OPERATIONS ORDER
Operation Achilles (2016), Gatecrasher

--- OPERATIONS ORDER ---

Situation

Background Information
UNITAF forces are moving to occupy a former Afghan National Army forward operating base on the edge of the Lythium Valley. The site was abandoned during the earlier collapse of government control and has since remained unused, allowing Taliban elements freedom of movement in the surrounding area. Reoccupying the FOB will provide a forward presence inside the valley and serve as a base for sustained patrol operations. UNITAF units will conduct aggressive ground patrols to disrupt Taliban activity, clear local villages and routes, and deny the enemy the ability to operate openly near the position. This operation marks the first step in reasserting coalition control of Lythium. The Taliban are expected to contest the area, but establishing and holding the FOB will set the conditions for follow-on raids, leadership targeting, and deeper operations throughout the valley.

Five-Star Rating System

Combat Intensity: ☆☆☆ Roleplay Emphasis: ☆☆ Difficulty: ☆☆☆

Friendly Forces
- BRAVO 9 Light Infantry Platoon - UGLY 5 AH-64 Apache Gunship armed with chain gun, 8x Hellfire missiles and two dumb rocket pylons - STARLIGHT 2-3 Chinook HC4 in support

Supporting Assets
Elements of the wider UNITAF force are operating across the Lythium area of operations in support of concurrent missions. The remainder of the company is positioned as cut-off forces to isolate the battlespace during Arnhem Company’s assault on the airfield at Lythium Town, preventing Taliban reinforcement or withdrawal. A light cavalry troop (callsign WOLF 4-2) will secure and screen the designated landing zone prior to our insertion. The can be reached on Radio Frequency 87. Once our force is on the ground and established, the cavalry element will transition to other assigned taskings elsewhere in the area of operations. No independent or non-aligned friendly elements are assessed to be operating within our immediate vicinity.

Enemy Forces
Taliban forces in the Lythium Valley are assessed as well equipped, well funded, and aggressively led. Enemy elements consist of light infantry armed with small arms, RPGs, PKM and DShK machine guns, and extensive IED capability. Fighters are terrain-familiar and supported by local logistics networks tied to the opium trade. Command and control is decentralized, enabling rapid, independent action by small units. Enemy Intent Enemy intent is assessed as delaying UNITAF operations, inflicting casualties, and maintaining freedom of movement in the area while avoiding decisive defeat. Enemy Most Likely COA The enemy will avoid decisive engagement and conduct persistent harassment of UNITAF forces through ambushes, IED strikes, and probing attacks on patrols and routes. Taliban elements are expected to test the former ANA FOB with indirect fire and re-infiltrate cleared areas once patrol pressure decreases. Enemy Most Dangerous COA Taliban forces mass multiple cells to conduct a coordinated attack against the FOB or an isolated patrol, combining IED strikes, heavy weapons, and manoeuvre elements to inflict casualties and force UNITAF to commit reserves.

Mission

Tasking
UNITAF forces are tasked with occupying and securing a former Afghan National Army forward operating base on the edge of the Lythium Valley and conducting sustained patrol operations in the surrounding area. The unit will clear Taliban fighters, disrupt insurgent activity, and deny the enemy freedom of movement in the local battlespace. 2ups Intent To re-enter the Western Lythium Valley, establish and expand coalition footholds, and apply sustained pressure against Taliban networks in order to degrade insurgent control, enable freedom of maneuver for UNITAF forces, and set conditions for decisive operations across Helmand Province. 1ups Intent To establish a secure forward foothold in the Western Lythium Valley by seizing and holding the former ANA FOB and aggressively patrolling the surrounding area, in order to disrupt local Taliban cells, deny the enemy freedom of movement near key terrain, and enable follow‑on UNITAF raids and maneuver.

End-state
The former ANA FOB is secured and functioning as a patrol base, the surrounding area is under routine coalition patrol, Taliban presence is disrupted, and the enemy’s ability to operate near the position is denied, enabling follow‑on UNITAF raids and operations in the Lythium Valley.

Execution

Commander's Intent
Intent is to occupy and secure the former ANA FOB, establish immediate local security, and conduct aggressive patrols in the surrounding area to disrupt Taliban activity and prevent enemy interference with follow‑on UNITAF operations.

Tasks and Sequencing
PHASE 0 BRAVO will take get airlifted by a chinook to LZ-Crumpet escorted by UGLY 5. Upon dismount we will immediately organize and get ready to step off as the LZ has already been secured by a friendly troop PHASE 1 BRAVO Will move to assault Martin FOB, checking out the hamlets on the way, once both sections are in position they will perform a simultaneous assault along their respective routes. Upon clearance of the FOB, BRAVO will set up defensive positions until resupply arrives and prepare for next phase. Ugly 5 is to scout ahead, checking any potential threat areas starting with POI-A In the case POI-A is occupied by hostile forces, BRAVO is to take the alternate route to avoid fighting on multiple fronts. PHASE 2 When resupplied, BRAVO is to conduct patrols according to following priorities - Locations directly threatening Martin FOB with potential or confirmed hostile presence. - Confirmed Insurgent Strongholds - Villages with confirmed hostile presence - Insurgent camps - Confirmed Insurgent positions - Other potential Insurgent positions

Administration/Logistics

Resupply
Once the FOB is secured, a logistics crate will be delivered by the Chinook and called in Crossroads . Upon delivery, the crate will serve as the primary resupply point, allowing forces to replenish ammunition and basic supplies as operations continue.

Medical
Medical support will be conducted in field (PAK in Field)

Rules of Engagement
In accordance with SOP

Fire Support Plan
In accordance with SOP

Close Air Support
Close Air Support provided by Ugly 5, called in by BRAVO 7 and authorised via BRAVO 9, in accordance with SOP. Rotary-wing fires from Apache aircraft are restricted within 100 meters of confirmed civilian presence or civilian structures. Apache crews are not authorized to engage targets within this distance unless civilian presence can be positively ruled out and higher command approval is granted.

Command/Signal

Communications Plan

Callsign	Primary Frequency	Superior Frequency	ACTUAL
BRAVO 9	40mHz	37mHz	Cpl Melon Platoon Commander (≤32)
BRAVO 1	250mHz	40mHz	SFC Jenkins Squad Leader (≤15)
BRAVO 2	260mHz	40mHz	Cpl DrJaffas Squad Leader (≤15)

Considerations
Airnet: 80