OPERATIONS ORDER
Operation Giantsbane (1940s), Wayfinder

--- OPERATIONS ORDER ---

Situation

Background Information
Notice: this deployment uses the Spearhead 1944 CDLC With the recent capture of Saint Lo US forces must drive deeper into Normandy making way for further Allied forces to land and push in towards Paris. With this in mind we are tasked with completing a reconnaissance of Saint Gilles to the West across the river. Eliminating any troops, strong points or other resistance we find. If it becomes too volatile of a situation we will have to pull back and approach with greater numbers. Tasking is simple, push forwards, eliminate what we can and get out if it gets too hot. German Panzers are on reactionary duties in this area. The more you do the more likely a QRF comes in to try to counter your efforts.

Friendly Forces
1x Reconnaissance Squad 2x Greyhound Armored Cars

Supporting Assets
Friendly forces in and around Saint Lo, potential for air assets to be doing CAS strikes in the area. But that's dependent on clear skies.

Enemy Forces
German Grenadier forces Conscripts from the east All assets they could muster Statics, Vehicles Infantry Likely no air assets

Mission

Tasking
Push as far west as feasible with the resources available. Use recon to pick your targets

End-state
Advanced west getting a foothold across the river.

Execution

Commander's Intent
Purpose: To obtain actionable intelligence on the main route between Saint Lô and Saint Gilles, as well as elimination of appropriate threats within the capacity of Lightning, ensuring safe and efficient movement of friendly forces during the upcoming offensive. Key Tasks: - Secure a beachhead just West of River Vire - Identify and report enemy forces, positions, and activities along the route. - Assess road conditions and alternative avenues of approach - Detect and mark minefields and other hazards. - Initiate decisive engagement with the enemy only with appropriate targets. End State: The route from Saint Lô to Saint Gilles is thoroughly reconnoitred, with all significant threats and obstacles identified and reported. Threats that Lightning can deal with on their own are eliminated, resulting in a beachhead on the west side of River Vire.

Tasks and Sequencing

Concept of Operations

The mission will be completed in four phases:

1) Preparations

Objective: Depart from the Assembly Area in Saint Lô and reach Starting Point DONALD undetected Time: Depart at latest at STARTEX+20 to make good use of early dawn Route: Direct to SP from AA Formation: Staggered Column Actions: * Maintain strict noise and light discipline * Maintain observation across River Vire to Agneaux for any detectable threats

2) Securing Beachhead in Agneaux

Objective: Secure initial beachhead in Agneaux (just west of the N172 bridge) Actions: * Observe and communicate potential threats before crossing bridge * Cross bridge, investigate nearby buildings * Establish a temporary observation post at the MSR bend

3) Reconnoitre route up to Phase Line RED

Objective: Investigate and ensure a good overview of potential and actual threats in between DEPARTURE LINE YELLOW and PHASE LINE RED, and deal with threats as appropriate Actions: * Advance parallel to N172 on its northern flank, reaching CHECKPOINT GOOFY via CHECKPOINT MICKIE and CHECKPOINT PLUTO * Fan out from specified route to investigate hamlets and other built-up areas * Observe and take note of enemy positions, patrols, and other signs of OPFOR activity * Decisively engage and eliminate targets of opportunity

4A) Seizure of Saint Gilles (only if intelligence suggests success)

Condition: High probability of success in seizing Saint Gilles Objective: Observe and take note of enemy presence and threats within Saint Gilles, and, if appropriate, move to seize the town Actions: * Observe enemy positions and patrols in and around Saint Gilles * If seeking to seize Saint Gilles, make use of foliage to its northeast to enter the town, then commence house-to-house clearing * Upon reaching RELEASE POINT MINNIE, take up and assume defensive positions

4B) Disengage and return to Saint Lô (only if Saint Gilles is not capturable

Condition: Low probability of success in seizing Saint Gilles Objective: Return to the assembly area safely Actions: * Disengage from contacts, and move under cover back to Saint Lô

Division of Tasks

Squad leader (Lightning 1-0): Overall mission command and coordination, decision-making, communication with higher command Lightning 1-1: * Phase 2: Point element, secure beachhead structures * Phase 3: Point element, lead the formation by scouting for enemy activity to the front * Phase 4A: Clear structures in Saint Gilles * Phase 4B: Rear element, ensure rear security as the formation falls back to Saint Lô Lightning 1-2: * Phase 2: Rear element, assume observation post at the MSR bend * Phase 3: Rear element, scout for enemy activity at the flanks, provide flanking manoeuvre in case of contact * Phase 4A: Clear structures in Saint Gilles * Phase 4B: Point element, ensure front security as the formation falls back to Saint Lô Thunder 2: * Phase 2: Follow the infantry formation, assume support positions at the temporary observation post at MSR bend. In case of contact, prioritises force multipliers * Phase 3: Follow the infantry formation, assume support positions at the temporary observation post at MSR bend. In case of contact, prioritises force multipliers * Phase 4A: Maintain street and flank security whilst infantry clears the interior of structures * Phase 4B: Support infantry fall-back by providing overwhelming firepower and targeting force multipliers

Administration/Logistics

Resupply
All elements takes with them a full combat load and - where possible - smoke grenades. Extra equipment will be stored in Thunder's vehicles. Due to the nature of this operation, HQ willprovide further logistical support Only if absolutely necessary.

Medical
PAK in field is on. If necessary, squad medic becomes the medical leader in an MCI. Planned CCP is always the last cleared checkpoint. Nearest aid station is located at Assembly Area CLARABELLE.

Rules of Engagement
Amber for the duration of the mission - only fire in self-defence and on agreed-upon targets. If unplanned contact with the enemy is made, first course of action will be to initiate a brief controlled fallback to identified safe positions, before any offensive actions are to be made. CPERS are to be detained, stripped of weapons, gagged, and left in a safe position. Their location must be marked and communicated to HQ to ensure that follow-on troops can retrieve the CPERS safely.

Fire Support Plan
In accordance with SOP

Close Air Support
In accordance with SOP

Command/Signal

Communications Plan

Callsign	Primary Frequency	Superior Frequency	ACTUAL
LIGHTNING 1	250mHz	40mHz	Maj Korean Falcon Squad Commander (≤28)
LIGHTNING 1-1	251mHz	250mHz	SFC Jenkins Fireteam Leader (≤6)
LIGHTNING 1-2	252mHz	250mHz	Sgt Jochem (Ret.) Acting Fireteam Leader (≤5)
THUNDER 2-1	261mHz	260mHz	AFV Section Commander
THUNDER 2-2	262mHz	260mHz	SP2 Scape AFV Crewman (Commander)

Considerations
Succession of command: 1-0 > 1-1 > 1-2 > 2-0 Communications: Teams are expected to never operate outside of visual contact. In the case of critical communication during combat in instances where direct communication is made impossible, smoke signals are to be used. BLUE = Friendly Position / Support Required RED = Enemy position Purple = Casualty situation Orange = Broken-down vehicle Contingencies: Loss of leadership - Checkpoints also function as Rally points should the teams be split up. Always return to the last cleared checkpoint if you are separated from your team.