Rifle Platoon Defense
Sand Table Exercise (STEX)
B3J3818
COMPANY COMMANDER’S ORDER
(issued by SPC prior to the D-STEX)
GENERAL SITUATION. You are the 2nd Platoon Commander, Company B, BLT 1/8. The battalion has been operating for several weeks in the Bordolo Rio regional province of the Quantico Highlands. Company B is currently at CampBarrett. The company was tasked with providing physical security for the combat logistics base located at CampBarrett. CampBarrett is currently supporting all Marine forces in the region, including the MEU, which came ashore a few weeks ago. Over the course of the past two weeks the logistics base has been the location of numerous CRF infiltrations. Intelligence sources have reported that CRF infiltrations may have been aimed at attempting to disrupt logistical support to forward units by destroying the logistics base – specifically its motor transport area, ammunition supply point (ASP) and fuel farm – which prompted the new orders for BLT 1/8. Bravo Company had conducted extensive day and night patrols in order to eliminate CRF infiltrations. Two days ago, your patrols engaged the CRF, resulting in the death of one U. S. Marine. The Commander, Marine Forces Centralia, has just directed the displacement of the ASP to the field near the vicinity of LZ Hawk. Additionally, he ordered BLT 1/8 to participate in combat operations aimed at destroying several CRF positions recently identified in your assigned TAOR.
ORIENTATION. Company B’s TAOR, is bordered by Chapala Creek to the North, Bordolo Rio Road approximately 1 km to the East (off the sand table), and Hidalgo Road to the South and West. A prominent gravel road runs throughout the TAOR into LZ Hawk. All roads are considered unrestricted for wheeled vehicle traffic. The vegetation in the Quantico Highlands consists of medium growth hardwood deciduous and evergreen trees with occasional open fields. The terrain includes rolling hills and fingers with numerous streams and draws. Thick underbrush and deadfall can be found throughout the region particularly near most streambeds and low areas. Visibility is limited to 400m in open clearings or marsh areas and reduced to 50m within densely wooded areas. Off road travel by vehicles is considered severely restricted. All areas are considered unrestricted for foot mobile infantry. The unimproved roads within the TAOR are unrestricted for vehicles dependent upon weather. During heavy precipitation, the unimproved roads may become restricted to severely restricted. Visibility is dependent upon the season. Illumination will be 25-30% in hours of darkness. Weather is as it is today.
ISITUATION
A. Enemy Situation
1. Enemy Forces (SALUTE)
During the past 24 hours, the CRF have deployed multiple squads throughout theBordolo Rio region of the Quantico Highlands located northeast of CampBarrett. These units are thought to be attempting to build up their combat power in orderto prepare for a possible attack on U.S. forces. At 0500 this morning, BN STA teams (scout-snipers) sighted numerous CRF squad patrols within our TAOR. They are armed with a mix of U.S. and Soviet small arms and light mortars, and wear woodland camouflage uniforms.
2. Enemy Capabilities and Limitations (DRAW-D)
The CRF units positioned throughout the TAOR typically operate at the squad level but are capable of reinforcing to a platoon(-) strength within (45) minutes. They are thought to be able to mass to platoon-level strength only with great effort, requiring a significant amount of time to do so. They possess a working command and control capability and are trained in the use of current infantry tactics and techniques. The CRF is known to have limited night vision capabilities.
3. Enemy’s Most Probable Course of Action (EMPCOA)
During the past couple of weeks the CRF have gained knowledge of our FASP (field ammunition supply point). The latest intelligence reports indicate that the CRF is currently trying to build up its combat power and that an attack on our FASP is probable. I believe the CRF will use small units to probe and infiltrate our defenses in order to gain intelligence on the disposition of our forces. Their ultimate objective will be to use the intelligence they gain to conduct a larger supported attack with organic light machine guns and 82mm mortars. I think he may try to seize the resources of the FASP in LZ Hawk to use for a follow-on attack on Camp Barrett. I believe he assumes that we will defend CampBarrett from a company battle position close to the logistics base.
B. Friendly Situation
1. Higher’s Mission and Intent. O/O, BLT 1/8 destroys the CRF within the battalion’s TAOR in order to prevent enemy forces from infiltrating U.S. logistic installations and disrupting current military operations. It is imperative that the logistics supplies supporting current military operations be safeguarded and protected from enemy sabotage. Due to the CRF’s recent success in breaching our security zone to gain intelligence on our base and supplies, I believe they have become overly confident in their abilities. I believe their center of gravity is their small size and ability to maneuver their forces quickly. I believe their critical vulnerability is their inability to mutually support their units across the TAOR. This will make it difficult for the CRF to quickly mass a force more than two squads in strength. We will exploit this CV by locating and overwhelming them with speed and firepower before they can reinforce. Endstate: Prevent the CRF from infiltrating U. S. logistic installations and disrupting current military operations.
