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ROLLING THUNDER: OPERATION PREDATOR'S CLASH - Mission 1


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Here is the OPORD:

OPERATION PREDATOR’S CLASH

OPERATIONS ORDER - BATTLE GROUP PARATUS - "BG PARATUS") 1/15

Time Zone: KILO used throughout (ZULU + 10, Australian East Coast local time)

Situation

- General

The Australian Army is undergoing a period of moderisation and transition from old platforms to new. This has resulted in a need to manage risk to ensure that a minimum level of capability is retained while these new capabilities are brought into service.

The new APC capability is now in service and the Leopard tank replacement programme is underway with B Squadron training in the US on the new vehicle and A Squadron remaining here with the current Leopard AS1 vehicle type. In two months B Squadron with come on line with the M1A1 AIM SA vehicle and A Squadron will go overseas for its conversion training.

Unfortunately one of our neighbours has taken advantage of this dip in combat power to press a long standing resource/territorial dispute.

- Enemy

The 1st OPFOR Expeditionary Division has landed on the SUNSHINE COAST, spent a brief period consolidating, subsequently broken out and has been able to penetrate deep into the QLD hinterland.

The Division is advancing on two axes with a Mech Brigade on each and the second echelon Brigade in depth ready to support whichever axis achieves the most success.

Their Objective appears to be the encirclement and isolation of BRISBANE to obtain a strong bargaining position.

It is assessed that this formation is well equipped with T-80 and BTR-80 variants and has six days of supply.

The enemy is having difficulty maintaining the lines of communication from their homeland to the lodgement so while fuel, water and rations can be sourced locally ammunition and repair parts will become critical after six days.

Recent activity:

The inner prong of the Divisional advance has become enmeshed in the outer suburban rim of BRISBANE and its advance has slowed. The outer BDE though has stayed in mainly rural areas and has focused its advance using the MOUNT LINDESAY HIGHWAY as its primary axis. The BDE has already secured its initial objective of crossing points over the LOGAN RIVER and is postured to continue its advance towards its subsequent objective, being the communications and logistical hub of BEAUDESERT. If they are allowed to seize BEAUDESERT they can exploit to the JOSEPHVILLE DEFILE and block reinforcement from NSW.

The Brigade’s assessed main and secondary axes are as marked.

17352669966_cf4b68dc72_o.png

- Friendly

The Covering Force consisting of B Squadron 2nd/14th Queensland Mounted Infantry have been badly mauled but managed to inflict some casualties and impose some delay.

However they were unable to deny the MOUNT LINDESAY HIGHWAY bridge at Maclean nor the LOGAN River itself. They have completed a passage of lines and are now refurbishing in BEAUDESERT. They will not be combat effective for another 72 hours.

It is likely that some OPFOR Divisional reconnaissance elements were able to exploit gaps in the Covering Force’s coverage and may already be in our TAOR.

BG PARATUS is all that stands between the LOGAN RIVER and points South.

The Battle Group's structure comprises:

BG HQ based on RHQ 1st Armoured Regt

CT EAGLE - 1 x Cav Sqn

CT LEOPARD - 1 x Tk Hvy CT (SHQ, two Tk Tps, one Mech Inf Pl)

CT TIGER - 1 x Mech Inf Hvy CT (CHQ, two Mech Inf Pl, one Tk Tp, Spt Section, Mortar Pl)

- Civilians

Large numbers of Queenslanders citizens are fleeing Southward. These internally displaced persons (IDPs) are choking roads and making movement North on the main routes very difficult.

The obstacles created by this press of people have been increased by vehicle accidents, abandoned vehicles and wreckage caused by air and artillery strikes.

It is expected that this movement will thin out in the next couple of hours as people seek shelter in cellars, etc. rather than move in the open as OPFOR combat forces approach.

Mission

The BG PARATUS is to deny penetration within TAOR beyond PL FAITHFUL, in order to set the conditions for follow on AS forces to repulse the invader.

- Execution

Intent:

The BG PARATUS will:

- Successfully detect the OPFOR forces breaking out of the LOGAN River.

- Delay the OPFOR on successive delay lines based on CEDAR GROVE, WOODHILL and PL FAITHFUL.

- Provide sufficient time for additional friendly forces to concentrate and conduct offensive operations.

- Exploit any opportunities that may arise to retaken the LOGAN River crossings.

ENDSTATE:

- OPFOR Forces held North of PL FAITHFUL

- BEAUDESERT secured.

- BG PARATUS remains combat effective (less than 30% casualties).

17352668406_f2473a6f59_o.png

General:

A three phase operation.

Phase 1: Occupy CT TAORs.

Phase 2: CT EAGLE detect OPFOR advance and engage targets of opportunity.

Phase 3: CT LEOPARD and TIGER impose delay on OPFOR forces North of PL FAITHFUL.

Groupings and tasks:

All Phases:

CT EAGLE:

- Occupy TAOR COURAGE

- No move North of PL BONNET

- Detect and attrite OPFOR advance

- Achieve clean break at PL TAILGATE

- Withdraw though CT TIGER’s TAOR

- Form BG Reserve vic VERISDALE

CT LEOPARD

- Occupy TAOR BLACK

- Responsible for MOUNT LINDESAY HIGHWAY axis

- Conduct delay on Delay Line A

- On Order, fall back to Delay Line B

- Maintain contact with CT TIGER and 5 RAR

- Deny penetration of PL FAITHFUL

CT TIGER

- Occupy TAOR GREEN

- Responsible for MILLSTREAM ROAD axis

- Be prepared for rearward passage of lines with CT EAGLE

- Conduct delay on Delay Line A

- On Order, fall back to Delay Line B

- Maintain contact with CT LEOPARD and 3 RAR

- Deny penetration of PL FAITHFUL

Main effort:

- Deny penetration South of PL FAITHFUL

Supporting Effort(s):

- Detect and attrite OPFOR Advance

- Deny penetration as far North as possible

Fires:

CAIRS: 3 Missions

Guns can provide: 3 x 6 tube howitzer fire units (HE and SMK)

CT TIGER can provide: 1 x 6 tube mortar fire unit

Priority of fires:

CT EAGLE has priority for fire until they cross PL TAILGATE

Then at CO’s discretion

Obstacles:

Apart from the LOGAN River itself only local obstacles can be created from within CT resources.

Air:

Fighting units to make "local arrangements".

Air parity exists.

We are second for support on the Air Task Ord. First priority is interdicting the lines of communication to SUNSHINE COAST lodgement.

OPFOR air threat considered possible.

Admin and Log:

Echelons to be based no further North than PL FAITHFUL.

Priority will be ammunition.

Vehicle casualties will only be recovered if the location is secure.

Command and Sig:

Timings:

H Hour: 060600KJUN07

TAORs Occupied NLT: 060630KJUN07

PL FAITHFUL denied until at least 060800KJUN07

Sunrise: approx. 0600

Sunset: approx. 1800

Nautical twilight begins at 0545, ends at 1900

Updates:

Updates to the OPORD will be by FRAGO.

Cleared by

C. Palmer, psc

MAJ

S3 BG PARATUS

01 JUN 07

P. Hansen

LTCOL

CO BG PARATUS

01 JUN 07

Link to OPORD Word Document:

https://my.pcloud.com/publink/show?code=XZqJsXZPISHkrSnCjk9REEType0TVkSIwrX

Link to planning scenario **:

https://my.pcloud.com/publink/show?code=XZ3d9XZelL9NqFPlRYxYLqWzUpCcRH5fN7V

** This file is password protected for Red but can let you review the terrain, your units, etc.

Please do not create a plan file based on this as things may well change. A day or two prior I'll post a link to the "final" file and you can create your plan files then.

I suggest that process be:

1st CT adds their plan and saves

passes it to 2nd CT

2nd CT adds their plan to the original and saves

passes it to 3rd CT

3rd CT adds their plan to the one from CT 2 and saves

passes it to CO.

CO reviews plan and adjusts if required, then we use that one.

Edited by Gibsonm
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This thread is primarily for G241 as the BG CO to discuss options with his CT OCs.

If you as a Tp/Pl commander or vehicle commander have a query direct it to your CT OC.

They can then either answer it (this should be the result 90% of the time) or pass it up to the CO for a determination.

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From: OC CT EAGLE (T29)

To: CO BG PARATUS (G241)

Subject: OPORD BG PARATUS 1/15

I submit the following comments for review, clarification and decision:

a. Plan -I concur with the overall plan;

b. Terminology – I’ve been able to find the meaning of the acronym TAOR, but not for “CAIRS.” “Close Air Strike,” perhaps? These and other terms might need clarification as the Operation progresses;

c. Artillery – Do I coordinate my own fire missions while in TAOR COURAGE, or must they go through higher HQ for action? I know that I have priority of fire, and therefore wish to clarify the fire mission methodology;

d. Obstacles – “Only local obstacles can be created from within CT resources.” Will resources be made available to me prior to STARTEX to allow the building/deployment of obstacles? I do not appear to have any at hand currently;

e. Air – “Fighting units to make local arrangements.” What “local arrangements” are possible and authorized, with whom can they be made, and what air assets are available?

f. Admin and Log – If my “A” echelon (resupply) is held south of PL FAITHFUL, it will be approximately 15-17 km away from my “F” Echelon vehicles. We are directed to “engage targets of opportunity” and to “detect and attrit [the] OPFOR advance.” I intend to engage and attrit enemy targets as much as possible without compromising the primary requirement of detecting and reporting them. This will require speedy ammunition resupply as the operation progresses. Accordingly I request permission to have an escorted ammunition vehicle located in TAOR COURAGE, initially no further north than Northing 21 and probably in the southern portion of JIMBOOMBA or in the wooded area directly to the EAST.

g. Orders – Do you wish to discuss the CT orders with your OCs before they are issued to our sub-units?

T29

OC CT EAGLE

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Combat Team Commanders

I would like if possible to conduct BG Orders for Mission 1. I believe that you are all GMT + 1 and +2 , so I assume a time like 1800 GMT may be suitable for you.

It would be great to have it in the next few days. Can you please advise your most suitable times.

I will post this on the SB forum as well.

Regards

G241

( Michael )

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Mike,

1800 GMT is 1300 local for me (GMT -5). Mon, Wed, Thu and Fri next week are all clear for me. I could also do Tue, but I would have to change an appointment that day. That said, a change is certainly possible.

Cheers,

T29

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  • 2 weeks later...

Current manning with a fortnight to go:

Mission one: Delay

BG CO - G240

Guns -

Cav screen:

SHQ (V20) - Tango29

Cav Tp (V21) - RedWardancer

Cav Tp (V22) - Tjay

Cav Tp (V23) - Jumo213

Tk Hvy CT (Leopard AS1):

SHQ (T10) - Falli

Tk Tp (T11) - Tacbat

Tk Tp (T12) - Froggy, Darklabor, Tom83

Mech Pl (13) -

Mech Inf Hvy CT:

CHQ (10) - Duke

Mech Pl (11) - Smithcorp

Mech Pl (12) - Brun

Spt section (16 & 16A with Javelin) -

MOR Pl (81) -

Tk Tp (T13) - Connaugh

EXCON / Red - Gibsonm

As Required: Grenny, 12Alfa, Panzer_Leader

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Got them all, with a minor glitch on Mission 1: did not fully download initially but got the full file next try.

I find that my original saved plan for the screen ops is now invalid. I'll redraw it, save it, load it onto the Mission 1 trace, save that file and submit it to the CO for further CT amendments.

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I find that my original saved plan for the screen ops is now invalid.

Yep, as flagged earlier here and in PM traffic.

I'll redraw it, save it, load it onto the Mission 1 trace, save that file and submit it to the CO for further CT amendments.

Remember to do load the mission and then save your markings as the plan file (i.e. in the gap between loading the file and pressing "go") and pass the plan file around.

Do not open the Mission Editor and add the markings to the underlying base graphics. :)

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Updated Final trace with CT EAGLE input sent to G241, Gibsonm, Tjay, RedWardancer and Jumo213 via PM.

Tjay, RedWardancer and Jumo213: please check your PM page. Download the plan file and apply it to the Mission 1 Final Scenario.

https://my.pcloud.com/publink/show?code=XZq1AXZpjHQDwysSDSSsIs3x5Eh4fSnRGDX

This will provide you with additional information as discussed in the PM. You can expect CT EAGLE orders within 48 hours.

One week to STARTEX. :thumbup:

Edited by Tango29
Include Final Mission 1 Scenario
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Mark,

Tried to send you a PM and got the following note: "Gibsonm has exceeded their stored private messages quota and cannot accept further messages until they clear some space."

For info and appropriate action...:)

PS: Although we apparently do not need them yet, I do have trace screenshots as backups as queried in your recent PM to me. :clin:

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Mark,

Tried to send you a PM and got the following note: "Gibsonm has exceeded their stored private messages quota and cannot accept further messages until they clear some space."

Yes because you keep sending me PMs. :)

Any chance you can either send one PM that covers more than one issue or

Post to the BG ANZAC Forum? :)

Will try and clear the backlog.

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Yes because you keep sending me PMs. :)

Any chance you can either send one PM that covers more than one issue or

Post to the BG ANZAC Forum? :)

Will try and clear the backlog.

Sure. This will certainly bring new meaning to the term "minimize" as it pertains to PMs! BTW, I'll have to clear some of my PM traffic as well... :sad2:

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Will we be posting the CT OPORDS and traces on this thread for general use? The CT EAGLE OPORD went out last night to the BG Commander and the recce troop leaders via PM. Once I get a thumbs up from the BG Commander I'll be set to go.

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Well ...

This thread is primarily for G241 as the BG CO to discuss options with his CT OCs.

So up to you guys to work out. :)

However, IMHO, I suspect putting them here would make for a good central reference.

Edited by Gibsonm
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Final Co-ordination Rolling Thunder 15 Mission 1

Falli and Duke, I think it important we have a final coordination discussion on Mission 1 before commencement. With Tango 29 being in Canada and I in Australia there is no acceptable time for all of us to get together, so I propose that only the three of us ( Less Tango 29 ) get together.

1930 (GMT + 2) is 0430 in Australia. Any night this week will work, I propose 4 June 1730 GMT , however any night / morning will work for me at this hour , please let me know you availability.

Regards

Michael

G240

_______________

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Final Co-ordination Rolling Thunder 15 Mission 1

Falli and Duke, I think it important we have a final coordination discussion on Mission 1 before commencement. With Tango 29 being in Canada and I in Australia there is no acceptable time for all of us to get together, so I propose that only the three of us ( Less Tango 29 ) get together.

1930 (GMT + 2) is 0430 in Australia. Any night this week will work, I propose 4 June 1730 GMT , however any night / morning will work for me at this hour , please let me know you availability.

Regards

Michael

G240

_______________

I can probably make part of the meeting. I have another engagement 30 minutes before this coordination conference. But it should not take long and I think that I can expedite my early departure. If I can make it to this meeting, I will.

Cheers,

T29

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