(UNCLASSIFIED)

THIS IS A TRAINING OPERATION ORDER. FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

References: ATP 3-21.8, FM 3-90-1, ADRP 1-02

OPERATIONAL PLAN / ORDER #001 / CODE NAME: "RASCZAK'S ROUGHNECKS"

CADRE / OPFOR NOTES

Complexity: Lower to Moderate | Recommended Phase: WALK (Blocks 3-4), RUN (Day Iterations)

Mission Summary: 1st Platoon conducts three independent squad ambushes in AO COTTO against small REAPER resupply patrols. Each squad operates at its own ambush site.

Training Focus: This OPORD is designed to evaluate individual squad leader planning and decision-making. The PL issues the platoon OPORD, but each squad leader must conduct their own TLP — analyzing terrain, selecting an ambush site layout, assigning assault/support/security within the squad, and issuing a squad OPORD. Cadre should assign one evaluator per squad to observe the SL's planning process and tactical decisions.

Destinations:

Actions on Objective: Each squad independently emplaces a linear ambush at its assigned site, initiates on a small REAPER patrol (3-4 personnel), and withdraws. Squads do not depend on or wait for adjacent squads.

Evaluation Timeline: For evaluated iterations, candidates will receive this OPORD and have 75 minutes to complete TLP Steps 1-8 before SP. Execution window is 60 minutes. AAR is 15 minutes.

OPFOR/Training Wrinkles:

NOTE: UAS/Counter-UAS injects are OPTIONAL and should only be used if authorized by the Commandant and incorporated into the approved POI.

See Also: LTA Grid Reference

Iteration Guidance: This is the mission command version — squad tasks state outcomes without prescribing specific ambush layout or positioning. For the first iteration with a new class or candidates who need additional scaffolding, use 001-ambush-detailed.md instead.

Time Zone Used Throughout the Plan/Order: EASTERN STANDARD TIME

Task Organization:

1st Platoon, A Co. 4th BN-211th INF
Platoon Leader
Platoon Sergeant
1st Squad
2nd Squad
3rd Squad

1. SITUATION

a. Area of Interest

Clay County, Florida, in the vicinity of Starke and Highway 16. AO COTTO is bounded to the north by Highway 16, to the east by the Starke city limits, to the south by the old railroad bed, and to the west by the pine forest edge.

b. Area of Operations

1. Terrain. Camp Blanding features flat to gently rolling terrain with sandy soils, low-lying areas, and extensive pine and hardwood forests. The area includes open fields, dense underbrush, ponds, marshes, and wetlands. Vegetation provides concealment and limits long-range observation. Roads and trails serve as likely avenues of approach for both friendly and enemy forces. Terrain and soil conditions may restrict vehicle movement, especially in wet areas.

2. Weather.

c. Enemy Forces. REAPER: Resistance Elements of Atropia's People's Revolutionary Front

REAPER forces are a lightly armed irregular force running small resupply and courier patrols across AO COTTO. They are equipped with small arms, move in 3-4 man dismounted elements, and are familiar with local terrain. Patrols travel independently of each other along different routes and do not mutually support.

1. Composition. Three small REAPER patrols, each 3-4 personnel with small arms. Total 9-12 combatants distributed across AO COTTO.

2. Disposition. REAPER patrols move along three different road segments:

3. Most Probable Course of Action (MPCOA). Each REAPER patrol moves along its assigned route at a relaxed pace, relying on terrain and vegetation for concealment. Upon being ambushed, the patrol returns limited, inaccurate fire and attempts to break contact away from the kill zone. Patrols do not reinforce each other.

4. Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). A REAPER QRF from an unknown location rapidly reinforces one of the ambushed patrols. REAPER patrols coordinate loosely across sites by radio and adjust timing to arrive at an ambush site together, threatening to mass against a single squad.

d. Friendly Forces

1. Higher Headquarters: A Co. 4th BN – 211th INF.

2. Mission. A Company disrupts REAPER supply and courier movement in AO COTTO through independent squad ambushes.

3. Commander's Intent. Destroy small REAPER patrols and deny REAPER the use of multiple cross-AO movement routes.

e. Civil Considerations

Local civilians frequent the area. Ambushes must minimize risk to non-combatants and avoid civilian casualties to maintain good relations.

f. Attachments and Detachments

None.

2. MISSION

1st Platoon conducts ambushes in AO COTTO NLT ____ in order to destroy REAPER patrols and disrupt REAPER movement throughout the AO.

3. EXECUTION

a. Commander's Intent

Purpose: Disrupt REAPER logistics and courier movement by denying REAPER the free use of multiple movement routes through AO COTTO.

Key Tasks: (1) Each squad destroys a small REAPER patrol in its assigned area. (2) Each squad breaks contact and withdraws without decisive engagement. (3) Squads maintain freedom to execute independently throughout the engagement.

End State: REAPER patrols destroyed or displaced at all three sites, squads consolidated and prepared for follow-on operations, no friendly forces decisively engaged.

b. Concept of Operations

1st Platoon conducts a decentralized ambush operation across three independent squad sites in AO COTTO. Each squad moves to its assigned area, emplaces its own ambush, initiates on a small REAPER patrol, and withdraws. 2nd Squad is the main effort. Squad leaders select their own ambush layout, positions, initiation method, and withdrawal route. Squads do not wait on adjacent squads; each executes its own actions on contact per SOP and reports.

c. Scheme of Fires

Priority of fires to 2nd Squad. Mortar support is available through company on request; any squad may request fires through the PL.

d. Tasks to Subordinate Units

1. 1st Squad (Independent Ambush — Western Segment):

2. 2nd Squad (Independent Ambush — Northwestern Segment):

3. 3rd Squad (Independent Ambush — Southwestern Segment):

e. Coordinating Instructions

1. Rules of Engagement (ROE):

  1. Engage only valid military targets.
  2. Use minimum force necessary to accomplish the mission.
  3. Avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage.
  4. Positively identify targets before firing.

2. Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR):

  1. Confirm REAPER patrol composition at each site.
  2. Monitor for changes in REAPER routes or reinforcements.
  3. Assess civilian presence at each site before execution.

3. Commander's Critical Information Requirements (CCIR):

  1. Compromise or detection of a squad prior to initiation at any site
  2. Enemy force composition at a site exceeds squad capability (reinforced element or crew-served weapons)
  3. Civilian presence in or adjacent to any kill zone at time of execution
  4. Any friendly casualty that reduces a squad below minimum effective strength
  5. REAPER forces massing against a single squad from multiple sites

4. Essential Elements of Friendly Information (EEFI):

  1. SP/LD times and locations
  2. Friendly unit positions and boundaries
  3. Casualty status and combat strength

5. Reporting:

6. Coordination Between Squads:

7. This OPORD is effective immediately upon distribution.

4. SUSTAINMENT

a. Logistics

  1. Resupply not available for 36 hours.
  2. Meal Cycle: M-M-M.
  3. Water resupply is available at the PLT CP.

b. Health System Support

  1. PLT CCP at PLT Assembly Area.
  2. MEDEVAC available via Nine Line request at AXP 1 (MP 0610 1550).

5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL

a. Command

  1. Platoon Leader monitors from a position that maintains communications with all squads.
  2. Succession of Command: PL, PSG, 1st SL, 2nd SL, 3rd SL.

b. Control

  1. Command Posts: Platoon Assembly Area IVO _______.

c. Signal

1. PACE Plan:

2. Call Signs:

3. Challenge, Password, Running Password, Combination:

4. Audible Signals: