OPERATIONS ORDER
Operation Panther (1969), White Rabbit

--- OPERATIONS ORDER ---

Situation

Background Information
After some successful patrols in the deeper jungle regions we lost track of enemy movement in the west. Our spotters reported hastily built barricades around the town of Bai Bien Dep. Our intelligence officers think it will be used for reinforced mortar positions as well as a rally point for a counterattack on the harbor of Shihanoukville. F4 recon images also hint at a VC mining operation within hill 100 east of Bai Bien Dep indicating in a combined operation with VC forces. Our best guess is preparations to further create a tunnel connection hub for VC movement in the larger area. Our biggest concern however is the rally point in Bai Bien Dep.

Friendly Forces
Infantry platoon * 1 HQ with supporting elements * 2 infantry squads * 2 light attack helicopters * 2 light tanks * logistics support

Enemy Forces
* PAVN HQ element * PAVN infantry * PAVN recon teams * PAVN mortar teams * PAVN light vehicles * PAVN AA vehicles * PAWN light tank (deemed possible by intelligence office) * VC HQ element * VC light infantry

Mission

Tasking
* Locate information about the enemy operation in and around Xo Xanh * Search and destroy the enemy command fortification * Take back Bai Bien Dep and seize any hostile elements you find there * Search and destroy any VC mining operation

End-state
* The enemy command structure with its HQ element has been destroyed and preferably captured for interrogation * Bai Bien Dep has been taken back so engineer teams can safely work on destroying any enemy fortification and logistical structures * VC mining operation is suppressed to the level that the area can't be used for further logistical deeds

Execution

Commander's Intent
The purpose of this mission is to route out enemy defences being constructed in Bai Bien Dep, and investigate enemy movement to the West of San Bay Ban Airfield. To this end, Panther platoon and supporting elements will push West of the airfield before searching out an enemy HQ, then pushing South to attack Bai Bien Dep. At all times, PID targets as CIVPOP will be present along much of our movement route. Do not engage non-combatants of any form. Attempt to save civilian infrastructure, but not at the cost of friendly lives.

Tasks and Sequencing
OBJECTIVE CODES OBJ-MOIST: Swamp area with enemy movement reported. OBJ-POND: Small settlement. Potential enemy movement in the area. CIVPOP may have intel for us on position of OBJ-CASTLE. OBJ-CASTLE: Enemy HQ. Unknown position, but suspected position around the map marker. This OBJ marker may move once we determine actual location. OBJ-STORM: Potential enemy firebase. OBJ-BRIMSTONE: Enemy occupied settlement, fortifications being constructed on East and S/E sides. OBJ-SHAFT: Enemy occupied hill into which tunnels are being constructed, and resources mined. Dragonfly & Ironside Standing orders for callsigns Dragonfly and Ironside are to move along the platoon movement route supporting in their best capacity. Ironside section commander will have permission to move at their discretion, provided they do not move out of supporting range of the infantry. Dragonfly will be guided onto taskings via smoke signals and landmarks. Dragonfly will also act as basic reconnaissance, spotting enemy hard positions and movements ahead of time if possible. Phase 0 Consists of a flight out from Maxwell Field along Route Silverspoon to FOB Javwel. Once there, Panther platoon will form up in platoon column and step off towards PL WP1. Phase 1 Platoon pushes PL WP2, splitting on arrival to cover the swamp for OBJ-MOIST. Platoon moves in-line towards PL WP3, with Panther 1 on the North side of movement and Panther 2 on the South. CIVPOP possible around the structures at OBJ-MOIST. Upon arrival at PL WP3, ACE report and re-supply before moving on if necessary. Phase 2 Squads move independently toward OBJ-POND and their assigned posts. Panther 2 to set up security on the South side of the settlement, including watching the road. Panther 1 handles Northern security as well as searching the settlement for enemy troops/ equipment, and attempting to retrieve intel on enemy HQ (OBJ-CASTLE) location from locals. If no such intel is found, continue along planned platoon movement route North of the body of water, checking out PL WP4 before moving N/W to search for the HQ location. Should we find the HQ along the planned route, closest team to lay heavy suppression on enemy positions whilst second team moves along either flank to envelop the HQ and enter. Platoon regroups at the HQ or PL WP5 before moving to PL WP6. Movement to continue S/E along the ridge, once past Hill 118 moving into platoon R. Echelon. Once platoon hits OP HOTEL, begin observation/ scouting of Bai Bien Dep to determine best assault route. Phase 3 One squad will take Dog Sector with the settlement, the other Wolf Sector with the constructed defences and beach area. Routes will be determined by scouting ahead of Phase 3. Objectives Storm and Shaft will be stretch/ opportunistic.

Administration/Logistics

Resupply
Logistics (Callsign CYCLOPS) will operate with assistance from Dragonfly, also having access to ground vehicles should particular areas be inaccessible to the rotary.

Medical
Dragonfly may be used to CASEVAC if the situation requires, at the discretion of Panther 9.

Rules of Engagement
In accordance with SOP

Fire Support Plan
In accordance with SOP

Close Air Support
In accordance with SOP

Command/Signal

Red and green smokes to be carried by every element in order to mark positions as references to Dragonfly. Orange smoke may be used to mark downed friendly vehicles. Purple as standard for MASSCAS situations. Blue to denote LZs for Dragonfly.