2. Adjacent Units
a. (N) At 0600, BN Scout Snipersreconnoiter and observe CRF forces N of LZ Hawk. Report any observed CRF activity directly to the Battalion S-2. Clear and secure prospective landing zones for heliborne inserts within the Quantico Highlands.
b. (SW) Company C (BN SE1). NLT 0900, block the CRF forces S of Hidalgo Rd IOT prevent EN infiltration and exploitation of theCampBarrett logistics base.
c. (E) Company A (BNME). O/O, destroy the CRF forces in the Bordolo Rio region of the Quantico Highlands IOT prevent the massing of CRF combat power within our TAOR.
d. (S) BN log trains and the BN COC(rear) are located IVOBarrett Logistics Facility.
3. Supporting Units
a. Bravo Battery, 1/10 (the FS component of the BLT) is located in a Gun Position (GP) approximately 5km S of LZ Hawk. POF is to A, C, B
b. 81mm Mortar Platoon is in GS of A, C, and B. NLT 0600, they will establish a Mortar Firing Position (MFP) IVO BN COC(fwd), approximately 2km SW of LZ Hawk. POF is to A, C, B.
IIMISSION. We are SE2. NLT 0900, block CRF forces to the N of LZ Hawk IOT prevent EN seizure or destruction of the resources at the FASP.
IIIEXECUTION
A. Commander’s Intent. I believe the enemy’s Center of Gravity is his small size and maneuverability. The enemy’s Critical Vulnerability is that he has not massed his combat power and is limited in the amount of firepower he can bring to the fight. I believe he assumes that we will defend CampBarrett from a company battle position close to the logistics base. Therefore, we will defend in sector around LZ Hawk to neutralize the enemy’s forces before they can mass, thus exploiting his critical vulnerability. We must protect the FASP from possible CRF attacks. Endstate: CRF in our sector neutralized, rendered incapable of destroying or seizing resources from the FASP.
B. Concept of Operations
1. Scheme of Maneuver. Our distribution of forces will be one platoon ME, and two platoon SE’s. We are currently in CampBarrett. At 0800, we will conduct a heliborne insert into LZ Hawk. Company B will establish a perimeter company defense with three platoons in sector IVO LZ Hawk. The orientation of the defense will be north. Immediately upon insert, platoons will move to individual ORP’s within their respective sectors. Exact locations of the platoon battle positions will be determined by the platoon commanders during their leader’s reconnaissance. Platoons will occupy their positions by a technique of the platoon commander’s choosing. Alternate positions, squad-sized supplementary positions, barrier plans and early warning indicators should be used to the maximum extent possible to provide flexibility within each platoon BP.
2. Fire Support Plan. The purpose of my fire support plan is toneutralize the enemy within our main battle area in order to deny him the ability to destroy the FASP. Platoon commanders will submit a list of targets to the Company FST. The 60mm mortars will establish fire capability IVO the Co CP in LZ Hawk. POF are to 3, 2, 1.
C. Tasks
1. 1st Platoon. ME. NLT 1530, block the EN from Sector C, oriented to the NE (away from the LZ) IOT prevent EN seizure or destruction of the resources at the FASP. You have three(3) assault squads and two (2) machine gun squads attached, effective immediately.
2. 2nd Platoon. [Student] SE1. NLT 1530, block the EN from sector A, oriented to the Northwest (away from the LZ) IOT prevent EN seizure or destruction of the resources at the FASP.
3. 3rd Platoon. SE2. NLT 1530, block the enemy from Sector B, oriented to the North(away from the LZ) IOT prevent EN seizure or destruction of the resources at the FASP. You have one (1) machine gun squad attached, effective immediately.
4. Weapons Platoon.
a. 60mm Mortar Section. SE3. O/O, suppress the enemy IVO Company B defensive sector IOTprevent EN seizure or destruction of the resources at the FASP. NLT 1000, establish a mortar firing position (MFP) IVO LZ Hawk. DOF will be 1000 mils grid. NLT 1030, establish fire capability (FIRECAP) and BPT receive fire missions. POF within the company is 1, 3, 2. Set aside 90 rounds for the FPF.
b. Assault Section. You are to detach three (3) assault squadsto 1stplatoon immediately after this order.
c. Machine Gun Section.You are to detach two machine gun squads to 1st Platoon and one (1) machine gun squad to 3rd platoon immediately after this order.
