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 #002B / CODE NAME: "COLD STEEL"

CADRE / OPFOR NOTES

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

Mission Summary: 1st Platoon conducts a movement to contact in AO PUTNAM with squads operating independently in assigned zones to locate and engage COBRA logistics cells that have established forward supply caches across the AO.

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 movement techniques, choosing formations, planning actions on contact, and issuing a squad OPORD. Cadre should assign one evaluator per squad to observe the SL's planning process and tactical decisions.

Destinations:

• 1st Squad → OBJ RANGER (vic MP 0600 1538)
• 2nd Squad → OBJ AIRBORNE (vic MP 0612 1546)
• 3rd Squad → OBJ INFANTRY (vic MP 0613 1532)

Actions on Objective: Each squad independently locates and engages COBRA in its zone, secures its objective, and reports. 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:

• Deploy one COBRA logistics element (2-3 personnel) per zone, positioned near each squad's objective with simulated cache materials (ammo cans, rucksacks).
• Each element operates independently — do not coordinate across zones unless running MDCOA.
• Introduce a civilian or non-combatant scenario in one zone to test ROE.
• Vary COBRA tactics across zones (one team delays, one ambushes, one defends the cache).

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 detailed version with specific objective grids and zone boundaries in squad tasks. For evaluated iterations and later runs, use 002-movement-to-contact.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 PUTNAM encompasses the road junction at OBJ AIRBORNE (MP 0612 1546), bounded to the north by the old logging road, to the east by the Starke city limits, to the south by the creek line, 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.

• Key Terrain: The road junction south of the FOB controls access to the eastern sector and is a likely COBRA cache distribution point. The Bradenton Avenue corridor in the western sector provides a north-south avenue of approach for resupply movement. Conex City offers concealment and structure for forward caching operations. Woodlines throughout the AO provide covered and concealed movement. Dense vegetation limits observation to under 50 meters off road corridors.

2. Weather.

• Skies: ________
• Temperature: ____°F (heat cat ____)
• Winds: ____ at ____ mph
• Chance of precipitation: ____%
• BMNT: ____
• Sunrise: ____
• Sunset: ____
• EENT: ____

c. Enemy Forces. COBRA: Covert Border Resistance Army

COBRA has established a network of forward logistics cells across AO PUTNAM to support sustained operations. Small COBRA elements (2-3 personnel) have emplaced supply caches at key terrain features and road junctions, enabling COBRA to sustain operations without large convoys. Elements are organized, security-conscious, and armed with small arms. They will delay, ambush, or defend their cache sites depending on available cover.

1. Composition. Three independent COBRA logistics elements, each 2-3 combatants with small arms. Cache materials present at each position. Total 6-9 combatants distributed across AO PUTNAM.

2. Disposition. COBRA elements are dispersed across the AO:

• Western element: vicinity the Bradenton Avenue intersection (vic MP 0600 1538), maintaining a cache at the road junction using surrounding woodlines for concealment.
• Central element: vicinity the road junction south of the FOB (vic MP 0612 1546), guarding a cache at the junction and using the vegetation for observation and defense.
• Eastern element: vicinity Conex City (vic MP 0613 1532), using the structures for cover while maintaining a cache inside the built-up area.

3. Most Probable Course of Action (MPCOA). Each COBRA element initiates harassing fire from concealed positions when friendly forces enter its area, then breaks contact to avoid being fixed, attempting to protect the cache or destroy it before withdrawing. Elements fight independently without reinforcement from adjacent zones.

4. Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). COBRA elements coordinate across zones, feeding location reports on each friendly squad to enable one COBRA team to reposition and conduct a flank attack while the other elements continue to fix their respective squads in place.

d. Friendly Forces

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

2. Mission. A Company locates and destroys COBRA forward logistics cells in AO PUTNAM to deny COBRA the ability to sustain distributed operations in the region.

3. Commander's Intent. Locate and destroy COBRA logistics elements and their associated caches across AO PUTNAM to degrade COBRA's ability to sustain forward operations.

e. Civil Considerations

Civilians present in the AO, particularly near road junctions. Avoid unnecessary disturbances and ensure civilian safety throughout the operation.

f. Attachments and Detachments

None.

2. MISSION

1st Platoon conducts a movement to contact in AO PUTNAM NLT ____ in order to locate and destroy COBRA logistics cells and deny COBRA the ability to sustain forward operations in the AO.

3. EXECUTION

a. Commander's Intent

Purpose: Locate and destroy COBRA logistics cells across AO PUTNAM to deny COBRA the forward caching capability needed to sustain operations and threaten friendly forces in the region.

Key Tasks: (1) Each squad locates and engages COBRA forces in its assigned zone and reports strength, disposition, and cache materials. (2) Each squad destroys or secures COBRA cache materials at its objective. (3) Squads maintain freedom to maneuver independently throughout the engagement.

End State: COBRA logistics elements located and destroyed in all three zones, cache materials secured or destroyed and reported, squads consolidated 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 PUTNAM. Each squad advances toward its own objective at its own pace, locating and engaging COBRA logistics elements within its assigned zone. 1st Squad is the main effort. Squad leaders select their own movement techniques, formations, and routes based on their analysis of terrain and enemy situation. 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):

• TASK: Conduct a movement to contact in the western zone of AO PUTNAM toward OBJ RANGER (MP 0600 1538). Move north from the assembly area along or west of the Bradenton Ave corridor. Locate and engage the COBRA logistics element in the vicinity of the road intersection at OBJ RANGER. Destroy or secure cache materials, secure the objective, and establish a hasty defensive position oriented north and west. Report enemy strength, disposition, and cache findings.
• PURPOSE: Destroy the COBRA logistics cell in the western zone to deny COBRA the use of the Bradenton Ave junction as a forward cache site and resupply node.

2. 2nd Squad (Central Zone):

• TASK: Conduct a movement to contact in the central zone of AO PUTNAM toward OBJ AIRBORNE (MP 0612 1546). Move north from the assembly area through the wooded area between the Bradenton corridor and Conex City. Locate and engage the COBRA logistics element at the road junction at OBJ AIRBORNE. Destroy or secure cache materials, secure the objective, and establish a hasty defensive position oriented north. Report enemy strength, disposition, and cache findings.
• PURPOSE: Destroy the COBRA logistics cell at the central road junction to deny COBRA the ability to coordinate resupply movement through the central portion of the AO.

3. 3rd Squad (Eastern Zone):

• TASK: Conduct a movement to contact in the eastern zone of AO PUTNAM toward OBJ INFANTRY (MP 0613 1532). Move north from the assembly area toward Conex City. Locate and engage the COBRA logistics element in and around the structures at OBJ INFANTRY. Destroy or secure cache materials, secure the objective, and establish a hasty defensive position oriented north and east. Report enemy strength, disposition, and cache findings.
• PURPOSE: Destroy the COBRA logistics cell in Conex City to deny COBRA the use of the built-up area as a forward cache site and distribution point.

e. Coordinating Instructions

1. Rules of Engagement (ROE):

1. Engage only confirmed enemy combatants posing a threat.
2. Use graduated response appropriate to the threat.
3. Avoid civilian engagement and minimize collateral damage.
4. Report civilian casualties immediately.

2. Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR):

1. Confirm COBRA personnel and weapons in each zone.
2. Identify cache materials — type, quantity, and location.
3. Monitor COBRA movement between zones.
4. Assess civilian presence in each zone.

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

1. Initial contact with COBRA forces in any zone — report size, activity, location, and weapons immediately
2. Loss of communication with any squad for more than 10 minutes during movement
3. Friendly casualty rendering any squad combat ineffective
4. COBRA forces massing against a single squad from multiple zones

4. Reporting:

• Report to higher when crossing the line of departure.
• SALUTE Report: Upon contact with enemy or relevant activity.
• Objective Report: Upon securing squad objective — report status, enemy situation, cache materials found.
• LACE Report: Upon reaching objective.

5. Essential Elements of Friendly Information (EEFI):

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

6. Coordination Between Squads:

• Squads operate independently within their zones. Lateral coordination at zone boundaries is the responsibility of adjacent squad leaders.
• Squads report contact via SALUTE on the platoon net; adjacent squads monitor but continue their own missions unless directed otherwise by the PL.
• Squads requiring support request it through the PL.

7. This OPORD is effective immediately upon distribution.

4. SUSTAINMENT

a. Logistics

1. Resupply not available for 24 hours.
2. Meal Cycle: M-M-M.
3. Water resupply is available at the PLT CP.
4. Ensure adequate hydration prior to SP.

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:

• Primary: Radio — 36.700 SC/PT (Platoon Net)
• Alternate: Radio — 36.500 SC/PT (Company Net)
• Contingency: Iridium satellite phone (platoon leader to company commander)
• Emergency: Runner

2. Call Signs:

• PL – Colt 1-6
• PSG – Colt 1-7
• 1st Squad Leader – Colt 1-1
• 2nd Squad Leader – Colt 1-2
• 3rd Squad Leader – Colt 1-3

3. Challenge, Password, Running Password, Combination:

• Challenge: Hammer
• Password: Nail
• Running Password: Rangers
• Combination: 7

4. Audible Signals:

• Shift Fire: 2 whistle blasts
• Cease Fire: 3 whistle blasts