(UNCLASSIFIED)

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

References: ATP 3-21.8, FM 3-90-1, TC 3-21.76, ADRP 1-02

OPERATIONAL PLAN / ORDER #008 / CODE NAME: "CAMP SPOOKY SMITH"

CADRE / OPFOR NOTES

Complexity: Moderate | Recommended Phase: RUN (Night Iterations - Coaching Focus)

Training Focus: Emphasizes security priorities, patrol base setup, and sustainment operations. Links to the Patrol Base Operations Training Package. Ideal for night iterations where static operations allow focus on security fundamentals. 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 008-patrol-base-operations-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 southwestern Camp Blanding LTA in the woodlines south of the unnamed E-W road and west of Bradenton Ave, with PB THUNDER planned at MP 0580 1520 (vic MP 0575 1518 to MP 0600 1540). Area of interest extends north toward the FOB at MP 0610 1550 (higher), south of Arcadia St into the broader training area, and east across Bradenton Ave — the corridors REAPER patrols could use to detect, compromise, or attack the patrol base.

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.

Limited visibility expected during nighttime operations; plan for EENT/BMNT stand-to procedures.

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

REAPER forces consist of irregular forces operating in the area who actively patrol and conduct reconnaissance to locate friendly positions. They are equipped with small arms and may have support weapons. They are experienced in local terrain and may attempt to probe or attack friendly positions if discovered.

1. Composition. Estimated 6-8 REAPER personnel, small arms, possible support weapons, operating in 2-3 person reconnaissance teams and larger assault elements.

2. Disposition. REAPER forces are dispersed throughout the area, conducting patrols and reconnaissance. They maintain observation posts on likely routes and are prepared to report and engage friendly forces. Main body elements are positioned to reinforce reconnaissance teams if contact is made.

3. Most Probable Course of Action (MPCOA). REAPER reconnaissance elements detect friendly patrol base and conduct observation to assess strength and disposition. They report findings to higher and may conduct limited probing attacks to test friendly defenses before withdrawing to plan a larger operation.

4. Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). REAPER reconnaissance detects patrol base occupation and rapidly coordinates a multi-element attack. REAPER forces conduct a coordinated assault using indirect fire, support weapons, and assault elements to overwhelm friendly positions before reinforcements can arrive.

d. Friendly Forces

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

2. Mission. A Company conducts area security operations in AO COTTO to deny REAPER freedom of movement and enable follow-on offensive operations.

3. Commander's Intent. Establish a secure patrol base to enable continuous operations, maintain security of the platoon, and prepare for follow-on missions. The patrol base must be positioned and organized to allow rapid response to enemy contact while providing for sustainment and rest of the force.

e. Civil Considerations

Local civilians may be present in the area. Patrol base operations must minimize detection and avoid contact with non-combatants to maintain operational security.

f. Attachments and Detachments

None.

2. MISSION

1st Platoon occupies Patrol Base THUNDER (vicinity MP 0580 1520) NLT 2200 in order to provide continuous security, enable sustainment, and posture the platoon for follow-on operations in AO COTTO.

3. EXECUTION

a. Commander's Intent

Purpose: Establish a secure base in AO COTTO to sustain the platoon, maintain security, and prepare for follow-on offensive operations against REAPER.

Key Tasks: (1) Occupy the patrol base without compromise. (2) Establish 360-degree security with LP/OPs and fighting positions. (3) Maintain the ability to defend the base or displace on order.

End State: PB THUNDER occupied and secure, security posture maintained through BMNT/EENT cycles, platoon rested and prepared for follow-on operations.

b. Concept of Operations

1st Platoon occupies PB THUNDER using a deliberate occupation technique (triangle or cigar-shaped based on terrain). A leader's reconnaissance confirms site suitability before committing the platoon. Three squads occupy assigned perimeter sectors with interlocking fields of fire. LP/OPs extend early warning onto likely enemy avenues of approach. The platoon executes priorities of work — security, weapons maintenance, rest rotation — while maintaining the ability to defend in place or displace. Stand-to at BMNT and EENT. One squad serves as QRF throughout.

c. Scheme of Fires

Defensive fires planned for likely REAPER avenues of approach. Each squad responsible for direct fires within assigned sector. 1st Squad, covering the most likely avenue of approach, has priority of indirect fires. Final protective fires (FPF) designated and briefed.

d. Tasks to Subordinate Units

1. 1st Squad (Northern Sector) — Main Effort:

2. 2nd Squad (Southeastern Sector):

3. 3rd Squad (Southwestern Sector / QRF):

e. Coordinating Instructions

1. Rules of Engagement (ROE):

  1. Engage only confirmed combatants posing a threat.
  2. Use graduated response appropriate to the threat.
  3. Challenge all unknown personnel.

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

Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR):

  1. REAPER probing, reconnaissance, or direct contact on any sector.
  2. Indicators the patrol base has been observed by enemy or civilians.

Friendly Force Information Requirements (FFIR):

  1. Compromise or suspected compromise of the patrol base location.
  2. Loss of communication with any LP/OP.
  3. Casualty or equipment failure degrading any sector's security.

3. Essential Elements of Friendly Information (EEFI):

  1. Patrol base grid location and limits
  2. LP/OP positions and crew-served weapon orientations
  3. Stand-to schedule and departure/return windows

4. Reporting: Departure, In Position on occupation, SALUTE on enemy contact, SITREP every 4 hours, LACE on occupation and prior to displacement.

5. Stand-To Procedures: 30 minutes before BMNT and EENT; 100% alert in fighting positions; stand-down only on PL or PSG order.

6. 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 point to be established within patrol base.
  4. Class V (ammunition): Redistribute as needed; report any shortages.
  5. Equipment maintenance: Conducted during priorities of work.

b. Health System Support

  1. PLT CCP established within patrol base perimeter.
  2. Aid bag located at PL CP.
  3. MEDEVAC available via Nine Line request at AXP 1 (MP 0610 1550).
  4. Casualty evacuation routes: Same as withdrawal routes.

5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL

a. Command

  1. Platoon Leader at PLT CP (center of patrol base).
  2. Platoon Sergeant supervises priorities of work and rest plan.
  3. Succession of Command: PL, PSG, 1st SL, 2nd SL, 3rd SL.

b. Control

  1. Command Posts: PL CP at center of PB THUNDER.
  2. Alternate CP: 1st Squad sector.

c. Signal

1. PACE Plan:

2. Call Signs:

3. Challenge, Password, Running Password, Combination: