himself is in danger of being
killed or captured. It is possible that this squad attempts to reinforce the DO squad if
they are attacked with a platoon size or smaller force. If this happens the SH2 squad will
maneuver as close as possible to the threatened element and fight until the threatened
element breaks contact. Once consolidation at the C2 site is complete, the platoon will
disperse and attempt to blend back into the civilian population of Cusseta. If
surrounded they will hide or as a last resort destroy all supplies and attempt to
disassociate themselves from the insurgency.

B. TERRAIN ANALYSIS

OBSTACLES: Shell Creek (Existing, Natural) runs north/south and forms the western boundary
of the AO. It is restricted terrain for dismounted infantry and severely restricted terrain for
mounted forces. There is also Sand Branch (Existing, Natural) creek system in the southwest
part of our AO, and Caney creek to the east. Both these creek systems represent a significant
obstacle to both mounted forces and dismounted forces. We will have to identify suitable
crossing sites during our movement, and must be prepared for the crossing operations to add
increased time to our overall movement. The low-lying areas around these creeks will also
hinder our speed of movement, and we must make every effort to get through these areas
quickly and without detection. All three objectives have intermittent streams very near to
them, which will degrade our movement during both our leaders reconnaissance and
occupation of ORPs. Throughout our area of operations (AO), vegetation dictates maneuver.
Vegetated areas present are unrestricted to dismounted forces, but are restricted to severely
restricted for mechanized forces. Vegetation and forest areas represent the largest obstacle to
forces in the company’s AO and will restrict 3 BCTs mounted movement to the roads.

AVENUES OF APPROACH: There are numerous east-west trails that can support both enemy
and friendly efforts in the AO. The three primary east-west arteries are Sunshine Road (AA1) in
the center of our AO, Good Hope Road in the South,(AA2) and Lightening/Garnsey Road in the
north (AA3) Additionally there are two north/south roads that will potentially influence our
operations. In the center of our AO is Jamestown Road (AA4) and to the east is Blue Ridge Road
(AA5). These AA’s enhance the the enemy’s ability to keep himself supplied and will enhance
his ability to rapidly reposition squads within the AO.
KEY TERRAIN: There are two trail intersections that constitute key terrain. K1 is the
intersection of Jamestown and Lightening Rd K2 is the intersection of Jamestown and Sunshine
Road. These intersections are key terrain because they will enhance the ability to maneuver
and reposition forces throughout the AO. These intersections also control all vehicular
movement into OBJ DAVIS from the north and west. K3 is the high ground vicinity Hilltop 146
(GL 037 746 - it is north of Hilltop 155). K4 the high ground vicinity hilltop 155. These are key
terrain because they offer excellent observation and fields of fire of the ASRs, and enhance the
enemy’s ability to mass direct fires and observe indirect fires on attacking US Forces.

OBSERVATION/FIELDS OF FIRE: In some areas, observation extends as far as 500m. Around

platoon objectives, observation decreases to 150m or less. In the more dense and low-lying
vegetation, visibility will be as limited as 50 meters or less, extending up to 200 meters only on
the high ground and areas specifically noted on the map. I expect the enemy to be familiar
with this terrain, and he will use it to enhance his ability to avoid detection early. It will also
degrade our ability to effectively mass fires on OBJ DAVIS from a desired distance, and will
degrade our ability to observe objectives until we are very close to them. It will also degrade
his ability to effectively screen attacking US forces without the extensive use of LP/OPs and/or
roving patrols.

COVER AND CONCEALMENT: The cover and concealment in this area is typical for wooded
terrain. Expect cover in wooded areas to be moderated considering tree size and ground
undulations. There will be multiple inter-visibility lines surrounding all three platoon objectives.
These will enhance our ability to maneuver our assault elements onto the objective, but will
also enhance the enemy’s ability to protect his forces during reinforcement of any of these
three objectives with his platoon reserve. Concealment in wooded areas is excellent and will
provide an advantage to attacking and defending forces.

(2) Weather and Light Data.

Date BMNT Sunrise Sunset EENT Moonrise Moonset POP % Illum

01 JUN 0537 0635 1936 2034 1533 0434 70% 88%

02 JUN 0537 0635 1937 2034 1608 0531 85% 94%

03 JUN 0538 0636 1937 2035 1648 0631 80% 97%

Forecast: The month of May has seen very extreme rainfall. Potential for moderate to heavy
rainfall exists for the remainder of this operation. Expect highs in the low to mid 80s with high
humidity, and lows in the mid to high 50s.
 Visibility: Periods of early morning and late evening fog affect visibility at sunrise and sunset.
Rainfall impacts visibility moderately, and coupled with the warm temperatures will cause air
inversions which will trap fog at ground level impairing vision and use of NODs

Winds: Ranging from 10-20mph. Winds will be from NW to SE throughout the operation. Gale
force winds up to 35mph may be present during storms. Winds favor attacking forces because
the direction and speed will mask sounds associated with movement.

Precipitation: Accumulations for the month are already above 3.5 inches with more expected.
Morning dew and evening fog add to the effect. Percentage of precipitation (POP) for the
operation is around 80% daily. Accumulation means that low ground will be flooded, streams
will be running high, and unimproved roads may not be trafficable to vehicles.

Cloud Cover: Temperature range and percentage of precipitation (POP) results in a low ceiling
with ground-trapped fog/haze. Morning and evening will have severely reduced ceilings and
will affect air operations. Heat and humidity will intensify because of the low ceiling.

Temperature/Humidity: Temperature range for the operation is 52-85 degrees. Humidity

levels remain constant through the operation at around 85%. Heat index is increased greatly
during mid-day. Heat considerations weigh heavily during this operation. Soldiers load and
uniform, along with food and water consumption, must be constantly monitored.

C. FRIENDLY FORCES:
(1) Higher Headquarters (BN: TF 2-11)

Mission: TF 2-11 IN (AASLT) attacks NLT H-HOUR to destroy enemy forces in zone in
order to prevent the insurgents from influencing 3 BCTs initial movement into AO
Cusseta.

Intent:
- Destroy enemy command and control
- Isolate OBJ DAVIS
- TF prepared to pass 3 BCT

Concept:
(FOM) We will accomplish this by conducting envelopment. (Decisive) Decisive to this
operation is the destruction of enemy forces on OBJ DAVIS. This is decisive because it
will significantly reduce the enemy’s command and control and prevent their ability to
mass combat power and disrupt friendly movement along ASRs. C CO (DO) T: Destroys
enemy IVO OBJ DAVIS P: prevent the insurgents from influencing 3 BCTs initial
movement into AO Cusseta. B CO (SH1) T: Destroys enemy IVO OBJ LONGSTREET P:
prevent enemy reinforcement of OBJ DAVIS. TM Alpha (SH2) T: Secures OBJ RICHMOND
P: prevent the enemy from reinforcing OBJ DAVIS from the east.
D CO (Reserve) IVO LAAF; PFP: 1. Reinforce the DO 2. Reinforce SH2 (WFF) Purpose of
Fire SPT is to isolate, then suppress. Purpose of (INTEL) scouts is to establish company
HLZs and provide early intelligence on enemy movement in zone. Priority of engineers
(MVMT/MVR & Protection) is to mobility, counter-mobility, then survivability.

Endstate: Objectives seized and we are prepared to pass 3BCT into AO Cusseta.

(2) Higher Headquarters (C CO: TF 2-11)

Mission: C/2-11 IN attacks NLT H-HOUR to destroy enemy vic OBJ DAVIS (GL 0472) in
order to prevent enemy insurgents from influencing 3 BCTs initial movement into AO
Cusseta.

Intent:
- Isolate OBJ LEE
- Destroy enemy forces
- Destroy enemy C2

Concept:
(FOM) We will accomplish this by conducting an infiltration. (Decisive) Decisive to this
operation is the destruction of enemy forces on OBJ LEE. This is decisive because it will
disrupt their C2 and prevent their ability to effectively mass combat power against our
forces. (Risk) We accept a measure of tactical risk by establishing ambush positions
north of OBJ Lee and Hill. We will mitigate this risk by utilizing terrain to mask our fires
to the north IOT prevent fratricide. 1st PLT (DO) T: destroys enemy IVO OBJ LEE (GL 041
724) P: prevent the insurgents from influencing 3 BCTs initial movement into AO
Cusseta. 2nd PLT (SH1) T: destroys enemy IVO OBJ HILL (GL 026 724) P: IOT prevent
enemy reinforcement of OBJ LEE from the west. 3rd PLT (SH2) T: destroys enemy IVO OBJ
JACKSON (GL 036 737) P: prevent the enemy from reinforcing OBJ LEE from the
northeast. (WFF) Purpose of mortars (Fire SPT) is to fix then isolate, purpose of FA is to
isolate OBJ Davis. Purpose of engineers (MVMT & MVR/Protection) is priority to
mobility, counter-mobility, then survivability.

