(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 #016C / CODE NAME: "IRON ROAD"

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 reinforced VIPER blocking positions in AO ORANGE. Each squad seizes its own junction and consolidates to deny VIPER control of the road network.

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 against a more aggressive defender. 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 VIPER 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 ORANGE 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. VIPER: Vanguard Irregulars of the People's Emergency Republic

VIPER has established three reinforced blocking positions at key road junctions across AO ORANGE to halt friendly movement, deny freedom of maneuver, and consolidate VIPER control of the road network. Each position is more heavily manned than a typical enemy element and includes a support weapon. VIPER fighters are aggressive — they fight hard when assaulted and attempt to hold their positions rather than immediately withdrawing. Elements do not reinforce each other once contact begins.

1. Composition. Three reinforced VIPER blocking elements, each 4-5 personnel with small arms and one support weapon equivalent per element. Total 12-15 combatants distributed across AO ORANGE.

2. Disposition. VIPER blocking positions are dispersed across the AO:

3. Most Probable Course of Action (MPCOA). Each VIPER element defends its junction aggressively. When the assault closes, VIPER fights to hold the position and inflict casualties. If the assault element achieves fire superiority and closes decisively, VIPER withdraws north into covered terrain.

4. Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). VIPER elements detect friendly movement early and alert each other, allowing one position to reposition and catch the assault element in the flank. A VIPER reserve element from outside the AO reinforces the most contested junction.

d. Friendly Forces

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

2. Mission. A Company attacks to seize key road junctions across AO ORANGE to destroy VIPER blocking forces, restore friendly freedom of movement, and enable follow-on operations.

3. Commander's Intent. Destroy VIPER blocking elements at key road junctions across AO ORANGE to deny VIPER control of the road network and restore freedom of maneuver for follow-on operations.

e. Civil Considerations

Civilians may be present near road junctions. Avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage.

f. Attachments and Detachments

None.

2. MISSION

1st Platoon attacks in AO ORANGE NLT ____ in order to seize key road junctions, destroy VIPER blocking forces, and restore friendly freedom of movement throughout the AO.

3. EXECUTION

a. Commander's Intent

Purpose: Destroy VIPER blocking elements at key road junctions across AO ORANGE to deny VIPER control of the road network and enable follow-on company operations.

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

End State: All three road junctions seized, VIPER blocking forces 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 reinforced VIPER blocking positions in AO ORANGE. 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 BLITZ):

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

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

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 VIPER blocking positions, support weapon locations, and strength at each junction.
  2. Identify VIPER 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. VIPER support weapon repositioned or additional crew-served weapons present
  3. Loss of support element or inability to achieve fire superiority before assault
  4. VIPER 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: