Tank Platoon: Movement to Contact 1.0.3A

Excerpt of the Company Operations Order for:

 

OPERATION STEEL BARRAGE
ARCHER COMPANY, 1-77 ARMOR
OPERATION START TIME: 0500

 

TASK ORGANIZATION: 

    Advance Guard: Blue Platoon (3/A; your Platoon)
    Main Body: Red Platoon (1/A), White Platoon (2/A), CO, XO

 

1. SITUATION.

      a. Area of Interest. We are currently situated 35 KM from the regional capital of Chego to the northwest. Approximately 3 KM to our west is AA STEEL, our Battalion's Assembly Area. PL JACKSON, located approximately 4 KM to our east, is our boundary with 1-501 Infantry. Our Battalion's objective, OBJ STEELERS, is situated to the south, approximately 2 KM from PL DAGGER.
      
      b. Area of Operations. Archer Company's AO extends from AA ARCHER in the west and follows AXIS MAIN to the south-west. Phase Lines from northwest to southeast are: PL AXE, our line of departure, PL BOW, the probable line of contact (PLOC), PL CLAYMORE, and PL DAGGER, our limit of advance. Other graphic control measures of note are Direction of Attack (DOA) RED, to the east paralleling AXIS MAIN, and DOA WHITE, also paralleling AXIS MAIN to the west.  
        
        (1) Terrain. Our AO consists of one company-sized avenue of approach corresponding to AXIS MAIN. This will enable our company to attack from PL BOW to PL DAGGER while on line. Dense forests to the west, and the Danola River to our east are severely restricted terrain and naturally channel forces movement along AXIS MAIN. AXIS main consist of intermittent swamps, which will slow our rate of march. Sporadic clumps of heavy vegetation along AXIS MAIN will restrict observation and reduce MPAT ammunition's effectiveness by causing premature detonation. 

 

        (2) Weather. Our operational start time of 0500 provides approximately 7 minutes of night vision device use until civil twilight (dawn). Light precipitation and overcast cloud cover will limit the effectiveness of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft for the duration of this operation, and will deny effective use of aerial-based information collection (IC) assets. Early morning fog will reduce the visual range to approximately 2,000 meters; thermal optics will remain the most effective method of visual observation for the duration of this operation. Wind speed and direction favor friendly forces, as smoke will billow towards the southeast in the direction of the enemy.

 

        (3) Civil. Civilian presence is extremely limited due to the undeveloped infrastructure within our AO; the assessed likelihood of encountering non-combatants is very low. There is an improved road network that logistics elements can use for rapid movement from north to the south-east following the clearance of enemy forces from PL BOW to PL DAGGER.   
      
      c. Enemy Forces. 
      
          (1) General Situation. 16x hours ago, the 1-11 Armor Battalion conducted a successful retirement upon the seizure of the city of Chego by Coalition Forces. They have maneuvered into a heavily forested area to reorganize into a defensive posture to enable 11 Brigade to prepare for a counter-attack to fix Coalition Forces in Chego. The enemy has limited supplies, a lack of indirect fire support, and insufficient engineer assets to create an effective deliberate defense. It is assessed that poor leadership, and bad coordination will result in the enemy Battalion piecemealing their forces to focus on non-mutually supporting kill zones.  
      
          (2) Composition. The enemy our company expects to face was last observed at 1900 by aerial-based IC assets, and consisted of an armor company (10x T-72B1 variants) with an attached mechanized infantry platoon (3x BMP-2s with approximately 21x dismounts). S2 assesses that this element is part of the enemy battalion's disruption element, and will fight to provide time and maneuver space for his main body. 
          
          (3) Disposition. Unfavorable weather and cloud cover throughout the night has resulted in our Brigade losing contact with the enemy for approximately 10x hours. Based on previously known locations, and assessments of how the enemy historically fights, we expect him to establish a disruption zone in vicinity of (IVO) PL BOW with 1x mech infantry platoon. He will likely establish his battle zone between PL BOW and PL DAGGER. A lack of engineer assets indicates the execution of a hasty defense with 3x tank platoons (9x T-72B1s). The enemy commander (1x T-72B1) will likely co-locate with this element in the battle zone. Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) suggest that the enemy is unorganized, demoralized, and that there is a likely possibility of seeing elements surrender if taking over 50% casualties. Enemy rotary wing aviation has been operating in the area, and may provide support if the enemy's disruption zone collapses. 
          
      d. Friendly Forces.
      
