Order: Hostile mech column moving west to east, along the trail south of Hills 321A and 321B. We will stop that column from moving. First Platoon, go to Hill 321A. Second Platoon, stay on Hill 305. Third Platoon, occupy Hill 328B. Tank platoon, you are my reserve. Stay in Timpan-ni. AT Section, go to Timpan-ni, orient north. I will be on Hill 321A.
Rationale: Having trained my platoons, I know that they will (1) do what they can to stop the enemy column from moving, probably by immobilizing lead vehicles and vehicles attempting to move around traffic jams (2) tell me what they see and (3) pick positions for their vehicles that minimize vulnerability to enemy observation and artillery. Thus, my job is less a matter of telling my platoons what to do than of placing them on the ground.
Call fast mover thermobaric air strike on the enemy forces, use FPV drones to eliminate survivors. Presume enemy UAVs have identified current locations. Pop smoke, redeploy and reorient. Use recon drones to backtrack enemy approach (following tread tracks) to identify additional targets of opportunity
In lieu of non organic air support call for artillery/rocket fire mission. Final alternative use initial organic drone attacks to push enemy forces north into hasty ambush
A solid fuel-air strike should smoke any dismounts, fry the carrier units and ideally suffocate any tank elements that weren't destroyed by initial / secondary explosions. FPV drones would eliminate any squirters.
S: Large mechanized enemy force is approaching from the west on shitty roads. We are well-equipped with AT weaponry.
M: Hold the hamlet. The enemy tried to surprise us by approaching from an unconventional angle, but we got in position before they did.
E: Platoon 3, take positions along the SE slope of Hill 321A! Platoon 1, drive west on Route 306 and set up on the East slope of Hill 321B! TOW section, set up on Hill 305, you will have a straight line of fire to strike at the enemy's main body. Tanks and Platoon 2, travel south to Intersection 66 to cut off the enemy.
If I had to guess the enemy's goal may have been to lie in wait around Intersection 12 and 66, then pincer us. Might be presumptuous, but it looks like our mission commander anticipated an ambush, and we are the counterpunch:
* Agile infantry equipped with AT weaponry to strike quickly from the hills/vegetation
* TOW anti-tank missiles for long range support
* Tanks to secure the main road
Speed is not stated but if off-road tank speeds are about 1/2 of normal, our own tank platoon will reach Intersection 66 before they can.
Catching the enemy while they are traversing the off-road trail was an excellent move.
One thing I thought about after is that maybe our UAV and spotter saw the same enemy group. I would definitely want to confirm the enemy composition
Aggressive. You might use IDF to delay enemy movement on the trail to give tanks and 2nd Platoon to make their move. What is 3rd Platoon's task once they occupy 321A? Is 1st Platoon at risk of becoming isolated if it moves west to 321B? I'd love to find a firing position for TOWs that takes advantage of the weapon's standoff. Hill 305 put sthem well within range of the enemy tanks.
Seems I misunderstood our capabilities, and the enemy's. I looked up some quick info on tank artillery range and they can comfortably outrange our TOW missiles. With the setup time and knowing they'd be an easy target I don't know if we could effectively use them...
3rd Platoon's task after occupying 321A would be to engage the enemy through tree cover.
The east side of hill 321B does not look to be far from the rest of our forces, it would be well-supported by our forces on hill 305 and 321A, with the UAV watching for enemy movements.
Company: We've got an enemy tank-mech battalion or larger approaching from the west and crossing to our south. We attack immediately to disrupt its advance and give HHQ time to reorient.
TOWs: Firing position south finger of Hill 328A IOT engage enemy armor at the "Y" intersection west of Hill 321A.
Tanks: Main effort: Limited-objective attack west from CP12 IOT disrupt enemy advance.
2nd Platoon: Support Tanks' attack by fire from current location.
3rd Platoon: On order, attack south to strike enemy forces vicinity CP 66 to disrupt enemy movement east.
1st Platoon: Reserve. BPT cover company's withdrawal through Timpan-ni or to reinforce Tanks or 3rd Platoon.
Tentative plan is to strike, withdraw back to Timpan-ni and displace east along Rte 306 looking for other opportunities to strike enemy forces.
FSC: IDF vicinity the "Y" west of Hill 321A. Any attack air you can get.
HHQ: In contact with mech-armor battalion or larger moving east in trail network southwest of Timpan-ni vicinity grid 123456. Am attacking to disrupt its advance. Request any/all available supporting arms. Recommend ISR look at Rte 306 corridor approaching from the west.
My mission is to protect the main body. Typically I would do that by staying between the main body and the enemy. I'm not in position to do that here, so instead I will strike to disrupt his advance and give the main body time to react and myself time to redeploy and get in front of the enemy. I don't need to destroy the enemy, and I don't want to get decisively engaged. My concept is to hit him hard to stagger him but to maintain my freedom of action so I can redeploy as needed. It seems like we are dealing with at least a battalion, which the regiment will have to react to, so I am expecting to be the main effort. I'd like to know if there is more coming, so I am cuing HHQ to look further west.
Higher up: Confirmed from OP hill 321, 20 hostile tank and APCs SW of hill 321. UAV shows additional 20 west on 306. I think this is the main enemy. Intend to engage immediately. Request immediate support and will notify when we determine main body of enemy is here.
Order: approximately 20 Hostile tanks and APC identified SW of hill 305 with additional reinforcements west on route 306.
Main effort: second platoon engage to halt enemy advance east and then destroy.
Third platoon, support second platoon around hill 321 then north on trail 66. Coordinate with second platoon when you are ready to engage leading force.
First platoon, move to road 110 and 12, protect rear, reserve.
I will move to second platoon. UAV monitor forces on 306, advise if they increase advance.
Rationale: Second platoon will engage first to stop advance and then work to destroy enemy, third will be in position to cut them off, and then engage directly and with surprise in support of second platoon. Third needs to coordinate directly with second to prevent friendly fire. First is in position to assist if second needs additional help and also ready to protect our flank. If this is the main body and we start to get outgunned or out maneuvered, first will be at the critical juncture.
I am not a military leader. I am a fire department student of TDGs to adapt them for FD use. I have participated in a few military TDG sessions and have read some maneuver warfare doctrine. Thanks for letting me play.
Phil: Clear, concise order. A guard mission does not require you to destroy the enemy, but only to delay his advance to give the main body time to deploy. Of course, giving him a bloody nose is a great way to do that. 2nd Platoon is in an excellent position already to do that. However, by launching an assault with 3rd Platoon, your plan seems intent on getting decisively engaged, which is not part of your mission. Might be better for 3rd Platoon to hit enemy in the flank at Checkpoint 66 as they pass. Also, you have not employed your two best tank/mech killers, your tanks and TOWs.
Enemy forces, assessed as a mechanized infantry company reinforced with tanks, are advancing east toward Route 110 from the southwest of Hill 321A. A second mechanized force of similar strength is following the same axis. Our company’s mission is to halt the enemy advance and enable the forward movement of the battalion’s main body.
COMPANY COMMANDER’S DECISION
Designate Intersection 66 as the primary kill zone (KZ) and destroy the enemy forces there.
TASKS AND DISPOSITIONS
1st Platoon – Move to Hill 314
Engage and destroy the leading mechanized company from the flank.
2nd Platoon – Move to Hill 305
Block the follow-on mechanized company if it attempts to move north toward Direction 12 and transition onto Route 306.
3rd Platoon – Move south along Route 110 and occupy the area north of Intersection 66
Engage and destroy the enemy inside the KZ.
Tank Platoon – Occupy Hill 328
Coordinate with 3rd Platoon and deliver decisive fires to annihilate the enemy in the KZ.
Antitank Section – Occupy Hill 305
Interdict and halt the advance of the follow-on mechanized company.
Scouts – Move into the woods south of Hill 321A
Observe and report enemy activity west of the KZ, particularly the movement of the follow-on force.
REASONING
The enemy is assessed as the lead echelon of a mechanized battalion (−) reinforced with tanks. The follow-on force is likely to use the same axis of advance as the lead company in order to maintain movement speed.
Therefore, I will establish a deep, layered engagement area along the enemy’s axis of advance—from Route 110 through Hill 328B and up to Hill 314—and concentrate company fires at Intersection 66 as the primary kill zone. Any enemy elements that survive the initial engagement will be destroyed from Hill 314.
A dangerous enemy course of action is that the follow-on mechanized company may turn north toward Direction 12 and bypass eastward via Route 306, threatening the regiment’s flank. Hill 305 will therefore serve as a blocking position to prevent such a movement.
The approach along Route 306 must continue to be monitored and covered.
Wolf: I lke the concept of a long kill zone with flank shots from multiple locations. Exploits depth. However, if the enemy is able to push through to CHeckpoint 12, 3rd Platoon and Tanks are in danger of behing cut off.
Thank you for the comment. You are absolutely right—there is a real risk of the tank platoon and 3rd Platoon being cut off if the enemy succeeds in pushing through toward Checkpoint 12.
At the same time, I assessed that if the follow-on company advances directly toward 66, the regimental flank could be threatened in a very short time. Even in complex terrain, a mechanized force can likely maintain an average speed on the order of 10–20 km/h, which compresses decision time significantly. In that sense, I saw this situation as one that imposes multiple simultaneous dilemmas on the defender.
My working assumption was that the enemy battalion would be reluctant to disperse its combat power, although I fully acknowledge that this cannot be confirmed until contact is made. After weighing the risks, I decided to prioritize stopping the enemy near 66 as the company’s main effort.
To mitigate the risk of being attacked from the flank or rear, I positioned 2nd Platoon and the antitank section to cover the Checkpoint 12 / Route 306 axis. I recognize that this measure is not sufficient by itself. Ultimately, I believe success would depend on turning the terrain into combat power and achieving surprise during the initial engagement.
To my company: Enemy Mech Co (reinforced) to our SE; they're moving East towards the Regiment's main body. We'll attack the center of their column and block them west of CKPT 66.
Tanks - you are the main effort. Maneuver SW towards creek/trail intersection at the base of Hill 321B to attack the center of the enemy's column to stop them cold.
2nd Platoon - supporting effort #1. Protect the western flank of the Main Effort (tanks) from enemy dismounts.
3rd Platoon - SE #2; establish dismounted ambush in treeline southeast of Hill 321A.
1st Platoon - (SE #3) lead AT section to Hill 328B; then protect their rear & flanks.
AT Section - establish anti-tank ambush in vicinity of Hill 328B; block enemy west of CKPT 66.
To higher: I'm at Timpan-ni. Enemy Mech Co with a tank platoon in the lead is behind me (my southwest) moving towards you. I'm attacking their column and establishing an extended ambush to block them west of CKPT 66. I will be decisively engaged in under 5 minutes. Request artillery priority of fire and any CAS you can send this way. OUT.
Rationale - I'm probably stretching the "guard" mission to a "cover" mission by becoming decisively engaged. However, the enemy is only 6 KM or so from my regiment's flank, so I have to be aggressive. If my tanks effectively attack the middle of the enemy's column, I'll stop their advance. While my tanks are the main effort, they'll need infantry support. I'll use one platoon to protect the flanks of my tanks from enemy dismounts. Another platoon ambushes the front of the enemy column from the treeline. These aggressive actions should buy time for my AT section, supported by 1st platoon, to establish an ambush further east. The AT section forms a pivot around which I can withdraw east if my ME attack isn't effective.
The enemy artillery fire shows they know I'm here (and have the jump on me), so I need my own supported arms ASAP.
I like your logic: hit the enemy column in the middle and you halt the advance. I like Hill 328B as a firing position for TOWs--better than my position on 328A, which probably does not provide great field of fire. I'm concerned about you getting decisively engaged in a guard mission--which you also recognize. Giving your tanks an attack reference point of the trail/stream intersection south of Hill 321B seems ambitious.
S: Bn armored column moving east towards CP 66, likely attempting to attack the Reg main body.
M: Delay the enemy from moving east of Hill 314 IOT enable the regiment to organize a defense oriented on the attacking enemy.
3rd Plt: Delay en from passing CP 66 IOT allow remainder of the company to establish battle positions.
2nd Plt: Reinforce 3rd Plt and assist their delaying action.
1st Plt, rein with tank plt and AT section: Main effort, delay the en at the intersection south of Hill 314 IOT prevent the enemy from attacking our main body for at least one hour.
60s: POF to 1st Plt. Delay en dismounts from maneuvering on friendly forces.
UAV: Maintain observation of the enemy main body.
I will go with 2nd Plt. XO coordinate our battle positions on Hills 328B and 314.
Report to higher: Bn armored column moving east, currently 2km W of CP 66. We will delay en at CP 66 and at intersection S of Hill 314. Requesting any fire support available to conduct counter-battery fire. If reg wants to maneuver on the enemy, we can also attempt to contain them on Rte 66.
Rationale: I need to buy time for the regiment to orient a defense against this threat. I intend to establish two engagement areas to attrit the enemy and delay their movement east. 3rd plt, rein by 2nd plt, will engage the enemy as they approach CP 66. This will buy time for my company ME, 1st Plt rein with tanks and the AT section, to establish another EA oriented on the trail intersection S if Hill 314. Forcing the enemy to fight through these two EAs should give higher enough time to prepare their own battle positions or conduct a counter attack.
Natty, welcome to Warfighters! Clear concept concisely communicated and explained. How do you envision 3rd Plat delays the enemy E of CP66? Do they hit the enemy in the flank or do they get in front of the enemy by getting to CP 66 first? I infer you mean the latter, which is the conventional way to conduct a guad mission--get between the enemy and the main body. But does 3rd Plat have time to get in front of the enemy? Likewise, 2nd Plat, which has even farther to go. What if you disrupt the enemy's movement by launching a spoiling attack into the flank of his column?
Thank you John! I intend 3rd plt to essentially atk by fire from Hill 321A. I don't think we have the combat power to guard or block the intersection so I need them to ambush from the elevated/wooded flank to get k-kill or m-kill on lead vehicles to cause as much of a delay as possible. Regarding a spoiling attack, I had a similar relative combat power concern about attacking with 4x tanks and APCs against an armored bn. So I preferred my odds setting up a hasty defense in advantageous terrain. My plan does hinge on the assessment that 3rd and 2nd plt can delay the enemy column long enough for my main effort to get established IVO Hills 328B and 314, so that could be a point of failure if the enemy blows right through CP 66.
Order: Hostile mech column moving west to east, along the trail south of Hills 321A and 321B. We will stop that column from moving. First Platoon, go to Hill 321A. Second Platoon, stay on Hill 305. Third Platoon, occupy Hill 328B. Tank platoon, you are my reserve. Stay in Timpan-ni. AT Section, go to Timpan-ni, orient north. I will be on Hill 321A.
Rationale: Having trained my platoons, I know that they will (1) do what they can to stop the enemy column from moving, probably by immobilizing lead vehicles and vehicles attempting to move around traffic jams (2) tell me what they see and (3) pick positions for their vehicles that minimize vulnerability to enemy observation and artillery. Thus, my job is less a matter of telling my platoons what to do than of placing them on the ground.
Call fast mover thermobaric air strike on the enemy forces, use FPV drones to eliminate survivors. Presume enemy UAVs have identified current locations. Pop smoke, redeploy and reorient. Use recon drones to backtrack enemy approach (following tread tracks) to identify additional targets of opportunity
In lieu of non organic air support call for artillery/rocket fire mission. Final alternative use initial organic drone attacks to push enemy forces north into hasty ambush
Okay, you hit him hard with fires. Sounds good. Then what? What is the expected outcome?
A solid fuel-air strike should smoke any dismounts, fry the carrier units and ideally suffocate any tank elements that weren't destroyed by initial / secondary explosions. FPV drones would eliminate any squirters.
S: Large mechanized enemy force is approaching from the west on shitty roads. We are well-equipped with AT weaponry.
M: Hold the hamlet. The enemy tried to surprise us by approaching from an unconventional angle, but we got in position before they did.
E: Platoon 3, take positions along the SE slope of Hill 321A! Platoon 1, drive west on Route 306 and set up on the East slope of Hill 321B! TOW section, set up on Hill 305, you will have a straight line of fire to strike at the enemy's main body. Tanks and Platoon 2, travel south to Intersection 66 to cut off the enemy.
If I had to guess the enemy's goal may have been to lie in wait around Intersection 12 and 66, then pincer us. Might be presumptuous, but it looks like our mission commander anticipated an ambush, and we are the counterpunch:
* Agile infantry equipped with AT weaponry to strike quickly from the hills/vegetation
* TOW anti-tank missiles for long range support
* Tanks to secure the main road
Speed is not stated but if off-road tank speeds are about 1/2 of normal, our own tank platoon will reach Intersection 66 before they can.
Catching the enemy while they are traversing the off-road trail was an excellent move.
One thing I thought about after is that maybe our UAV and spotter saw the same enemy group. I would definitely want to confirm the enemy composition
Aggressive. You might use IDF to delay enemy movement on the trail to give tanks and 2nd Platoon to make their move. What is 3rd Platoon's task once they occupy 321A? Is 1st Platoon at risk of becoming isolated if it moves west to 321B? I'd love to find a firing position for TOWs that takes advantage of the weapon's standoff. Hill 305 put sthem well within range of the enemy tanks.
Seems I misunderstood our capabilities, and the enemy's. I looked up some quick info on tank artillery range and they can comfortably outrange our TOW missiles. With the setup time and knowing they'd be an easy target I don't know if we could effectively use them...
3rd Platoon's task after occupying 321A would be to engage the enemy through tree cover.
The east side of hill 321B does not look to be far from the rest of our forces, it would be well-supported by our forces on hill 305 and 321A, with the UAV watching for enemy movements.
Company: We've got an enemy tank-mech battalion or larger approaching from the west and crossing to our south. We attack immediately to disrupt its advance and give HHQ time to reorient.
TOWs: Firing position south finger of Hill 328A IOT engage enemy armor at the "Y" intersection west of Hill 321A.
Tanks: Main effort: Limited-objective attack west from CP12 IOT disrupt enemy advance.
2nd Platoon: Support Tanks' attack by fire from current location.
3rd Platoon: On order, attack south to strike enemy forces vicinity CP 66 to disrupt enemy movement east.
1st Platoon: Reserve. BPT cover company's withdrawal through Timpan-ni or to reinforce Tanks or 3rd Platoon.
Tentative plan is to strike, withdraw back to Timpan-ni and displace east along Rte 306 looking for other opportunities to strike enemy forces.
FSC: IDF vicinity the "Y" west of Hill 321A. Any attack air you can get.
HHQ: In contact with mech-armor battalion or larger moving east in trail network southwest of Timpan-ni vicinity grid 123456. Am attacking to disrupt its advance. Request any/all available supporting arms. Recommend ISR look at Rte 306 corridor approaching from the west.
My mission is to protect the main body. Typically I would do that by staying between the main body and the enemy. I'm not in position to do that here, so instead I will strike to disrupt his advance and give the main body time to react and myself time to redeploy and get in front of the enemy. I don't need to destroy the enemy, and I don't want to get decisively engaged. My concept is to hit him hard to stagger him but to maintain my freedom of action so I can redeploy as needed. It seems like we are dealing with at least a battalion, which the regiment will have to react to, so I am expecting to be the main effort. I'd like to know if there is more coming, so I am cuing HHQ to look further west.
Higher up: Confirmed from OP hill 321, 20 hostile tank and APCs SW of hill 321. UAV shows additional 20 west on 306. I think this is the main enemy. Intend to engage immediately. Request immediate support and will notify when we determine main body of enemy is here.
Order: approximately 20 Hostile tanks and APC identified SW of hill 305 with additional reinforcements west on route 306.
Main effort: second platoon engage to halt enemy advance east and then destroy.
Third platoon, support second platoon around hill 321 then north on trail 66. Coordinate with second platoon when you are ready to engage leading force.
First platoon, move to road 110 and 12, protect rear, reserve.
I will move to second platoon. UAV monitor forces on 306, advise if they increase advance.
Rationale: Second platoon will engage first to stop advance and then work to destroy enemy, third will be in position to cut them off, and then engage directly and with surprise in support of second platoon. Third needs to coordinate directly with second to prevent friendly fire. First is in position to assist if second needs additional help and also ready to protect our flank. If this is the main body and we start to get outgunned or out maneuvered, first will be at the critical juncture.
I am not a military leader. I am a fire department student of TDGs to adapt them for FD use. I have participated in a few military TDG sessions and have read some maneuver warfare doctrine. Thanks for letting me play.
Phil: Clear, concise order. A guard mission does not require you to destroy the enemy, but only to delay his advance to give the main body time to deploy. Of course, giving him a bloody nose is a great way to do that. 2nd Platoon is in an excellent position already to do that. However, by launching an assault with 3rd Platoon, your plan seems intent on getting decisively engaged, which is not part of your mission. Might be better for 3rd Platoon to hit enemy in the flank at Checkpoint 66 as they pass. Also, you have not employed your two best tank/mech killers, your tanks and TOWs.
SITUATION
Enemy forces, assessed as a mechanized infantry company reinforced with tanks, are advancing east toward Route 110 from the southwest of Hill 321A. A second mechanized force of similar strength is following the same axis. Our company’s mission is to halt the enemy advance and enable the forward movement of the battalion’s main body.
COMPANY COMMANDER’S DECISION
Designate Intersection 66 as the primary kill zone (KZ) and destroy the enemy forces there.
TASKS AND DISPOSITIONS
1st Platoon – Move to Hill 314
Engage and destroy the leading mechanized company from the flank.
2nd Platoon – Move to Hill 305
Block the follow-on mechanized company if it attempts to move north toward Direction 12 and transition onto Route 306.
3rd Platoon – Move south along Route 110 and occupy the area north of Intersection 66
Engage and destroy the enemy inside the KZ.
Tank Platoon – Occupy Hill 328
Coordinate with 3rd Platoon and deliver decisive fires to annihilate the enemy in the KZ.
Antitank Section – Occupy Hill 305
Interdict and halt the advance of the follow-on mechanized company.
Scouts – Move into the woods south of Hill 321A
Observe and report enemy activity west of the KZ, particularly the movement of the follow-on force.
REASONING
The enemy is assessed as the lead echelon of a mechanized battalion (−) reinforced with tanks. The follow-on force is likely to use the same axis of advance as the lead company in order to maintain movement speed.
Therefore, I will establish a deep, layered engagement area along the enemy’s axis of advance—from Route 110 through Hill 328B and up to Hill 314—and concentrate company fires at Intersection 66 as the primary kill zone. Any enemy elements that survive the initial engagement will be destroyed from Hill 314.
A dangerous enemy course of action is that the follow-on mechanized company may turn north toward Direction 12 and bypass eastward via Route 306, threatening the regiment’s flank. Hill 305 will therefore serve as a blocking position to prevent such a movement.
The approach along Route 306 must continue to be monitored and covered.
Wolf: I lke the concept of a long kill zone with flank shots from multiple locations. Exploits depth. However, if the enemy is able to push through to CHeckpoint 12, 3rd Platoon and Tanks are in danger of behing cut off.
Hannibal,
Thank you for the comment. You are absolutely right—there is a real risk of the tank platoon and 3rd Platoon being cut off if the enemy succeeds in pushing through toward Checkpoint 12.
At the same time, I assessed that if the follow-on company advances directly toward 66, the regimental flank could be threatened in a very short time. Even in complex terrain, a mechanized force can likely maintain an average speed on the order of 10–20 km/h, which compresses decision time significantly. In that sense, I saw this situation as one that imposes multiple simultaneous dilemmas on the defender.
My working assumption was that the enemy battalion would be reluctant to disperse its combat power, although I fully acknowledge that this cannot be confirmed until contact is made. After weighing the risks, I decided to prioritize stopping the enemy near 66 as the company’s main effort.
To mitigate the risk of being attacked from the flank or rear, I positioned 2nd Platoon and the antitank section to cover the Checkpoint 12 / Route 306 axis. I recognize that this measure is not sufficient by itself. Ultimately, I believe success would depend on turning the terrain into combat power and achieving surprise during the initial engagement.
Wolf: You made your estimate of the situation, assessed the risk, and acted accordingly. Can't argue with that.
To my company: Enemy Mech Co (reinforced) to our SE; they're moving East towards the Regiment's main body. We'll attack the center of their column and block them west of CKPT 66.
Tanks - you are the main effort. Maneuver SW towards creek/trail intersection at the base of Hill 321B to attack the center of the enemy's column to stop them cold.
2nd Platoon - supporting effort #1. Protect the western flank of the Main Effort (tanks) from enemy dismounts.
3rd Platoon - SE #2; establish dismounted ambush in treeline southeast of Hill 321A.
1st Platoon - (SE #3) lead AT section to Hill 328B; then protect their rear & flanks.
AT Section - establish anti-tank ambush in vicinity of Hill 328B; block enemy west of CKPT 66.
To higher: I'm at Timpan-ni. Enemy Mech Co with a tank platoon in the lead is behind me (my southwest) moving towards you. I'm attacking their column and establishing an extended ambush to block them west of CKPT 66. I will be decisively engaged in under 5 minutes. Request artillery priority of fire and any CAS you can send this way. OUT.
Rationale - I'm probably stretching the "guard" mission to a "cover" mission by becoming decisively engaged. However, the enemy is only 6 KM or so from my regiment's flank, so I have to be aggressive. If my tanks effectively attack the middle of the enemy's column, I'll stop their advance. While my tanks are the main effort, they'll need infantry support. I'll use one platoon to protect the flanks of my tanks from enemy dismounts. Another platoon ambushes the front of the enemy column from the treeline. These aggressive actions should buy time for my AT section, supported by 1st platoon, to establish an ambush further east. The AT section forms a pivot around which I can withdraw east if my ME attack isn't effective.
The enemy artillery fire shows they know I'm here (and have the jump on me), so I need my own supported arms ASAP.
I like your logic: hit the enemy column in the middle and you halt the advance. I like Hill 328B as a firing position for TOWs--better than my position on 328A, which probably does not provide great field of fire. I'm concerned about you getting decisively engaged in a guard mission--which you also recognize. Giving your tanks an attack reference point of the trail/stream intersection south of Hill 321B seems ambitious.
Order:
S: Bn armored column moving east towards CP 66, likely attempting to attack the Reg main body.
M: Delay the enemy from moving east of Hill 314 IOT enable the regiment to organize a defense oriented on the attacking enemy.
3rd Plt: Delay en from passing CP 66 IOT allow remainder of the company to establish battle positions.
2nd Plt: Reinforce 3rd Plt and assist their delaying action.
1st Plt, rein with tank plt and AT section: Main effort, delay the en at the intersection south of Hill 314 IOT prevent the enemy from attacking our main body for at least one hour.
60s: POF to 1st Plt. Delay en dismounts from maneuvering on friendly forces.
UAV: Maintain observation of the enemy main body.
I will go with 2nd Plt. XO coordinate our battle positions on Hills 328B and 314.
Report to higher: Bn armored column moving east, currently 2km W of CP 66. We will delay en at CP 66 and at intersection S of Hill 314. Requesting any fire support available to conduct counter-battery fire. If reg wants to maneuver on the enemy, we can also attempt to contain them on Rte 66.
Rationale: I need to buy time for the regiment to orient a defense against this threat. I intend to establish two engagement areas to attrit the enemy and delay their movement east. 3rd plt, rein by 2nd plt, will engage the enemy as they approach CP 66. This will buy time for my company ME, 1st Plt rein with tanks and the AT section, to establish another EA oriented on the trail intersection S if Hill 314. Forcing the enemy to fight through these two EAs should give higher enough time to prepare their own battle positions or conduct a counter attack.
Natty, welcome to Warfighters! Clear concept concisely communicated and explained. How do you envision 3rd Plat delays the enemy E of CP66? Do they hit the enemy in the flank or do they get in front of the enemy by getting to CP 66 first? I infer you mean the latter, which is the conventional way to conduct a guad mission--get between the enemy and the main body. But does 3rd Plat have time to get in front of the enemy? Likewise, 2nd Plat, which has even farther to go. What if you disrupt the enemy's movement by launching a spoiling attack into the flank of his column?
Thank you John! I intend 3rd plt to essentially atk by fire from Hill 321A. I don't think we have the combat power to guard or block the intersection so I need them to ambush from the elevated/wooded flank to get k-kill or m-kill on lead vehicles to cause as much of a delay as possible. Regarding a spoiling attack, I had a similar relative combat power concern about attacking with 4x tanks and APCs against an armored bn. So I preferred my odds setting up a hasty defense in advantageous terrain. My plan does hinge on the assessment that 3rd and 2nd plt can delay the enemy column long enough for my main effort to get established IVO Hills 328B and 314, so that could be a point of failure if the enemy blows right through CP 66.