OPERATIONS ORDER
Operation Everglade (1984), Breakthrough: Sickle

--- OPERATIONS ORDER ---

Situation

Background Information
Units in the strategic area around Masendorf have stopped transmitting. A motorised rifle platoon is expedited and despatched to investigate the cause and re-establish contact. HQ does not know the reason for interrupted radio communication. Establishing the cause will allow us to introduce preventive measures in the future. Its loss at three close, separated locations can indicate enemy sabotage. Therefore, great caution is advised.

Friendly Forces
[1x] US Motorised Rifle Platoon Attachments [2x] ATGM HMMWV (BGM-71 TOW)

Supporting Assets
Any friendly forces in the area upon re-establishing contact.

Enemy Forces
Although we do not have information on any Soviet forces in the area, it is plausible that Soviet Motorised Infantry, IFVs and some Heavy Armour pushed into the AO.

Mission

Tasking
Establish contact with friendly forces:

• in the forest of Grid 094725,
• Town of Riestedt and
• Town of Masendorf.

Investigate the reasons for a loss in radio communication between our forces if possible.

End-state
After re-establishing contact with friendly positions, radio up a SITREP and return to FOB Javwel for ENDEX.

Execution

Commander's Intent
The purpose of this mission is to investigate the broken lines of communication and re-establish them. In the event of hostile incursion, ROMEO platoon must prepare an initial counter-initiative to maintain the wedge between the Soviet frontline and the encirclement around Molzen.

Tasks and Sequencing

STAGING

ROMEO platoon prepares their vehicles and attachments with supplies. ROMEO departs FOB Javwel to the northwest onto MSR 493 headed east, turning for Pieperhofen MSR 191 northeast. Actions on contact When mounted: Push through. Establish position in cover, gain fire superiority. When dismounted in the open: Squad in contact finds and fixes the hostile position. Romeo 3 moves up to squad in contact for direct fire support. Squad not in contact immediately flanks and finishes contact. When dismounted urban: Immediate contact report. Aggressive, steady advance. Nearest squad attempts flanking manoeuvre if applicable. When met with heavy resistance, platoon will break contact and establish defensive positions at nearest previously secured position.

OBJ 1

Romeo dismounts either at Dismount Alpha or Bravo, terrain and situation depending. Romeos 1, 2 & 9 search the indicated position for intel and to re-establish contact. Romeo 3 maintains security of vehicles and observation afield. On clear, Romeo 3 brings up all vehicles. Romeo platoon prepares step-off towards OBJ 2.

OBJ 2

ROMEO platoon dismounts at dismount Charlie. Forming a platoon line into town, squads sweep sectors broadly in order of approach. Initially, ROMEO 1 checks sector 1. Romeo 2 checks sector 2. Romeo 3 checks sector 3, with ATGM HMMWV trailing. Romeo 3 is responsible for right-flank security and an eastward scan afield. Any intel or contact with friendly forces must immediately be radioed up to ROMEO 9. Forward rendezvous / RP will be in sector 9.

OBJ 3

Remounting vehicles, ROMEO platoon advances broadly along the ASR headed northwest towards WP DELTA for an initial point of observation. If available, platoon dismounts at DISMOUNT FOXTROT. In a bounding fashion, Romeo platoon crosses the bridge into Masendorf for another sector sweep to re-establish communications as before. The Wipperau river does not allow unaided crossing. A secondary footbridge is situated upstream northeast via WP Echo.

Administration/Logistics

Resupply
ROMEO platoon operates on self-sustainment from attached vehicles. Squads are responsible for their own inventory and must be sufficient for an extended operation. Friendly positions can offer resupply if required.

Medical
ROMEO HQ vehicle is equipped with field medical equipment for intensive care.

Rules of Engagement
In accordance with SOP

Fire Support Plan
In accordance with SOP

Close Air Support
In accordance with SOP

Command/Signal

Communications Plan

Callsign	Primary Frequency	Superior Frequency	ACTUAL
ROMEO 9	40mHz	37mHz	2Lt SkullCollector Platoon Commander (≤32)
ROMEO 1	250mHz	40mHz	SPC Zuka (Ret.) Squad Leader (≤15)
ROMEO 2	260mHz	40mHz	SP1 Wavan (Ret.) Squad Leader (≤15)
ROMEO 3	270mHz	40mHz	SP2 Taru (Ret.) Infantry Team Leader (≤8)

Considerations
Succession of Command Romeo 9 >> Romeo 1 > Romeo 2 > Romeo 3 LR40: PLT LR87: CMD 'VIGIL' SR250: R1 SR260: R2 SR270: R3 + R3-2