D. Coordinating Instructions
1. Timeline
0645-0730Issue order (tentative SOM)
0730-0745Prep for combat (issue ammo, radio checks, conduct rehearsals).
0800-0900Conduct helo insert, push to platoon ORP’s.
0900-compLeader’s recon, (revise SOM as needed), occupy and defend positions
- Priorities of Work. As determined by platoon commanders.
- Priorities of Rehearsals. As determined by platoon commanders.
- Lost Marine Plan. Platoons will be conducting autonomous insertion into LZ Hawk and immediately moving to their ORP’s. Thus, platoon commanders are responsible for developing their Lost Marine Plans. BPT brief the Company Commander before we depart CampBarrett.
- Tactical Control Measures. As determined by platoon commanders.
- No-Communication Plan. If communication is lost between CampBarrett and LZ Hawk, remain at LZ Hawk until comm. is operable.
- MOPP level: ready.
- Formations for movement. As determined by platoon commanders.
- Weapons Test-Fire. Weapons test fires are not authorized.
IVADMINISTRATION and LOGISTICS
A. Administration.
1. EPW’s. All EPW’s will be handled with 5 S’s and a T. Report detainment of all prisoners over the Co Tac Net. Upon consolidation, transport all prisoners to the Co XO IVO Co CP. The Co XO will coordinate prisoner transport to the Battalion S-2 located at the BNCOC.
2. WIA’s/KIA’s. All casualties will be stabilized and extracted to the Company Corpsman at the Company CP. Report all urgent casualties over the Co Tac Net. All priority/urgent casualties will be moved to the casualty collection point (CCP) IVO the Co CP within LZ Hawk for extraction. The Co GySgt will coordinate all casualty extraction.
B. Logistics
1. Ammunition. All Marines will have a standard fighting load: (8) magazines 5.56mm for all M16 service rifles and (3) drums per SAW. In addition, all M203 grenade launchers will have (3) HEDP and (3) ILA 40mm rounds.
2. Chow. All Marines will step off from the AA with (2) DOS chow.
3. Water. All Marines will step off from the AA with (2) full canteens and (1) full camelback.
4. Communications. Each platoon will draw (2) PRC 119’s, (5) TA-3/12 field phones, and (8) spools comm. wire.
5. Pioneer Gear. Platoons will be issued (1) shovel and (1) pickaxe per squad.
6. Pyro. Each rifle platoon will be issued (3) RSC’s and (3) WSC’s.
7. Resupply. All requests for re-supply will go through the Company GySgt at the Co CP.
V COMMAND and SIGNAL
A. Signal
1. Signal Plan
EventPrimaryAlternateTertiary
Platoon Release RadioMessengerHand/Arm
ConsolidationRadioMessengerNone
2. Frequencies and Callsigns
UnitCallsignFrequency
BN Tac 1Tarawa230
BN Tac 2Tarawa231
BN Log NetTarawa234
BN MortarsTarawa Mortars240
Company TacGodfather112
Company MortarsGodfather Mortars120
1st Platoon TacRed113
2nd Platoon TacWhite114
3rd Platoon TacBlue115
Weapons Platoon TacTan116
Co GySgtGodfather 7117
B, 1/10Brimstone302
3. Challenge and Password
Primary:Water/Blackbird
Alternate:Numbers adding up to 11
Running:Blacksmith
4. Location of the CEOI. All CEOI’s shall be retained in the left shoulder pocket by all Plt Commanders, Plt Sgts, Plt Guides, and RTO’s.
B. Command
1. Location of Key Leaders. The BN COC(fwd) is with the BN ME. The BN COC(rear) is IVO Camp Barrett. All Company staff will be at the Company CP IVO LZ Hawk.
2. Succession of Command. XO, Weapons Platoon Commander, 2nd Platoon Commander, 3rd Platoon Commander, 1st Platoon Commander.
TIME HACK:
Questions?
Instructions to Students: Come to the D-STEX prepared with the following. Be ready to brief and participate.
1. A thorough estimate of the situation (METT-T)
2. A platoon defense order (to include EMPCOA, Paragraphs 2 and 3, Signal Plan)
3. A detailed Fire Plan Sketch