OPERATIONS ORDER
Operation Panther (1969), Highboy 24

--- OPERATIONS ORDER ---

Situation

Background Information
This is a rapid-response operation to extract a besieged Special Forces (SF) Scout team, callsign "Shadow," currently holed up in Prao village, approximately 8 kilometers northeast of our position at the Khe Sanh combat base. The distress call from Shadow, received four hours ago, indicates they are 2 kilometers south of the enemy-held Xom Bau Radar base. We have been tasked to insert east of Prao for extraction and potential further action based on the intel gathered by Shadow. The area is characterised by hilly, forested terrain with limited landing zones, and while enemy presence is assessed as light-to-medium with primarily infantry forces, there is a notable threat from anti-aircraft capabilities. Our approach hinges on leveraging Reaper's firepower to suppress enemy positions, facilitating infantry deployment for intelligence-driven objectives, beginning with the rescue of Shadow.

Friendly Forces
Air cavalry platoon QRF, consisting of two infantry squads, supported by three Huey helicopters (one multi-role heavy hog and two transports with side-gunners), a Chinook, and a Seahorse for logistics. Providing a balanced mix of rapid airborne insertion, firepower, and logistical support for versatile operations in challenging terrain.

Supporting Assets
With the exception of Shadow, no independent forces are actively involved in the area of operations.

Enemy Forces
The People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN), is composed of light-to-medium infantry units. These forces are known to be entrenched in the region, particularly around the Xom Bau Radar base. While no armored vehicles are expected, the PAVN possesses anti-aircraft machine guns, posing a significant threat to our air assets. The enemy is anticipated to defend their positions aggressively, possibly attempt to overwhelm the SF Scout team at Prao, and may deploy reinforcements to counter our QRF's extraction efforts. Their tactics likely include ambushes and guerrilla warfare, exploiting the hilly and forested terrain.

Mission

Tasking
Execute a rapid airborne insertion east of Prao village, neutralize enemy forces, and extract the SF Scout team "Shadow." Assess and act on gathered intelligence, with potential expansion of objectives based on the intel's actionable content.

End-state
Upon successful mission completion regroup and exfiltrate to Khe Sanh combat base for debriefing. In the event of mission failure or untenable conditions, execute a tactical withdrawal to Khe Sanh, ensuring minimal casualties and preserving critical intelligence.

Execution

Commander's Intent
The purpose of this mission is to swiftly extract the SF Scout team "Shadow" from Prao village, neutralizing enemy forces as necessary. This extraction will secure critical intelligence gathered by Shadow, potentially guiding further operations against the PAVN. We intend to fully utilize the mobility of our air cavalry, rapidly repositioning our infantry to gain tactical advantages and respond swiftly to dynamic battlefield conditions.

Tasks and Sequencing
The QRF, callsign X-RAY, will be inserted via air east of Prao village using the three Huey helicopters (Reaper callsigns) to a selection of landing zones and supported by Vigil. Infantry squads will advance towards Prao under Reaper's aerial support. Tasks:

• Reaper: Provide close air support under FAC direction and suppress enemy AA capabilities for extraction support. Provide rapid airlift capability.
• Vigil: Facilitate logistics, including resupply and casualty evacuation.
• Infantry Squads: Secure and extract Shadow, engage enemy forces, and execute ground-based objectives.

Objectives:

• OBJ Alpha: Secure landing zone and establish perimeter.
• OBJ Bravo: Locate and secure SF Scout team Shadow
• OBJ Charlie: Extract SF Scout team Shadow.
• OBJ Delta: Assess and act on gathered intelligence.
• OBJ Echo: Execute withdrawal or additional objectives as per real-time assessments.

Administration/Logistics

Resupply
Resupply logistics packages (LOGPAKs) will be provided by callsign "Vigil" through air drops or insertions as required to support the operation.

Medical
Medical support will be conducted in field (PAK in Field). In the event of a MCI, air assets will be utilised to rapidly extract casualties to a safer location for treatment, including in-air medical care if necessary.

Rules of Engagement
In accordance with SOP

Fire Support Plan
In accordance with SOP

Close Air Support
Close Air Support, provided by the three Huey helicopters under callsign "Reaper," with one operating in a multi-role heavy hog configuration providing both firepower and transport capabilities, and two others in a transport capacity equipped with side-gunners for additional support will be controlled by the platoon's Forward Air Controller (FAC).

Command/Signal

Communications Plan

Callsign	Primary Frequency	Superior Frequency	ACTUAL
XRAY 9	40mHz	37mHz	LtCol James Platoon Commander (≤45)
XRAY 1	250mHz	40mHz	Maj Korean Falcon Squad Leader (≤15)
XRAY 1-1	251mHz	250mHz	SP1 BuLLDoG. Fireteam Leader (≤6)
XRAY 1-2	252mHz	250mHz	SP1 Wavan (Ret.) Acting Fireteam Leader (≤5)
XRAY 2	260mHz	40mHz	SPC Zuka (Ret.) Squad Leader (≤15)
XRAY 2-1	261mHz	260mHz	SP3 Pete (Ret.) Fireteam Leader (≤6)
XRAY 2-2	262mHz	260mHz	SP3 Bossatron Acting Fireteam Leader (≤5)
VIGIL 4	70mHz	43mHz	PFC Kat Logistics Support Chief

Considerations
Signal - Red: enemy position - Orange: friendly vehicle requiring support - Purple: friendly MASCAS - Blue or Green: friendly position - White: concealment