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 #002D / CODE NAME: "ROLLING THUNDER"

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 STEELE with squads operating independently in assigned zones to locate and engage WRAITH security elements screening key terrain features 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 IRON (vic MP 0600 1538)
• 2nd Squad → OBJ STEEL (vic MP 0612 1546)
• 3rd Squad → OBJ COPPER (vic MP 0613 1532)

Actions on Objective: Each squad independently locates and engages WRAITH 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 WRAITH security element (2-3 personnel) per zone, positioned near each squad's objective. WRAITH is not fortified — they're screening, not defending in depth.
• 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 WRAITH tactics: one team delays and falls back methodically, one team holds briefly then withdraws, one team conducts a short-duration ambush then breaks contact.

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 STEELE encompasses the road junction at OBJ STEEL (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 screening position that WRAITH is using to monitor friendly movement into the eastern sector. The Bradenton Avenue corridor provides the primary approach axis in the western zone. Conex City's structures give WRAITH elevated observation positions and cover in the eastern sector. 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. WRAITH: Workers' Revolutionary Army for Independent Territorial Holdings

WRAITH has deployed security elements across AO STEELE to screen friendly approaches and provide early warning for WRAITH operations deeper in the AO. Small security elements (2-3 personnel) are positioned at key terrain features with observation over friendly avenues of approach. WRAITH personnel are disciplined — they will delay and screen rather than decisively engage, reporting contact and breaking contact before being fixed.

1. Composition. Three independent WRAITH security elements, each 2-3 combatants with small arms. Total 6-9 combatants distributed across AO STEELE.

2. Disposition. WRAITH elements are positioned across the AO:

• Western element: screening the Bradenton Avenue intersection (vic MP 0600 1538) from concealed positions in the woodlines, oriented south along Bradenton Ave.
• Central element: screening the road junction south of the FOB (vic MP 0612 1546) from concealed positions in the vegetation, oriented south toward the friendly assembly area.
• Eastern element: occupying observation positions in and around the Conex City structures (vic MP 0613 1532), monitoring approaches from the south and west.

3. Most Probable Course of Action (MPCOA). Each WRAITH element reports friendly movement when detected, then initiates limited harassing fire and withdraws methodically — their priority is reporting, not fighting. Each element falls back to successive screening positions before breaking contact entirely. Elements do not reinforce each other.

4. Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). WRAITH detects one squad's movement early and transmits full location and composition data to a WRAITH reserve element. The reserve repositions to cut off that squad's route of withdrawal while the screening element attempts to delay the squad's advance. The other WRAITH screening elements continue to report, maintaining a full picture of all friendly movements.

d. Friendly Forces

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

2. Mission. A Company attacks to destroy WRAITH screening elements in AO STEELE to degrade WRAITH early warning capability and enable follow-on operations against WRAITH's main effort deeper in the AO.

3. Commander's Intent. Locate and destroy WRAITH screening elements across AO STEELE to blind WRAITH to friendly movement and create conditions for follow-on offensive operations.

e. Civil Considerations

Civilians present near road junctions and in the vicinity of the built-up area. Avoid civilian harm throughout the operation.

f. Attachments and Detachments

None.

2. MISSION

1st Platoon conducts a movement to contact in AO STEELE NLT ____ in order to locate and destroy WRAITH screening elements and degrade WRAITH early warning capability throughout the AO.

3. EXECUTION

a. Commander's Intent

Purpose: Locate and destroy WRAITH security elements across AO STEELE to eliminate WRAITH's ability to screen friendly movement, creating conditions for follow-on operations against WRAITH's main effort.

Key Tasks: (1) Each squad locates and engages WRAITH forces in its assigned zone and reports strength and disposition. (2) Each squad secures its objective and destroys or displaces WRAITH screening elements. (3) Squads maintain freedom to maneuver independently throughout the engagement.

End State: WRAITH screening elements destroyed or displaced in all three zones, WRAITH early warning network degraded, 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 STEELE. Each squad advances toward its own objective, locating and engaging WRAITH screening 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 STEELE toward OBJ IRON (MP 0600 1538). Move north from the assembly area along or west of the Bradenton Ave corridor. Locate and engage the WRAITH screening element at the road intersection. Destroy or displace WRAITH, secure the objective, and establish a hasty defensive position oriented north and west. Report enemy strength and disposition.
• PURPOSE: Destroy the WRAITH screening element in the western zone to eliminate WRAITH early warning along the Bradenton Ave corridor and enable friendly freedom of movement through the western sector.

2. 2nd Squad (Central Zone):

• TASK: Conduct a movement to contact in the central zone of AO STEELE toward OBJ STEEL (MP 0612 1546). Move north from the assembly area through the wooded area between the Bradenton corridor and Conex City. Locate and engage the WRAITH screening element at the road junction. Destroy or displace WRAITH, secure the objective, and establish a hasty defensive position oriented north. Report enemy strength and disposition.
• PURPOSE: Destroy the WRAITH screening element at the central junction to eliminate the primary WRAITH observation position over the main approach into the northern AO.

3. 3rd Squad (Eastern Zone):

• TASK: Conduct a movement to contact in the eastern zone of AO STEELE toward OBJ COPPER (MP 0613 1532). Move north toward Conex City. Locate and engage the WRAITH screening element in and around the structures. Destroy or displace WRAITH, secure the objective, and establish a hasty defensive position oriented north and east. Report enemy strength and disposition.
• PURPOSE: Destroy the WRAITH screening element in Conex City to eliminate WRAITH observation of the eastern approach and deny WRAITH use of the built-up area as an observation post.

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 WRAITH personnel and weapons in each zone.
2. Identify WRAITH observation equipment, communications devices, or prepared positions.
3. Monitor for WRAITH withdrawal routes and secondary positions.
4. Assess civilian presence in each zone.

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

1. Initial contact with WRAITH 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. WRAITH forces reorienting from one zone to mass against a single squad

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 — 36.775 SC/PT (Platoon Net)
• Alternate: Radio — 36.575 SC/PT (Company Net)
• Contingency: Iridium satellite phone (platoon leader to company commander)
• Emergency: Runner

2. Call Signs:

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

3. Challenge, Password, Running Password, Combination:

• Challenge: Sword
• Password: Shield
• Running Password: Blanding
• Combination: 11

4. Audible Signals:

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