          (1) Brigade Mission. 2nd IBCT, 11th Airborne attacks to destroy 1-11 Armor Battalion IVO the Danola River NLT (not later than) 1400 to enable the Division DO to defeat 11 Brigade.
      
          (2) Brigade Concept. 1-77 AR will attack to seize OBJ STEELERS NLT 0700 to force 1-11 Armor Battalion to withdraw to the east. 4-6 IN will clear enemy mechanized infantry from PL DAGGER to PL WASHINGTON (65 easting) NLT 1300 to force the enemy to retrograde north. 1-77 AR will then force the enemy into EAs (engagement areas) ABLE and BAKER, where 1-501 IN will destroy them.
      
          (3) Battalion Mission. 1-77 AR attacks to seize OBJ STEELERS NLT 0700 to enable the destruction of the 1-11 Armor Battalion by 1-501 Infantry. 
      
          (4) Battalion Concept. A CO conducts a movement to contact to clear enemy forces from PL AXE to PLT DAGGER NLT 0545. B CO then conducts a forward passage of lines (FPOL) and attacks to seize OBJ STEELERS NLT 0700. C CO, 4-6 IN, remains as the Battalion Reserve. On order, C CO conducts a pursuit of 1-11 Armor Battalion to enable their destruction by 1-501 IN.  
      
          (3) Adjacent Units. 
      
              i. B CO, 1-77 AR is located to our west and will conduct a forward passage of lines with our company at PL DAGGER. 
              ii. C CO, 4-6 IN is located in AA STEEL and will act as the Battalion Reserve. 
              iii. 1-501 IN is located to our east beyond PL JACKSON.

 

2. MISSION. Archer Company, 1-77 AR, clears enemy forces from PL AXE to PL DAGGER NLT 0545 to enable the seizure of OBJ STEELERS. 

 

3. EXECUTION.

 

    a. Commander's Intent. 
        
        (1). Broad Purpose. Success in this operation will enable our Brigade to destroy 1-11 Armor Battalion IVO the Danola River. 

 

        (2) Key Tasks.

            i. Secure AXIS MAIN up to PL DAGGER.
            ii. Enemy is cleared from PL AXE to PL DAGGER. 
            iii. Avoid employment of cratering munitions on improved roads.

 

        (3) End State.

            i. Terrain. An avenue of approach is secured. 
            ii. Enemy. Unable to prevent a forward passage of lines by Coalition Forces. 
            iii. Civil. Civil road infrastructure remains intact and continues to allow use by wheeled logistics vehicles. 

 

    b. Concept of Operations. Archer Company conducts a movement to contact to clear enemy forces from PL AXE up to PL DAGGER. Blue Platoon (your Platoon) will be first in the order of march, followed by Red, White, then HQ. Blue will identify and destroy the enemy's disruption element IVO PL BOW which will trigger the movement of the main body (Red, White, HQ) up to PL AXE. Blue will conduct a reload until the main body is set. Upon the main body being set, Blue will continue to maneuver along AXIS MAIN up to PL DAGGER until identifying 2x T-72B1s. Blue will break contact and maneuver to the last phase line, while Red and White will proceed along direction of attack RED and WHITE, respectively. Once the company is on line, Red, White, and Blue will conduct an attack to destroy the enemy's main body along DOA RED, DOA WHITE, and AXIS MAIN, respectively. Upon the destruction of the enemy's main body, Archer Company will establish hasty battle positions along PL DAGGER and conduct a forward passage of lines with B CO, 1-77 AR, followed by 4-6 IN.   

 

    c. Scheme of Fires. 2-8 Field Artillery will provide howitzer-based indirect fire for the duration of this operation. The Company FSO will direct fires onto the enemy's main body upon their identification by Blue Platoon. BN Mortars are available during this operation, and can provide high explosive and smoke rounds. Priority of fire is Blue, Red, White. 

 

    d. Tasks to Subordinate Units.

 

        i. Blue Platoon (Your Platoon).

            - Conduct a movement to contact along AXIS MAIN to identify the enemy's main body.
            - Identify and destroy all enemy disruption zone elements from PL AXE to PL CLAYMORE. Do not bypass any enemy elements that remain a threat.
            - At own discretion, conduct a reload to manage the platoon's ready rack ammunition.
            - Upon identification of the enemy's main body, wait for the company to maneuver forward and establish a company line formation.
            - On order, attack to clear with the rest of the company to PL DAGGER. 
            
    d. Coordinating Instructions. 

 

        i. Operation Start: 0500
        ii. Destruction of Enemy Disruption Zone: 0515
        iii. Identification of Enemy Main Body: 0530
        iv. Destruction of Enemy Main Body: NLT 0545

 

4. SUSTAINMENT. All Platoons will top off on Class I, III, and V before initiating movement at 0500. Logistics, maintenance, and medical support will be unavailable until we have cleared the AO up to PL DAGGER. Platoons will conduct internal resupply of ammunition to remain in the fight. The Combat Repair Team will work on maintenance issues sustained during operations unable to be corrected by crews. Platoon Sergeants will submit maintenance issues requiring CRT assistance NLT 30 minutes after establishing hasty battle positions along PL DAGGER. 

 

5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL. 

 

    a. Command.

 

        (1). Location of Key Leaders. CO and XO will orient on AXIS MAIN and follow one phase line behind Blue Platoon. 1SG will be co-located with the company trains initially located at AA STEEL, approximately 2.5 KM to the west of AA ARCHER. 

 

        (2). Succession of Command. CO, XO, Red 1, White 1, Blue 1, 1SG.

 

    b. Control. The XO will maintain the company CP and submit reports to the Battalion MAIN, TAC, and CTCP. 

 

    c. Signal.

 

        (1.) Call Signs.

            i. Archer 6 - Company Commander
            ii. Archer 7 - Company Executive Officer
            iii. Archer 5 - Company First Sergeant
            iv. Archer 9 - Company Forward Support Officer
            v. Red - 1st Platoon 
            vi. White - 2nd Platoon
            vii. Blue - 3rd Platoon

************************************************************************************* Advice and Hints *************************************************************************************

 

1. Night Vision Devices can be activated using NUM+. Civil Twilight (Dawn) will occur in approximately 7x minutes and will overload night vision devices.
2. In the environment presented, thermals give you a massive advantage over the enemy. Scan using your CITV to identify enemy forces at range. 
3. Mortars are a very flexible, responsive asset. To employ them, open the map (F5) right, click where you want to fire them, move your mouse over ‘New arty call,’ and select the asset and munition you wish to use. 
4. Mortar HE rounds are perfect for causing enemy-mounted forces to move out of advantageous positions, or destroying enemy infantry formations. 
5. Mortar Smoke rounds are great for obscuring your movement forward by denying the enemy observation and fields of fire.
6. For this mission, it is sufficient to leave your fire mission details set to their defaults. To learn more about these settings, look up the "Artillery Guide" on the Steel Beasts Wiki.
7. MPAT and HEAT rounds will prematurely detonate when fired into thick vegetation (trees, shrubs, etc.) Switch to SABOT when making shots in this environment.
8. As the TC, you can double tap the INS key (SABOT) or the END key (MPAT) to order your loader to remove the currently loaded round type, and to load the new round type of your selection. It is best to do this when out of contact with the enemy.
9. It is highly recommended to read pages 112 thru 118 to understand AI behavior when using routes and waypoints. The manual is included with your install and can be found at: C:\Program Files\eSim Games\SB Pro PE\docs\SBProManual
10. The TAB key fires smoke. By default, the M1A2 is equipped with multi-spectral smoke. This will obscure you from visual and thermal acquisition, but heavily degrades your ability to engage enemy targets. 
11. Always reload when you have the opportunity. The process can take several minutes, depending on the ammo quantity in your ready rack. You can use F12 to enable time compression to lessen your real-time wait.
12. Attacking a numerically superior enemy force is not advised. Maneuver to a position that enables you to survive, and attack only when sufficient friendly assets are in place.