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 #002 / CODE NAME: "BUG HUNT"
CADRE / OPFOR NOTES
Complexity: Moderate | Recommended Phase: WALK (Blocks 3-4), RUN (Day Iterations)
Training Focus: Evaluates individual squad leader planning and decision-making for movement to contact (FM 3-90-1; ATP 3-21.8, search and attack). The enemy situation is vague — no fixed objective grid. Each SL conducts their own TLP — terrain analysis, movement techniques, formations, actions on contact, and squad OPORD. SLs must plan to establish contact and develop the situation, not to assault a known position. Assign one evaluator per squad.
Doctrinal Note (Cadre): This is a movement to contact, not a raid or deliberate attack. Squad tasks intentionally give a zone, LD, and LOA — not an OBJ grid. If a SL plans an ORP, leader's recon, and pre-planned SBF/assault against a fixed location, redirect them: the enemy location is not known. Squads execute the React to Contact battle drill on contact, then SL decides whether to hasty-attack, fix and report, or break contact based on the situation developed.
Evaluation Timeline: 75 min for TLP Steps 1-8 before SP. 60 min execution window. 15 min AAR.
OPFOR/Training Wrinkles:
- One OPFOR team (2-3 personnel) per zone. Cadre repositions each team within its zone per iteration so squads cannot pre-plan against a known grid.
- OPFOR may patrol within the zone or hold a single concealed position — cadre's call.
- Teams operate independently — do not coordinate across zones unless running MDCOA.
- Introduce a civilian in one zone to test ROE.
- Cadre may inject intel updates, obstacles, or equipment malfunctions per zone.
- Vary OPFOR tactics across zones (one delays, one ambushes, one defends) to create distinct contact problems for each SL.
- UAS/Counter-UAS injects are OPTIONAL and only if authorized by the Commandant and in the approved POI.
Iteration Guidance: Mission command version — squad tasks state outcomes without prescribing layout or positioning. For scaffolded iterations, use 002-movement-to-contact-detailed.md.
See Also: LTA Grid Reference
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
AO FLUNKER occupies the central and eastern Camp Blanding LTA (vic MP 0600 1525 to MP 0615 1555), covering the Bradenton Ave corridor, the FOB south entrance vicinity, and Conex City. Area of interest extends west across Bradenton Ave and south of Arcadia St, where REAPER probing elements may stage or withdraw.
b. Area of Operations
1. Terrain. Flat sandy pine/hardwood forest cut by a paved road grid (see LTA Grid Reference). Canopy and palmetto limit observation to ~50m off the roads; the road grid provides the only extended fields of fire and the only wheeled mobility.
- Key Terrain: FOB south entrance (MP 0612 1546) controls eastern-sector access from the south; Bradenton/unnamed-road intersection (MP 0600 1538) anchors the central N-S avenue of approach; Conex City (MP 0611 1530) offers concealment and structures in the southeast. Woodlines between Bradenton Ave and Conex City provide covered E-W movement. Likely REAPER contact areas — road junctions, woodline edges, and the built-up area — should be considered when planning movement and actions on contact.
2. Weather.
- Skies: ________
- Temperature: ____°F (heat cat ____)
- Winds: ____ at ____ mph
- Chance of precipitation: ____%
- BMNT: ____
- Sunrise: ____
- Sunset: ____
- EENT: ____
c. Enemy Forces. REAPER: Resistance Elements of Atropia's People's Revolutionary Front
REAPER forces are a small, organized group of irregular fighters, likely part of a local militia or insurgent cell. They are familiar with the terrain, use small arms and support weapons, and employ ambush and hit-and-run tactics. They are capable of blending into the local populace and adapting quickly to changing situations.
1. Composition. Three independent REAPER teams, each 2-3 combatants with small arms and a possible crew-served weapon. Total 6-9 combatants distributed across AO FLUNKER.
2. Disposition. Exact locations unknown. Reporting places one REAPER team operating in each of the three squad zones — western, central, and eastern. Teams use terrain and vegetation for concealment and may patrol within their zones or hold concealed positions. Last reported activity is along the road grid and at woodline edges, but no team has been pinpointed. Teams operate independently with limited lateral coordination.
3. Most Probable Course of Action (MPCOA). Each REAPER team initiates harassing fire from concealed positions when friendly forces enter detection range, then breaks contact to avoid being fixed. Teams may leave behind simple obstacles or early warning devices but do not attempt to decisively engage. Each team fights independently without reinforcement from adjacent teams.
4. Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). REAPER teams coordinate across sectors to mass against one friendly squad, concentrating fires from multiple directions. The isolated squad faces a coordinated ambush while adjacent squads are unaware or too distant to provide immediate support.
d. Friendly Forces
1. Higher Headquarters: A Co. 4th BN – 211th INF.
2. Mission. A Company locates and engages REAPER forces to assess strength and disposition.
3. Commander's Intent. Locate REAPER forces and establish tactical advantage for future operations.
e. Civil Considerations
Civilians present; avoid unnecessary disturbances and ensure safety.
f. Attachments and Detachments
None.
2. MISSION
1st Platoon conducts a movement to contact in AO FLUNKER NLT ____ from LD Arcadia St to LOA Jacksonville St in order to establish contact with REAPER forces, develop the situation, and enable follow-on company operations.
3. EXECUTION
a. Commander's Intent
Purpose: Establish contact with REAPER forces across AO FLUNKER and develop the situation so the company commander can make informed decisions for follow-on operations.
Key Tasks: (1) Each squad establishes contact with REAPER forces in its assigned zone and reports their strength, location, and activity. (2) On contact, develop the situation — fix, destroy, or report — based on the SL's assessment within commander's intent. (3) Squads maintain freedom to maneuver independently throughout the engagement and reach LOA Jacksonville St.
End State: REAPER forces located and assessed in all three zones, squads at or short of LOA with contact developed, friendly forces maintaining tactical advantage and prepared for follow-on operations.
b. Concept of Operations
1st Platoon conducts a decentralized movement to contact across three assigned squad zones in AO FLUNKER from LD Arcadia St to LOA Jacksonville St. Each squad clears its zone at its own pace to gain and develop contact with REAPER forces. 1st Squad is the main effort. Squad leaders select their own movement techniques, formations, and routes based on their analysis of terrain and likely enemy positions. On contact, squads execute the React to Contact battle drill, then develop the situation — fix and report, hasty attack, or break contact — within commander's intent. 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 1st 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 (Western Zone) — Main Effort:
- TASK: Movement to contact in the western zone of AO FLUNKER from LD to LOA. Develop the situation on contact.
- PURPOSE: Clear the Bradenton Ave corridor to deny REAPER reinforcement and withdrawal through the western AO.
2. 2nd Squad (Central Zone):
- TASK: Movement to contact in the central zone of AO FLUNKER from LD to LOA. Develop the situation on contact.
- PURPOSE: Develop the enemy picture in the central corridor so the company can control that avenue of approach.
3. 3rd Squad (Eastern Zone):
- TASK: Movement to contact in the eastern zone of AO FLUNKER from LD to LOA. Develop the situation on contact.
- PURPOSE: Clear the eastern sector to deny REAPER use of the built-up area as a defensive strongpoint.
e. Coordinating Instructions
1. Rules of Engagement (ROE):
- PID required before engagement; engage only confirmed combatants posing a threat.
- Use graduated response appropriate to the threat.
- Avoid civilian casualties and minimize collateral damage.
2. Commander's Critical Information Requirements (CCIR):
Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR):
- Initial contact with REAPER in any zone — report SALUTE immediately.
- Enemy at any zone exceeds squad capability (reinforced or crew-served weapons).
- Civilians in a squad's zone preventing planned fires or maneuver.
- REAPER massing against a single squad from multiple zones.
Friendly Force Information Requirements (FFIR):
- Loss of communication with any squad for more than 10 minutes.
- Friendly casualty rendering any squad combat ineffective.
3. Essential Elements of Friendly Information (EEFI):
- SP/LD times and locations
- Friendly unit positions and zone boundaries
- Casualty status and combat strength
4. Control Measures:
- LD: Arcadia St (southern AO boundary). Squads cross LD moving north into their assigned zone at SP time.
- LOA: Jacksonville St (northern AO boundary). Squads do not advance beyond LOA without PL approval.
- PL BLUE: Unnamed E-W road through the interior (vic northing 1538). Report when crossing.
- Zones: Western, Central, and Eastern as assigned. SLs coordinate lateral boundaries directly with adjacent SLs prior to SP.
5. Reporting: SP/LD crossing, SALUTE on contact, PL BLUE crossing, LOA reached, LACE on consolidation.
6. This OPORD is effective immediately upon distribution.
4. SUSTAINMENT
a. Logistics
- Resupply not available for 24 hours.
- Meal Cycle: M-M-M.
- Water resupply is available at the PLT CP.
- Ensure adequate hydration prior to SP.
b. Health System Support
- PLT CCP at PLT Assembly Area.
- MEDEVAC available via Nine Line request at AXP 1 (MP 0610 1550).
5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL
a. Command
- Platoon Leader monitors from a position that maintains communications with all squads.
- Succession of Command: PL, PSG, 1st SL, 2nd SL, 3rd SL.
b. Control
- Command Posts: Platoon Assembly Area IVO _______.
c. Signal
1. PACE Plan:
- Primary: Radio — 36.625 SC/PT (Platoon Net)
- Alternate: Radio — 36.425 SC/PT (Company Net)
- Contingency: Iridium satellite phone (platoon leader to company commander)
- Emergency: Runner
2. Call Signs:
- PL – Thunder 1-6
- PSG – Thunder 1-7
- 1st Squad Leader – Thunder 1-1
- 2nd Squad Leader – Thunder 1-2
- 3rd Squad Leader – Thunder 1-3
3. Challenge, Password, Running Password, Combination:
- Challenge: Eagle
- Password: Fly
- Running Password: Secure
- Combination: 11
4. Audible Signals:
- Shift Fire: 2 whistle blasts
- Cease Fire: 3 whistle blasts