(UNCLASSIFIED)

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

References: ATP 3-21.8, ATP 3-20.98, FM 3-90-2, ADRP 1-02

OPERATIONAL PLAN / ORDER #005 / CODE NAME: "COMBAT PATROL"

CADRE / OPFOR NOTES

Complexity: Lower | Recommended Phase: WALK (Blocks 1-2), RUN (Day Iterations)

Training Focus: Early TLP training — simpler mission focus lets candidates concentrate on planning products, reconnaissance fundamentals, and reporting without the complexity of direct engagement. Assign one evaluator per squad.

Evaluation Timeline: 75 min for TLP Steps 1-8 before SP. 60 min execution window. 15 min AAR.

OPFOR/Training Wrinkles:

Iteration Guidance: Mission command version — squad tasks state outcomes without prescribing layout or positioning. For scaffolded iterations, use 005-area-zone-reconnaissance-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 COTTO covers the central and eastern Camp Blanding LTA (vic MP 0600 1525 to MP 0615 1565), with suspected REAPER activity centered on the Conex City NE building (MP 0613 1532). Area of interest extends west across Bradenton Ave and south of Arcadia St into the woodlines that connect to suspected REAPER support positions and lines of communication outside the AO.

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.

2. Weather.

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

REAPER forces consist of a small irregular force, likely operating from concealed positions within AO COTTO. They are equipped with small arms and may have support weapons. They are experienced in local terrain and employ security measures to avoid detection.

1. Composition. Estimated 4-6 REAPER personnel, small arms, possible support weapons, in concealed or defensive positions.

2. Disposition. REAPER forces are likely dispersed in small groups throughout the area, using terrain and vegetation for concealment. They maintain security patrols and observation posts to detect friendly reconnaissance. Exact locations unknown – this is the purpose of the reconnaissance mission.

3. Most Probable Course of Action (MPCOA). REAPER forces maintain static defensive positions or conduct limited patrols within the area. If detected, they attempt to break contact and withdraw rather than engage decisively. They may use decoy positions or false indicators to mislead friendly reconnaissance.

4. Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). REAPER forces detect friendly reconnaissance and initiate an ambush or counter-reconnaissance operation. They coordinate with additional elements to encircle or fix the reconnaissance platoon, seeking to prevent intelligence collection or inflict casualties.

d. Friendly Forces

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

2. Mission. A Company conducts reconnaissance operations to locate and assess REAPER forces in AO COTTO.

3. Commander's Intent. Gather intelligence on REAPER positions, strength, and disposition to enable follow-on operations and prevent REAPER freedom of action.

e. Civil Considerations

Local civilians may be present in the area. Reconnaissance must minimize detection and avoid contact with non-combatants to maintain operational security and good relations.

f. Attachments and Detachments

None.

2. MISSION

1st Platoon conducts an area reconnaissance in AO COTTO NLT ____ in order to locate REAPER elements and identify key terrain, enabling follow-on company operations.

3. EXECUTION

a. Commander's Intent

Purpose: Provide the company commander intelligence on REAPER forces in AO COTTO to enable planning and execution of follow-on operations.

Key Tasks: (1) Locate REAPER positions within AO COTTO. (2) Assess REAPER strength, disposition, and defensive preparations. (3) Identify key terrain that affects friendly or enemy operations.

End State: REAPER positions located, strength and disposition assessed, intelligence reported to higher, friendly forces consolidated at ORP without compromise.

b. Concept of Operations

1st Platoon conducts an area reconnaissance of AO COTTO from a secure ORP. Two reconnaissance elements move to assigned sectors using covered and concealed routes, collecting intelligence on REAPER positions, activities, and terrain. A security element remains at the ORP to provide a rally point and QRF capability. The platoon avoids decisive engagement — the mission is intelligence collection, not destruction. Upon completion or compromise, elements return to the ORP for consolidation and reporting.

c. Scheme of Fires

Fires are limited to self-defense only. Avoid engagement unless necessary to break contact. Indirect fire support available through company on request to support disengagement.

d. Tasks to Subordinate Units

1. 1st Squad (Reconnaissance — Northern Sector):

2. 2nd Squad (Reconnaissance — Southern Sector) — Main Effort:

3. 3rd Squad (ORP Security / QRF):

e. Coordinating Instructions

1. Rules of Engagement (ROE):

  1. Engage only for self-defense or to break contact.
  2. Do not compromise the reconnaissance mission unless absolutely necessary.
  3. Avoid civilian contact and minimize detection.

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

Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR):

  1. REAPER strength, composition, or disposition significantly different from the intelligence estimate.
  2. Prepared defensive positions, obstacles, or IEDs on likely avenues of approach.
  3. Civilian presence in or adjacent to a suspected REAPER position.

Friendly Force Information Requirements (FFIR):

  1. Compromise of any reconnaissance element.
  2. Loss of communication with any reconnaissance element.

3. Essential Elements of Friendly Information (EEFI):

  1. SP/LD times and locations
  2. ORP location and reconnaissance routes
  3. NAIs and reconnaissance objectives

4. Reporting: SP/LD, In Position at the ORP, SALUTE on enemy sighting, Intel report on completion of reconnaissance, LACE on return to ORP.

5. 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 at PLT CP.
  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: