OPERATIONS ORDER
Operation Hetman (2023), Żmij

--- OPERATIONS ORDER ---

Situation

Background Information
The Suwałki Strait is the focal point of a current, highly charged military standoff. A contingent of Russian forces, cut off from its main army group by the advancing Polish military and NATO units, has been caught near the border with Belarus. Under diplomatic pressure from China, Belarus has withdrawn military support months ago, however after intense negotiations with Kremlin, finally opened its borders — a corridor for retreat for the Russian forces. But the retreat has been slow, disorganized, and marked by tension, raising fears that the stranded Russian units might resort to desperate measures. Polish and NATO command suspect that not all elements of the Russian force intend to withdraw peacefully. Intelligence suggests there are rogue units preparing to sabotage the retreat. Further complicating matters, Belarusian neutrality remains uncertain, with reports of scattered Belarusian military activity near the border. Amid this chaos, GROM, Poland's elite special forces, has been tasked with infiltrating key locations along the Suwałki Straight to ensure compliance with the Russo-Belarusian withdrawal agreement. This involves a multi-pronged mission: verify the status of Russian troop movements at designated locations, disrupt any hostile actions by rogue elements, and rendezvous with Major Viktor Sokolov, a defecting Russian officer offering critical intelligence on Russia's future strategy.

Friendly Forces
The friendly unit is JW2305 – GROM, Poland's most senior Military Special Forces unit. This elite team operates under the callsign VOODOO 1.

Enemy Forces
OPFOR: The enemy consists primarily of Motor Rifle Troops (MSV) of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Logistical Support troops, with possible presence of Spetsnaz special forces elements. NEUTRAL: The Belarusian Ground Forces, are located behind the border but right next to the AO, shared by the Belarusian part. Although they do not fall within the AO directly, proximity to it warrants due consideration in mission planning and execution. Situation and Role Positioning: Belarusian forces are deployed on their side of the border, overseeing the corridor through which the Russian troops are retreating. Their presence is primarily to monitor compliance with the withdrawal agreement and to maintain the sovereignty of Belarusian territory. Role:

• Border Security: Ensuring the retreating Russian forces keep strictly to the designated corridor and do not veer into unauthorized areas.
• Neutral Observers: While officially impartial, the real mission objective is to prevent any conflict spill-over onto Belarusian territory.
• Facilitators of Retreat: The facilitation of the orderly withdrawal of Russian forces by guidance and, as necessary, logistical support within their borders.

Posture and Rules of Engagement: Neutral but Cautious Stance: The Belarusian military is being very cautious given the high tensions in the region. While they are not expected to engage proactively, any perceived aggression crossing into their territory could provoke a defensive response. Rules of Engagement for GROM (VOODOO 1):

1. Do Not Engage: Under no circumstances are Belarusian forces to be engaged unless they initiate hostilities and continue to pose an immediate threat.
2. Disengage if Possible: In case of firing from the Belarusian units, prioritize disengagement and de-escalation in any unexpected encounters.
3. Intelligence Updates: Report any changes in Belarusian force posture or movements through radio communication with HQ.

Mission

Tasking
The unit JW2305 – GROM Special Forces squad, VOODOO 1 , conducts clandestine reconnaissance and intelligence operations in the Suwałki Strait AO adjacent to the Belarus border. Assigned Tasks:

1. Verify Russian Withdrawal Compliance:
• Conduct clandestine infiltration to observe and confirm the progress of Russian troop withdrawal at designated checkpoints and key locations.
• Identify any signs of Russian forces delaying, reorganizing, or preparing for renewed hostilities.
2. Establish Contact with Defector:
• Secure a meeting with Major Viktor Sokolov - callsign STRANGER , a defecting Russian officer who has critical intelligence regarding Russia's future military plans. Below is a photograph of the Major, note that he most likely will not wear a parade uniform. The details on how to recognise and contact him will be given upon STARTEX.

• Extract actionable intelligence without compromising the unit's position.
3. Monitor and Disrupt Rogue Elements:
• Identify and report any rogue Russian forces that refuse to withdraw in accordance with the agreement.
• Neutralize hostile preparations, sabotage key assets, or neutralize immediate threats if necessary and authorized to do so.
4. Do Not Engage Belarusian Forces:
• Maintain strict adherence to rules of engagement (ROE) regarding Belarusian Ground Forces operating behind the border.
• Avoid provocations or escalation by disengaging from any Belarusian units unless persistently engaged and immediate self-defense is required.
5. Reconnaissance and Intelligence Gathering:
• Collect intelligence on enemy movements, defensive positions, and the overall situation within the AO.
• Report findings to higher command for strategic assessment.
6. Ensure Operational Stealth:
• Execute the mission with precision and minimal visibility. Avoid detection by Russian forces.

End-state
The desired end-state for VOODOO 1 is the confirmation of the Russian withdrawal along key checkpoints of the border, with assurance that any potential rogue elements have been found, monitored, or otherwise disrupted as needed. Contact will be established with the defecting Russian officer, Major Viktor Sokolov, with any critical intelligence on Russian intentions being secured and relayed back to higher command. Throughout the mission, VOODOO 1 shall refrain from any escalation with Belarusian forces, making sure there are no cross-border incidents or engagements to protect the fragile diplomatic situation. The unit is to EXFIL the area of operation in a manner that prevents detection, maintaining full operational integrity and readiness for future tasks. In the case of mission failure, VOODOO 1 is to immediately disengage and withdraw to friendly lines, holding casualties to a minimum while reporting all acquired intelligence or observations to higher command for further strategic review. Avoidance of unnecessary escalation is crucial to mission success.

Execution

Commander's Intent
The purpose of this mission is to collect intelligence regarding the Russian withdrawal.

Tasks and Sequencing

Concept of Operations

The mission will be completed in three main phases. Note that Phase 1 and Phase 2 may overlap.

1) Recconnaissance of key sectors

Objective: Investigate Russian withdrawal from the area Actions: VODOO VODOO departs Assembly Area and investigates SECTOR WHISKEy, sector November, sector Delta and sector Kilo in that order. Movement and observation is to be conducted stealthily, without drawing any attention to ourselves. We will move as a squad, with a small lead element conducting immediate security reconnaissance for the unit as a whole. Opon reaching each sector, the squad will likely split up into smaller sub-elements to ensure observation from multiple directions. Sub-elements must if so communicate efficiently and clearly with their direct leaders. Periodic reports containing the following information should be communicated to the field leader: 1) Enemy movements and activity 2) Enemy readiness levels and equipment 4) Defensive positions 5) Whereabouts of HVT 6) Other activity, threats, opportunities Note that whilst some sub-elements may be tasked with reconnaissance, others may be tasked with security. It is expected, for most of these sectors, that we will be able to conduct reconnaissance at a distance. If this is made impossible, for whatever reason, we will conduct close reconnaissance. This will be done by ensuring that one team finds a good overwatch position before we send in a probing team / buddy team. It is crucial that the buddy team does not attract attention to itself, and it must if so act extremely cautiously. If the probing team is compromised, the overwatch team will ensure fire superiority, allowing the probing team to exfiltrate safely. Should this happen, we will likely exfiltrate from the AO and this operation will be considered a failure, so we will do our utmost to avoid such circumstances.

2) CONTACT WITH DEFECTOR

Objective: Speak with, and gather intel from, STRANGER. Actions: VODOO The approach to this task will be highly dependent on STRANGER's location. Expect a similar approach as with close reconnaissance described above.

3) EXFILTRATION

Objective: Return to friendly territory after having gathered sufficient intelligence. Actions: VODOO Depending on VODOO's position and enemy activity, VODOO may exfiltrate either via ROUTE HAILSTORM or ROUTE TYPHOON. Both should provide good cover and concealment. Alternative routing may also be used if need be.

Administration/Logistics

Resupply
Expect no support during this operation. Leave nothing behind.

Medical
Expect no support during this operation. Leave nothing behind.

Rules of Engagement
For the duration of this operation, light and laser discipline must be maintained. Weapons are expected to be RED for the duration of the operation. In the case of CPERS, we will tie and gag them in situ. We have no capabilities of taking them with us.

Fire Support Plan
In accordance with SOP

Close Air Support
In accordance with SOP

Command/Signal

Communications Plan

Callsign	Primary Frequency	Superior Frequency	ACTUAL
VOODOO 1	250mHz	40mHz	Maj Korean Falcon SF Commander (≤45)

Considerations
In accordance with SOP