Endstate: enemy forces on OBJ Davis will be destroyed, 3BCT will be effectively passed
onto AO Cusseta, and we will be prepared for future operations.

Adjacent Units:

(1) 2nd PLT destroys enemy on OBJ HILL vic GL 026 724 IOT prevent the
enemy reinforcement of OBJ LEE from the west.
(2) 3rd PLT destroys enemy on OBJ JACKSON vic GL 036 737 IOT prevent the
enemy from reinforcing OBJ LEE from the northeast.
2. MISSION: 1st PLT conducts an ambush on OBJ Lee vic GL 041 724 IOT NLT (H-HOUR) IOT
prevent the insurgents from influencing 3 BCT’s initial movement into AO Cusseta.

3. EXECUTION:
Intent:
- Isolate OBJ LEE
- Destroy enemy forces
- Destroy enemy C2

Concept:

(FOM) We will accomplish this by conducting an infiltration. (Decisive) Decisive to this

operation is the establishment of a proper support by fire position. This is decisive
because it will fix the enemy and prevent it from moving out of the kill zone. (Risk) We
accept a measure of tactical risk by establishing ambush positions north of OBJ Lee and
Hill. We will mitigate this risk by utilizing terrain to mask our fires to the north IOT
prevent fratricide. 1st SQD + Weapons SQD (DO) T: Establish SBF position P: Prevent the
enemy from escaping the kill zone; 2nd SQD (SO1) T: Conduct an attack by fire on the
objective during the ambush P: To destroy all enemy personnel in kill zone; 3rd SQD
(SO2) T: Secure the ORP P: Provide protection and early warning to the assault and
support elements

Endstate: Enemy forces on OBJ Lee will be destroyed IOT allow 3BCT passage onto AO
Cusseta.

We will accomplish this mission in four phases:

Phase 1: Tactical movement to ORP

Phase 2: Reconnaissance of ambush site

Phase 3: Establish security and SBF positions

Phase 4: Execution of ambush

Phase 1: Tactical Movement to ORP

This phase will begin when the 1st PLT crosses the LD. 1st PLT will depart from LZ Owl and travel
south on OBJ Patriots for about 1 km and then travel east for about 4 km before arriving at the
ORP. The platoon will use the platoon wedge formation for travel, with 1 st SQD as the lead
squad, 2nd SQD as the left flank squad, and 3rd SQD as the right flank squad. Technique for
movement will be traveling overwatch. After SILLS halt, 1st SQD will occupy the ORP and
provide security from the 10 o’clock to the 2 o’clock position, 2 nd SQD will provide security from
the 2 o’clock to the 6 o’clock position, and 3rd SQD will secure from 6 o’clock to 10 o’clock
position, with the 12 o’clock position being the direction of magnetic north. This phase ends
once security within the ORP has been set.

Phase 2: Reconnaissance of the Ambush Site

This phase begins after issuance of the five point contingency plan and when the elements of
the leader’s recon are all present in the center of the ORP and are prepared to depart.
Elements of the leader’s recon will consist of PL, RTO, WSL, SSL, 2 man security element, and 2
MG teams. Once eyes are set on the objective, the WSL will take his MG teams and emplace
them in well concealed fighting positions. The SSL will then instruct his 2 man security element
to set up a claymore mine in the center of the kill zone. This phase ends when the PL, RTO, WSL,
and SSL return from the leader’s recon and are counted back into the ORP by the PSG.

Phase 3: Establish Security and SBF Positions

This phase begins when the PL decides to pick the assault and support squads and prepare to
depart for the objective. The PL will then leave the five point contingency plan with the PSG.
Upon arrival on the objective, the SSL will place his squad in covered and concealed fighting
positions and the WSL will place himself in a position where he can best control his weapons
squad. The PL will place himself with the assault element next to the ASL near the middle of
the formation where he can have the most C3. This phase ends when all personnel are set on
the ambush line and the PL signals to his SLs for all soldiers to take their weapons on safe.

Phase 4: Execution of Ambush

This phase begins when the desired enemy personnel are in the center of the kill zone. PL
initiates the ambush with detonation of the claymore mine, followed by violent bursts of fire by
the M240B and M249 SAW. Platoon will maintain sustained rate of fire until all activity has
ceased in the kill zone. PL will then call for execution of the “mad minute” to ensure that the
kill zone is free of all enemy personnel. This phase ends after completion of the “mad minute”
and the assault element proceeds to assault across the objective.

(1) Fires
(a) 81mm MTRs
Task: Fix enemy on OBJ DAVIS
Purpose: Prevent enemy repositioning against friendly forces
Method: Priority: POF to TM A then to C Co when they begin their assault
Allocation: TM A plan two targets, C Co plan 3 targets (2nd platoon refine the
3 targets in your zone AB0040, AB0050, and AB0060)
Restrictions: No White Phosphorous (WP) within 200m of friendly
troops. NFA over BN Scouts
Effects: Enemy unable to withdrawal or reinforce from OBJ Davis

(b) Tasks to Maneuver Units

  1st SQD (DO)
- establish support by fire on ambush line
- provide flank security
- set up claymore on objective
- primary pace/compass

 2nd SQD (SO1)

- assault by fire element
- provide primary A&L and EPW teams on actions on objective
- provide breach team element assistance
- establish secondary CCP on objective
- establish EPW collection point

 3rd SQD (SO2)

- provide security of ORP
- secondary pace/compass
- establish ruck plan in the ORP
- establish primary CCP in ORP

(c) Tasks to Combat Support Units

 1/1/B/41 EN SQD (+)

- clear terrain obstacles
- disposal/detonation of IEDs
- clear area of possible enemy explosives
- destroy enemy constructed facilities

A. Coordinating Instructions

TIMELINE:
WHEN WHAT WHERE WHO

H-14 PLT WARNO PLT Area PL/PSG/SLs

H-12 PLT Rehearsals PLT Area All

H-9.5 PLT OPORD PLT Area All

H-8 Company Rehearsal Co CP SQD LDR and

up

H-6 BN Combined Arms BN CP SQD LDR and

Rehearsal up

H-30min PZ Posture LAAF All

H-Hour Air Movement Enroute All

H+15min Touchdown LZ Owl All

H+1 PLTs move from LZ Owl Enroute 1st PLT

H+8 Leader’s Recon complete OBJ LEE LDRS RECON

H+8.5 Movement to SBF/ASLT OBJ LEE 1st PLT

PSNs

H+9.5 In position for assault OBJ LEE 1st PLT

H+9.5 Assaults initiated OBJ LEE 1st PLT

NLT H+11 OBJ achieved OBJ LEE 1st PLT

NLT H+16 Pass 3BCT ASR New York ALL PLTS

NLT H+18 B/507 arrive for extraction PLT Objectives ALL PLTS

(1) Priorities of Rehearsals: Actions on the objective: react to contact, SQD/PLT

attack , react to ambush, conduct an ambush

(2) MOPP Level: 0 (Mask Carried)

(3) CCIR (Commander’s Critical Information Requirements)

(a) PIR (Priority Intelligence Requirements)

- enemy C2 location
- locations/routes and size of enemy insurgents
- locations/routes and type of enemy vehicles
- locations and contents of enemy caches
- location of enemy mortar or heavy machine gun
- location of IED or bomb making material
 (b) EEFI (Essential Elements of Friendly Information)
- locations of friendly units
- location of company mortars

(c) FFIR (Friendly Forces Information Requirements)

- any casualties requiring evacuation
- loss of crew served weapon system or Javelin
- presence of civilians on the battlefield (unexpected)

(4) Movement Formation/Technique and Order of Movement: Traveling overwatch

(5) Routes (primary and alternate): 1st PLT moves along AXIS PATRIOTS to OBJ LEE

(6) Engagement Priorities (in order of priority)

Javelins: Armored vehicles, light skin vehicles, fortified positions/bunkers
AT-4s: Light skin vehicles, fortified positions/bunkers, crew-served weapon
positions, armored vehicles
M240-B: Concentrations of enemy personnel, crew served weapon positions,
bunkers, light skinned vehicles

(7) Engagement Criteria: Engage all enemy personnel

(8) Reports:
 Report all phase lines and checkpoints set up as part of your movement
 Report when in ORP
 Begin/end of leaders recon
 In SBF and assault position,
 Initiation of assault (with updates as necessary)
 Consolidation and reorganization complete
 SALUTE, ACE, SITREPS, and/or Contact Reports as necessary

4. SERVICE AND SUPPORT

a. Materials and Services
(1) Supply
Class I (Rations)- A-M-M
Class III (Petroleum) – No resupply
Class V (Ammunition) – Resupply at company cp
Class VII (Major End Items) – No resupply
b. MEDEVAC

5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL

a. Command
(1) Location of Company CP:
(2) Location of PL: PL will travel with PLT during all movements and will
travel with assaulting element during ambush
(3) Succession of Command: As per 1st PLT SOP

b. Signal

(1) See PLT SOP for Signal