(UNCLASSIFIED)

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

References: ATP 3-21.8, FM 3-90-1, TC 21-306, ADRP 1-02

OPERATIONAL PLAN / ORDER #009 / CODE NAME: "ON THE BOUNCE"

CADRE / OPFOR NOTES

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

Training Focus: Early TLP training — straightforward mission lets candidates concentrate on movement planning, order of march, security during movement, and actions at halts. Good introduction to terrain association and route planning. 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 009-tactical-road-march-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 northeastern Camp Blanding LTA along the platoon's route of march from the FOB (SP at MP 0610 1550) to RP THUNDER (MP 0615 1560). Area of interest extends west across Bradenton Ave and north past Jacksonville St into the woodlines flanking the route, where REAPER observation or interdiction elements could disrupt the platoon's movement before reaching the RP.

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.

Heat casualties are a concern; ensure adequate hydration.

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

REAPER forces consist of small reconnaissance elements operating throughout AO COTTO. They are equipped with small arms and communications equipment, capable of observing and reporting friendly movement. They may attempt to interdict or delay friendly forces if opportunity presents.

1. Composition. Estimated 2-4 REAPER reconnaissance personnel, small arms, radios, in mobile or static observation positions.

2. Disposition. REAPER reconnaissance elements are dispersed throughout the area, using terrain and vegetation for concealment. They monitor likely routes of movement and report friendly activity. They avoid direct engagement but may emplace obstacles or conduct harassing actions.

3. Most Probable Course of Action (MPCOA). REAPER reconnaissance observes and reports friendly movement without engaging. They maintain standoff distance and avoid detection, focusing on intelligence collection rather than direct action.

4. Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). REAPER elements establish a hasty ambush along the route of march, coordinating with additional forces to fix and engage the platoon at a danger area or choke point. They attempt to inflict casualties and delay friendly movement.

d. Friendly Forces

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

2. Mission. A Company repositions forces to AO COTTO to prepare for offensive operations against REAPER forces.

3. Commander's Intent. Move the platoon to RP THUNDER safely and efficiently, maintaining security and readiness for follow-on operations.

e. Civil Considerations

Local civilians may be present along the route of march. Movement must minimize disruption and avoid contact with non-combatants to maintain operational security and good relations.

f. Attachments and Detachments

None.

2. MISSION

1st Platoon conducts a tactical road march from the assembly area to RP THUNDER (MP 0615 1560) NLT ____ in order to posture the platoon for follow-on operations in AO COTTO.

3. EXECUTION

a. Commander's Intent

Purpose: Reposition the platoon to RP THUNDER to set conditions for follow-on offensive operations in AO COTTO.

Key Tasks: (1) Move the platoon from the assembly area to RP THUNDER without decisive engagement. (2) Maintain security and combat readiness throughout movement. (3) Arrive with full accountability of personnel and equipment.

End State: Platoon at RP THUNDER, all personnel and equipment accounted for, prepared for follow-on operations.

b. Concept of Operations

1st Platoon conducts a tactical road march from the assembly area to RP THUNDER. The platoon moves in column with a lead security element, main body, and trail security. Movement technique is traveling overwatch, shifting to bounding overwatch at danger areas or when contact is likely. The platoon conducts security halts at designated checkpoints and all danger areas. Upon arrival at RP THUNDER, the platoon establishes a security halt, confirms accountability, and prepares for follow-on operations.

c. Scheme of Movement

d. Scheme of Fires

No planned fires. 1st Squad, as the lead element, has priority of indirect fires. Indirect fire support available through company on request.

e. Tasks to Subordinate Units

1. 1st Squad (Lead / Point Security):

2. 2nd Squad (Main Body):

3. 3rd Squad (Trail / Rear Security):

f. Coordinating Instructions

1. Rules of Engagement (ROE):

  1. Engage only confirmed combatants posing a threat.
  2. Use graduated response appropriate to the threat.
  3. Avoid civilian contact and minimize detection.

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

Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR):

  1. Obstacle, IED, or route condition forcing deviation from the planned route.
  2. REAPER observation or contact along the route.
  3. Civilian presence concentrated at a danger area or checkpoint.

Friendly Force Information Requirements (FFIR):

  1. Loss of visual contact with any element in the march order.
  2. Casualty or straggler requiring the platoon to halt.

3. Essential Elements of Friendly Information (EEFI):

  1. SP time, route of march, and RP arrival window
  2. Order of march and intervals
  3. Casualty status and combat strength

4. Reporting: SP, each CP, clearance of each danger area, SALUTE on enemy contact, In Position and LACE at RP THUNDER.

5. Route and Checkpoints:

6. This OPORD is effective immediately upon distribution.

4. SUSTAINMENT

a. Logistics

  1. Resupply not available during movement.
  2. Meal Cycle: M-M-M.
  3. Water resupply is available at RP THUNDER.
  4. Ensure full water load prior to SP; heat casualties are a concern.
  5. Carry all equipment; no cache points established.

b. Health System Support

  1. PLT CCP moves with platoon headquarters during movement.
  2. Aid bag located with PSG.
  3. MEDEVAC available via Nine Line request at AXP 1 (MP 0610 1550).
  4. Casualty evacuation during movement: stabilize and continue to RP THUNDER if tactical situation permits; request MEDEVAC if required.

5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL

a. Command

  1. Platoon Leader moves with platoon headquarters between 1st and 2nd Squad.
  2. Platoon Sergeant moves with 3rd Squad (trail element).
  3. Succession of Command: PL, PSG, 1st SL, 2nd SL, 3rd SL.

b. Control

  1. Command Posts: Mobile during movement; establish at RP THUNDER upon arrival.

c. Signal

1. PACE Plan:

2. Call Signs:

3. Challenge, Password, Running Password, Combination:

ANNEX A: ROUTE PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

The following items should be addressed during route planning:

1. Route Selection:

2. Danger Areas:

3. Actions on Contact:

4. Control Measures:

5. Accountability: