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 #002C / CODE NAME: "STORM FRONT"

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 ORANGE with squads operating independently in assigned zones to locate and engage VIPER combat elements that are establishing blocking positions 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 JACKAL (vic MP 0600 1538)
• 2nd Squad → OBJ WOLVERINE (vic MP 0612 1546)
• 3rd Squad → OBJ FALCON (vic MP 0613 1532)

Actions on Objective: Each squad independently locates and engages VIPER 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 VIPER combat element (2-3 personnel) per zone, positioned near each squad's objective in hasty fighting positions — VIPER is actively preparing blocking positions.
• 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 VIPER tactics: one team fires aggressively and holds, one conducts a hasty ambush, one delays and falls back.

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 ORANGE encompasses the road junction at OBJ WOLVERINE (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 is a key VIPER blocking position controlling the eastern avenue of approach. The Bradenton Avenue corridor provides a north-south axis VIPER is preparing to interdict in the western zone. Conex City's structures give VIPER covered fighting positions in the eastern sector. Woodlines throughout limit 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. VIPER: Vanguard Irregulars of the People's Emergency Republic

VIPER forces have pushed into AO ORANGE and are actively establishing blocking positions at key terrain features to interdict friendly movement and consolidate territorial control. VIPER combat elements (2-3 personnel) are digging in at road junctions and built-up areas. VIPER personnel are motivated and aggressive — they will fight from their positions, but their coordination is limited and their discipline uneven.

1. Composition. Three independent VIPER combat elements, each 2-3 combatants with small arms in hasty fighting positions. Total 6-9 combatants distributed across AO ORANGE.

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

• Western element: establishing a blocking position at the Bradenton Avenue intersection (vic MP 0600 1538), using the road junction and surrounding woodlines for fields of fire.
• Central element: occupying the road junction south of the FOB (vic MP 0612 1546), in hasty positions oriented south and east to interdict friendly approach routes.
• Eastern element: using the Conex City structures (vic MP 0613 1532) for covered fighting positions, oriented to control movement into the built-up area.

3. Most Probable Course of Action (MPCOA). Each VIPER element fires from its position when friendly forces enter its area, attempting to hold the blocking position. If flanked or overrun, the element fights briefly then withdraws into available cover. Elements fight independently without coordinating with adjacent zones.

4. Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). VIPER elements detect friendly squads early and radio each other to coordinate a massed response. One VIPER team abandons its position and reorients against the flank of a squad in an adjacent zone while its own zone goes unmanned, creating a concentrated threat against a single friendly element.

d. Friendly Forces

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

2. Mission. A Company attacks to locate and destroy VIPER blocking elements in AO ORANGE before VIPER can consolidate positions and interdict friendly movement through the AO.

3. Commander's Intent. Locate and destroy VIPER combat elements across AO ORANGE before their blocking positions are established, restoring friendly freedom of movement through the AO.

e. Civil Considerations

Civilians present near road junctions and in the vicinity of Conex City. Avoid civilian harm and unnecessary engagement near populated areas.

f. Attachments and Detachments

None.

2. MISSION

1st Platoon conducts a movement to contact in AO ORANGE NLT ____ in order to locate and destroy VIPER blocking elements and restore friendly freedom of movement throughout the AO.

3. EXECUTION

a. Commander's Intent

Purpose: Locate and destroy VIPER combat elements across AO ORANGE before blocking positions are consolidated, restoring friendly freedom of movement and denying VIPER territorial control of the AO.

Key Tasks: (1) Each squad locates and engages VIPER forces in its assigned zone and reports strength and disposition. (2) Each squad secures its objective and establishes a hasty defensive position. (3) Squads maintain freedom to maneuver independently throughout the engagement.

End State: VIPER blocking elements located and destroyed in all three zones, all three objectives secured, squads in hasty defensive positions 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 ORANGE. Each squad advances toward its own objective, locating and engaging VIPER blocking elements. 1st Squad is the main effort. Squad leaders select their own movement techniques, formations, and routes based on terrain and enemy analysis. 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 ORANGE toward OBJ JACKAL (MP 0600 1538). Move north from the assembly area along or west of the Bradenton Ave corridor. Locate and engage the VIPER blocking element at the road intersection. Destroy or displace VIPER forces, secure the objective, and establish a hasty defensive position oriented north and west. Report enemy strength and disposition.
• PURPOSE: Clear the VIPER blocking position in the western zone to restore friendly use of the Bradenton Ave corridor and prevent VIPER from interdicting the western approach.

2. 2nd Squad (Central Zone):

• TASK: Conduct a movement to contact in the central zone of AO ORANGE toward OBJ WOLVERINE (MP 0612 1546). Move north from the assembly area through the wooded area between the Bradenton corridor and Conex City. Locate and engage VIPER forces at the road junction at OBJ WOLVERINE. Destroy or displace VIPER forces, secure the objective, and establish a hasty defensive position oriented north. Report enemy strength and disposition.
• PURPOSE: Destroy the VIPER blocking element at the central road junction before it can fully establish positions and interdict the main avenue of approach into the northern portion of AO ORANGE.

3. 3rd Squad (Eastern Zone):

• TASK: Conduct a movement to contact in the eastern zone of AO ORANGE toward OBJ FALCON (MP 0613 1532). Move north toward Conex City. Locate and engage VIPER forces in and around the structures at OBJ FALCON. Destroy or displace VIPER forces, secure the objective, and establish a hasty defensive position oriented north and east. Report enemy strength and disposition.
• PURPOSE: Clear the VIPER blocking element from Conex City to deny VIPER the use of the structures as prepared fighting positions and restore friendly access to the eastern sector.

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 VIPER personnel and weapons in each zone.
2. Identify fortified or prepared fighting positions.
3. Monitor for VIPER movement between zones or signs of reinforcement.
4. Assess civilian presence in each zone.

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

1. Initial contact with VIPER 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. VIPER 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 and enemy situation.
• 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.
• 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 — 36.550 SC/PT (Platoon Net)
• Alternate: Radio — 36.350 SC/PT (Company Net)
• Contingency: Iridium satellite phone (platoon leader to company commander)
• Emergency: Runner

2. Call Signs:

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

3. Challenge, Password, Running Password, Combination:

• Challenge: Wolf
• Password: Pack
• Running Password: Hunt
• Combination: 9

4. Audible Signals:

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