Death Valley: Task Force Attack

You are the commander of the 4-21 INF, 7 INF DIV (LIGHT) OPCON to 1 BCT, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) for NTC Rotation 87-11. The following are excerpts from an operations order for the 1 BCT to conduct a movement to contact.

OPORD 87-35
1 BCT (RED DEVELS)

 

1. SITUATION:

A. ENEMY FORCES:

1. Due to recent losses, the 60th GMRD has transitioned to the defense along NO230020 – NO430259 line. The enemy's mission is to defend NET 150730MAY87 to prevent penetration of the first regimental echelon and, on order, counterattack to destroy the 5 ID. He is positioned with two MRR's abreast, the 33rd GMRR in the north and the 32nd GMRRin the south. A third MRR, the 31st GMRR is positioned behind the lead MRR's. Each MRR will defend with two MRB's forward and one back. These MRB's are at approximately 70 % strength with approximately 28 BMP2/  / 7 T80 / 28 INF. Each MRR has a RAG consisting of 1 BN of 2S1 and 2 BN's of 2S19 at 18 tubes each. The DAG has been destroyed by fixed-wing deep strikes. The enemy is expected to have no SOKOL or fixed-wing capability.

2. The most likely course of action is that the enemy will defend with 2 MRB's abreast along PL RED. He will deploy a Combat Security Out-Post (4 BMP2/ 1 T80 / 4 INF SQD) forwared of the main defensive line. The MRR will deploy Each MRB will have a CAR of 3 / 0 / 3 which he will employ once the point of penetration is known. The MRD is holding one MRB in reserve. If a BCT establishes a serious breach on either flank of the 60th  GMRD, the reserve MRB will be used to reinforce enemy defenses. Otherwise, the reserve MRB will counterattack to complete the destruction of the 5th ID.

B. FRIENDLY FORCES:

1. Higher Mission. 5th ID conducts an attack, NET 150700MAY87, to destroy 60 GMRD and facilitate the III Corps attack to restore the International border. o/o conduct a hasty defense to repel the counterattack of the KPA's (Krasnovian People's Army) second echelon MRD's.

2. To our south, 2 BCT, 5th ID has the mission of attacking west to destroy the 9th MRD and turn north to secure the international border. To our north, 24 ID, XVIII Corps attacks as the 1st ARMY main effort to destroy the 33rd MRD in order to secure the left flank of XVIII Corps. To our rear the 3 BCT, 5th ID acts as the division reserve, B/P (be prepared) to assume the attack of 2 BCT to secure the left flank of III Corps.

C. WEATHER:

1. Winds are expected to be out of the west at approximately 4.5 miles per hour

2. The hours of daylight are as follows. Before morning nautical twilight (BMNT) will begin at 0705. Sunrise will be at 0735. Sunset will be at 1938. Early evening nautical twilight (EENT) will end at 2008.

2. MISSION. 1 BCT, 5th ID (Red Devils) attacks in zone NLT 150700MAY87 to destroy the first battalion echelon of the 32nd GMRR, seize OBJ's GIMLET, TEXAS and NEBRASKA <not shown>, in order to facilitate the attack of the 5th ID to secure the left flank of III Corps.

3. EXECUTION:

A. COMMANDER'S INTENT. It is my intent is to deceive the enemy as to the main effort of the III Corps by initially weighting our attack in the north, in 2-8 CAV's sector. Once the enemy has committed to supporting the 1-32 GMRB in defending against this attack, we will then attack in 2-32 GMRB’ sector to complete the destruction of the first battalion echelon.

B. CONCEPT OF THE OPERATION.

1. Maneuver. This operation will be conducted in 3 phases.

a. PHASE ONE: This phase begins at 142000MAY87. TF 4-21 INF (L) crosses the LD through infiltration and occupies Attack Position GIMLET NET 150300MAY87. (COMPLETED)

b. PHASE TWO: TF 4-21 INF (L) NET 150430MAY87 and NLT 150700MAY87 attacks and destroys the CSOP, secures OBJ GIMLET, and creates 4 breaches for TF 1-40 AR

c. PHASE THREE:

<paragraph omitted>

OBJ TEXAS.

d. PHASE FOUR.

<paragraph omitted>

e. PHASE FIVE:

<paragraph omitted>

2. Fires. This operation is sequenced to allow fire support to be focused on each MRB separately as it is engaged.

a. PHASE ONE: During this phase, TF 4-21 INF (L) WILL NOT have any priority of fires for 1-82 FA goes to TF 1-40 AR Scouts and COLTS, 3-8 FA (MLRS) will be dedicated to counter-fire and suppressing the RAG. CAS will not be available during this phase. The CFL (Coordinated Fire Line) for this phase will be PL RED in TF 4-21’s and 2-8's sector and PL ARNOLD in TF 2-5's sector.

b. PHASE TWO: NO CHANGE

c. PHASE THREE:

<paragraph omitted>

c. PHASE FOUR:

<paragraph omitted>

d. PHASE FIVE:

<paragraph omitted>

3. Tasks to Subordinate Units. See Appendix C for Task Organization.

a.       TF 4-21 INF (L)

1.      Destroy 32 GMRR’s CSOP

2.      Secure OBJ GIMLET

3.      Creates 4 breaches

4.      O/O Passes TF 1-40 through lines.

 

b.      TF 1-40 AR

<paragraph omitted>

c.       TF 5-6 INF

<paragraph omitted>

d.      TF 3-77 AR

<paragraph omitted>

 

4. Coordinating instructions.

a. Prior to 150700MAY87, the Limit of Advance for recon elements is PL CHUCK. This applies only to brigade COLT's, Task Force 4-21 INF (L) and Task Force Scouts. The LOA for all other elements prior to LD is PL ARNOLD, the LD/LC.

b. PIR

<paragraph omitted>

4. SERVICE SUPPORT. There will no resupply of any class of supply until mission completion.

5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL.

A. Succession of command is per SOP

B. Current SOI is in effect.

APPENDIX C (TASK ORGANIZATION) TO OPORD 87-35

TASK FORCE 4-21 INF:

HHC/4-21 INF:

Scout Platoon

TOW Platoon (2 sections)

81mm Mortar Platoon

 

A/4-21 INF

3 X Inf Platoon

1 X 60mm Mortar section

1 X M47 Dragon Section

2 X Eng Plt  [1 & 2 / A / 7 Eng (L)]

B/4-21 INF

3 X Inf Platoon

1 X 60mm Mortar section

1 X M47 Dragon Section

C/4-21 INF

3 X Inf Platoon

1 X 60mm Mortar section

1 X M47 Dragon Section

 

TASK FORCE 1-40 AR:

<paragraph omitted>

TASK FORCE 5-6 INF:

<paragraph omitted>

TASK FORCE 3-77 AR:

<paragraph omitted>

 

1-82 FA

<paragraph omitted>

3-8 FA (MLRS)

<paragraph omitted>