(UNCLASSIFIED)

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 #016B / CODE NAME: "HARD CONTACT"

CADRE / OPFOR NOTES

Complexity: Moderate | Recommended Phase: RUN (Day Iterations)

Mission Summary: 1st Platoon conducts three independent squad deliberate attacks to seize key road junctions held by COBRA checkpoint teams in AO PUTNAM. Each squad seizes its own junction and consolidates to deny COBRA freedom of movement.

Training Focus: This OPORD is designed to evaluate individual squad leader planning and decision-making for a squad-sized deliberate attack to seize key terrain. The PL issues the platoon OPORD, but each squad leader must conduct their own TLP. Cadre should assign one evaluator per squad.

Destinations:

Actions on Objective: Each squad independently establishes a squad ORP, conducts leader's reconnaissance, sets a squad-internal support element, assaults through the junction, destroys or displaces COBRA forces, and consolidates on the objective.

Evaluation Timeline: 75 min planning / 60 min execution / 15 min AAR.

OPFOR/Training Wrinkles:

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. For later runs, use 016-deliberate-attack.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 Camp Blanding Joint Training Center. AO PUTNAM encompasses the area bounded to the north by Highway 16, to the east by the Starke city limits, to the south by the old railroad bed, and to the west by the pine forest edge.

b. Area of Operations

1. Terrain. The AO consists of flat terrain with sandy soils and dense pine and hardwood forests throughout. Thick vegetation and tree canopy severely limit observation and fields of fire except along improved roads and clearings. Bradenton Avenue runs north-south through the AO. Arcadia Street runs east-west in the south. Clearwater Avenue runs north-south in the west. The improved roads are the primary avenues of approach and the only locations offering extended fields of fire. The woods between and surrounding the roads provide excellent concealment for dismounted movement but restrict visibility to under 50 meters in most areas.

2. Weather.

c. Enemy Forces. COBRA: Covert Border Resistance Army

COBRA has established three small checkpoint teams at key road junctions across AO PUTNAM to interdict friendly movement, control local terrain, and maintain COBRA freedom of movement through the AO. Each checkpoint team occupies hasty fighting positions and maintains observation of primary approach routes. COBRA elements are disciplined — they fight briefly when assaulted but withdraw rather than holding to destruction. Elements operate independently with no lateral coordination.

1. Composition. Three COBRA checkpoint teams, each 3-4 personnel with small arms in hasty fighting positions. Total 9-12 combatants distributed across AO PUTNAM.

2. Disposition. COBRA checkpoint teams are dispersed across the AO:

3. Most Probable Course of Action (MPCOA). Each COBRA checkpoint team defends its junction with small arms fire. If the assault is decisive, the element withdraws north into covered terrain rather than holding the position. Elements do not reinforce each other.

4. Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). COBRA elements detect friendly movement early and alert each other by radio, repositioning to engage the assault element from an unexpected direction. A COBRA reaction force from outside the AO rapidly reinforces one objective.

d. Friendly Forces

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

2. Mission. A Company attacks to seize key road junctions across AO PUTNAM to destroy COBRA checkpoint teams, restore friendly freedom of movement, and enable follow-on operations.

3. Commander's Intent. Seize three key road junctions across AO PUTNAM to destroy COBRA interdiction teams and restore freedom of movement throughout the AO.

e. Civil Considerations

Civilians may be present at road junctions, particularly along Arcadia Street and near the FOB. Avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage.

f. Attachments and Detachments

None.

2. MISSION

1st Platoon attacks in AO PUTNAM NLT ____ in order to seize key road junctions, destroy COBRA checkpoint teams, and restore friendly freedom of movement throughout the AO.

3. EXECUTION

a. Commander's Intent

Purpose: Destroy COBRA checkpoint teams at key road junctions across AO PUTNAM to deny COBRA freedom of movement and restore friendly maneuver options for follow-on operations.

Key Tasks: (1) Each squad seizes its assigned road junction. (2) Each squad destroys or displaces COBRA forces at the junction. (3) Squads consolidate on their objectives and report.

End State: All three road junctions seized, COBRA checkpoint teams destroyed or displaced, squads consolidated on objectives with hasty perimeters, platoon prepared for follow-on operations.

b. Concept of Operations

1st Platoon conducts a decentralized deliberate attack on three independent COBRA checkpoint positions in AO PUTNAM. Each squad establishes a squad ORP, conducts leader's reconnaissance, sets a support element, assaults through, and consolidates. 3rd Squad is the main effort. 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 3rd 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 (Independent Deliberate Attack — OBJ GRANT):

2. 2nd Squad (Independent Deliberate Attack — OBJ SHERIDAN):

3. 3rd Squad (Independent Deliberate Attack — OBJ THOMAS):

e. Coordinating Instructions

1. Rules of Engagement (ROE):

  1. Engage only confirmed enemy combatants.
  2. Use minimum force necessary to accomplish the mission.
  3. Avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage.
  4. Positively identify targets before firing.

2. Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR):

  1. Confirm COBRA checkpoint team positions and strength at each junction.
  2. Identify COBRA withdrawal routes and potential reinforcement avenues.
  3. Assess civilian presence at each junction before execution.
  4. Identify obstacles or prepared positions on likely assault routes.

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

  1. Enemy strength at any objective significantly different from the estimate
  2. COBRA force at any objective displaced before the assault
  3. Loss of support element or inability to achieve fire superiority
  4. COBRA reinforcements approaching any objective
  5. Friendly casualty requiring immediate MEDEVAC
  6. Civilian presence preventing planned actions

4. Essential Elements of Friendly Information (EEFI):

  1. SP/LD times and locations
  2. Friendly unit positions and boundaries
  3. Casualty status and combat strength

5. Reporting:

6. Coordination Between Squads:

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:

2. Call Signs:

3. Challenge, Password, Running Password, Combination:

4. Audible Signals: