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3rd ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT
Colorado(VL684981)
151400LSeptember1999
AZKAR 9803
OPERATION ORDER 9803: AH-64A Aeroscout Course, Route Reconnaissance
REFERENCES: Maps (1:250,000 - NI 12-11, 1:50,000 - V798 3749I Ninety Six Hills & V798 3749IV
Picacho Reservoir), Azkar Country Handbook, Tactical SOP
TIME ZONE USED THROUGHOUT THE ORDER: Local, Mountain Standard (UTC -7)
1.
SITUATION
a.
Enemy Forces.
1) Intent: Intelligence sources close to the Azkar Placer Army (APA) indicate that a small APA
Task Force may attempt to capture the critical water reservoir (Picacho Reservoir, VM55003500) located
in Kayatan Defense Council (KDC) held territory. By controlling the water reservoir, the APA can irrigate
their crops while devastating the agricultural region crucial to the KDC.
2) Strength: APA Task Force vehicles, equipment, and infantry expected to perform the
assault are fully manned. However, personnel strength allows 100% strength of only selected units.
Reinforcing units are doubtful.
3) Composition: The APA Task Force is a ground force only consisting of one tank company
(5 T-54/55 tanks), one mechanized infantry company (3 BVP M-60P APCs), one military police company
(AK-47s), one reconnaissance company (2 BVP M-80 IFVs), and one mortar battery (8 M74 120-mm
Mortar tubes). The Task Force is known to be equipped with SA-7 Grail and SA-14 Gremlin SAMs.
4) Disposition: The APA Task Force is currently conducting United Nations (UN) sanctioned
field exercises. The field exercise puts the APA Task Force in a position to make a rapid movement
toward Picacho Reservoir.
5) Location: The APA Task Force is currently located at a cantonment area along Highway 89
at the Tom Mix Memorial (VM81003130).
6)
Previous actions.
a)
Recently, APA jeeps have been seen moving along the dirt road between Highway 89
and a temporary border checkpoint at VM60003260. Following the recent heavy rains, a bulldozer was
seen grating the road east of the North Star Mine.
b) Small arms fire battle damage has been found during post-flight inspections of U.S.
Army helicopters that have performed reconnaissance in the vicinity of Picacho Reservoir and the North
Star Mine. Most incidents have occurred following day time missions.
7) Probable courses of action: If the assault occurs, the APA Task Force is expected to move
from the cantonment area to Picacho Reservoir via the dirt road (Route Yale) that passes through the
North Star Mine (see graphics). An attack on any UN force opposing the ground movement is probable.
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b.
Friendly Forces.
1) The 3rd ACR has been tasked with the air reconnaissance mission in 2nd Armored Division’s
operational area. The 3rd ACR headquarters and support areas are located in fixed sites at assembly
area Colorado.
2) 1st Brigade (2nd AD) continues operations to the north of east-west gridline 30. 2nd Brigade (2nd
AD) continues operations to the south of east-west gridline 30. (Refer to mission graphics for brigade
boundaries.)
3) Q Troop, 4/3 ACR conducts reconnaissance and security operations from PL Denver to PL
Boulder within 2nd Brigade (2nd AD) sector in order to prevent APA force offensive operations.
4) R Troop, 4/3 ACR is in reserve, and should be prepared to conduct a battle hand-over with Q
Troop.
5) A Swedish infantry platoon is operating a temporary border checkpoint located at VM60003260.
(Call sign “Blondie”, 30.30)
6) UN inspection teams continue to monitor APA forces during field maneuvers and at major
border crossing inspection stations. Intense negotiations are in progress to prevent a gross violation of
the cease fire, but APA forces continue to deny that any offensive operation is planned.
7) UN Forces, United Kingdom sector, continue peacekeeping operations west of the APA/KDC
Zone of Separation (ZOS).
8) United Kingdom Special Operations elements are tasked to disarm APA sympathizers located
near Picacho Reservoir. Lynx and Puma helicopters supporting this mission are operating in sector.
Contact the S3 for any coordination.
c.
Attachments and Detachments: None
d. Terrain: The Picacho Mountains dominate the terrain in the mission sector. They are very
rugged mountains that extend from the north to the south in the operational area. East and west of the
Picacho Mountains, broad, open desert plains extend to the east and west. The mountainous terrain
should provide good cover and concealment for observation posts and firing positions; the desert valleys
have very little masking terrain. Numerous washes can make ground movement difficult following heavy
rains.
e.
Weather.
1)
Current weather and light data: As per flight operations weather briefing.
2)
Forecast weather and FLIR data: As per flight operations weather briefing.
3) Special environmental considerations or hazards: Expect gusty winds and turbulence in the
vicinity of mountainous terrain. Depending on the time of day, sun glare may restrict visibility during
ingress and egress. Be prepared for restricted visibility from blowing dust during high winds, and
brownout conditions during terrain flight maneuvering.
4)
Published weather minimums for the mission.
a)
Day - 500’ & 1 mile
b)
Night - 1000’ & 3 miles
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2.
MISSION
On Order, Q Troop, 4/3 ACR conducts a route reconnaissance of route YALE from PL Denver(LD) to
PL Boulder(LOA) to determine the possibility of APA forces using the route for offensive operations.
3.
EXECUTION
a. Commander’s Intent: My intent is to conduct a route reconnaissance of Route Yale to determine
whether or not APA forces could use the route for offensive operations. Specifically, I want to know
whether APA forces, using route Yale, could rapidly deploy and move their armor and infantry assets from
PL Denver to Picacho Reservoir along Yale. Also, I want to know the degree to which our forces could
block the route for APA use.
b.
Concept of the Operation (refer to mission graphics and engagement area analysis).
1) Scheme of maneuver: On Order, Q Troop, 4/3 ACR departs AA Colorado. From AA
Colorado, proceed to SP1. From SP1 proceed to ACP 3 via route Baseball. From ACP 3, cross LD
Denver. Conduct the route reconnaissance of route YALE from PL Denver (LD) to PL Boulder (LOA). Be
prepared to conduct a battle hand-over with R Troop. After completion of the mission or battle hand-over
to R Troop, return to AA Colorado, rearm, refuel, and go to REDCON 4.
2) Fires and CAS: The use of artillery is authorized only to the east of the APA/KDC ZOS.
(See operational overlay for unit locations. Call-signs, and frequencies are per the “communications
card”.)
3) EW plan: JSTARS (call sign Bookshelf) and AWACS (call sign Magic) continue to monitor
APA and KDC radar emissions. Reports of radar activity and countermeasure operations are available
from the Squadron S-2/S-3.
4)
Obstacles that support the mission: Unknown.
5)
Suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD): There is no pre-planned SEAD for this
mission.
6) Reconnaissance objective: The primary objective for this mission is to provide a detailed
route reconnaissance. Particular attention should be made of possible choke points, obstacles, and sites
for possible observation posts that provide overwatch of the road.
c.
Tasks to Subordinate Units.
1) Q Troop Red and White teams conduct a route reconnaissance of Route Yale from PL
Denver to PL Boulder to determine the possibility of APA forces using the route for offensive operations.
1)
Q Troop Blue team is in reserve.
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d.
Fire Support.
1) Field Artillery: 17th Division Artillery (DIVARTY), 2nd AD, has dedicated three M109A3s for
the mission. Q Troop has priority of fires. Direct all calls-for-fire to the Squadron FSO located in the
AIRTAC.
2) JAAT/CAS: JAAT support will be available from H-hour through H+2:00, request sorties
through Falcon Controller A00.125. Coordinating measures will be addressed and understood prior to
execution. Targets must warrant use of massed fires that can’t be effectively serviced with internal fires.
3) ADA: Friendly weapons control status is “tight”. 2nd AD mobile Stinger Teams are available
to engage APA and KDC aircraft. Contact the Squadron S3 in the AIRTAC to coordinate fires.
e.
Coordinating Instructions:
1) Commanders Critical Information Requirements: Can route Yale be used by APA forces as a high
speed Avenue of approach to seize Picacho reservoir? Can Yale be blocked from APA use, and if so
where?
2) Priority Intelligence Requirements: What is the disposition of APA forces at Tom Mix (vic grid VM
80503180)? Where are the best options for blocking Yale from APA use?
3) Essential Elements of Friendly Information: What key terrain can be used by friendly forces to
dominate Yale and deny APA access to it?
4) Report crossing LD Denver, all phase lines, any contact with APA forces, and any hostile acts by
APA forces.
5) Make all spot reports to SQDN S-3.
6) Bypass/ Engagement criteria: DO NOT bypass any APA armor, or platoon or larger infantry, or
any ADA. Immediate suppression of APA forces is authorized to protect friendly forces if engaged.
7) Coordinate crossing APA/KDC border (PL Boulder) with AWACS (call sign Magic).
8)
Time schedule.
Mission Briefing
Preflight
APU Start
Commo check
Takeoff
0630L
0730L
0830L
0845L
0900L
9) Flight plan filing and mission briefing: The flight plan and mission briefing shall be filed with
AASF#2 operations. The flight plan shall be opened with Guard Operations on FM 41.50.
10) Ammunition configuration: All aircraft have 38 rockets (6MP), 8 hellfire missiles, and 600 rounds
of 30MM.
11) Flight coordination.
a) Air routes: Ingress route - Baseball (SP1, ACP1, ACP2, ACP3) Egress route Baseball (ACP5, ACP6, RP1). (Refer to the 1:250,000 and 1:50,000 maps, and mission graphics.)
b)
Rally points: Rally point for in-flight link-ups or other requirements is the previous
SP/ACP/RP.
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c) Holding areas: Holding area for FARP operations or crew changes is the empty
parking pads on D row, AA Colorado. Holding area for the mission is Quintina (VM61603350).
d)
The AIRTAC will loiter in the vicinity of holding area Quintina.
e)
Doppler points.
Colorado
AA
Baseball SP1
VM 7126 0294North Power Plant
ACP1
VM 7673 0778Desert Peak (wash Y)
ACP2
VM 8670 2416Durham
ACP3
VM 8060 3186Tom Mix (road and pipeline)
ACP4
VM 6261 3860Jim Hart (Hart memorial)
ACP5
VM 6011 2456Canal Station (wires and canal)
ACP6
VM 5850 1700Rest Area
RP1
VM 6840 1438Ostrich
Route Yale
North Star Mine Road)
SP
CP1
Other Pts.
f)
VL 6841 9813 DELTA PAD
VM 7870 3425Dirt Road and Highway 89
VM 7566 3120Y Intersection
CP2
VM 6762 3160T Intersection West of Mine
CP3
VM 5965 3267T Intersection West of Bridge
CP4
VM 5920 3155Corral with Well
RP
VM 5670 3285Southeast Corner of Reservoir
HA
VM 6160 3350HA Quintina (CAP dirt pit)
VM 6760 3200North Star Mine
VM 6911 3125North Star Mine Airstrip
Target points.
North Star Mine
VM 6760 3200
North Star Mine Airstrip VM 6911 3125
TRP1
VM 7566 3120Y Intersection
TRP2
VM 7060 3140Choke Point Btwn Hills
TRP3
VM 5965 3267T Intersection
g)
Formations, modes of flight, altitudes, and airspeeds.
1) Baseball: combat cruise, 100 KTAS, 2300’ MSL from AA to ACP1, 200’ AGL
from ACP1 to RP1, 2600’ MSL from RP1 to AA.
2)
During route reconnaissance: terrain flight, traveling.
h) Occupation techniques for holding areas, screen lines, observation posts, and battle
positions: as per SOP, or as the terrain and tactical situation dictate.
i)
Coordinating altitude and other airspace control measures.
300’ AGL and below - U.S. Army
300’ AGL and above - UN Air Forces
j)
Aircraft lighting.
Day:
anti-collision lights white.
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Night:
k)
anti-collision lights red, position lights bright,
formation lights bright.
IMC breakup procedures: as per SOP and Silver Bell Heliport Local Flying Rules.
l)
Aircraft in-flight emergency procedures and recovery airfields: As per SOP. However,
if a precautionary landing is required, the wingman shall follow the aircraft making the precautionary down
and ensure successful landing and crew safety. Contact Guard Operations for maintenance recovery.
The primary recovery airfield is located at AA Colorado.
m) Flight following: Internal
12) Commo check/lost commo procedures: As per SOP.
13) ECCM.
a)
AN/ALQ-144(V)3
Jam Program Number: 2 (notional)
b)
AN/ALQ-136(V)5
TNG/WAR switch: WAR (notional)
c)
M-130
Salvo Count: 1
Salvo Interval: 1
Burst Count: 4
Burst Interval: 2
d)
AN/APR-39(V)1
Discriminator: OFF
e)
IFF
Mode: A
MODE 4 MONITOR switch: AUDIO
14) NBC/MOPP: Ground MOPP level - 0, Air MOPP level - 0.
15) Actions on contact: As per SOP and the Bypass/Engagement criteria in this OPORD.
16) Air-to-air actions on contact: As per SOP.
17) Special and mission essential equipment: Hazard map. Body armor (notional).
18) Rules of engagement, engagement priorities, and target priorities: As per SOP.
19) Degraded weapons and NVD operations: As per SOP.
20) Ingress and Egress criteria: The use of air route Baseball is mandatory except for in-flight
emergencies or when performing actions on contact.
21) Downed pilot procedures: During the mission, the AIRTAC will pick up pilots at the downed
location. Otherwise, all SPs, ACPs, and RPs on route Baseball are downed pilot pickup points. Times for
pickup are 30 minutes prior to sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.
22) Essential elements of information and required spot reports: Report any movement of
military vehicles along the route or in the vicinity of Picacho Reservoir immediately. Report any sighting of
KDC or APA aircraft immediately. Make SITREPs, to include normal operations and negative contact,
every 30 minutes. Report crossing all phase lines. Make all reports to the Squadron S3 in the AIRTAC.
23) AVUM: Maintenance contact teams are available to key the KY-58, KIT-1A, load chaff, and test
operate the AN/APR-39.
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24) The 3rd ACR provides 1 Blackhawk and crew for Tactical Command Post (AIRTAC), Downed
Aircrew Recovery Team/Search and Rescue DART/SAR, and retrans operations.
25) Debriefing time and place: Debriefing will be at the Squadron TOC immediately after completing
the mission.
4.
SERVICE SUPPORT
a.
Supply.
1)
Emergency Class III and V: FARP Black.
2)
Location of FARPs.
Primary: Green, VL68419813 (at assembly area Colorado)
Emergency: Black, VM54501350 (at Picacho Heliport)
b.
Services and Transportation.
1)
evacuation.
5.
Air-ground medical evacuation procedures: Contact Guard operations for emergency air
2)
Field sanitation: You better do it.
3)
Decontamination site: FARP Black.
COMMAND AND SIGNAL
a.
Command.
1)
Chain of command: As per SOP.
2)
PC and seat designation: IP back seat, student front seat.
3) Location of the main and tactical command posts: The main command post is located at
the Squadron TOC, assembly area Colorado. The tactical command post will be located in the UH-60
(AIRTAC).
b.
Signal.
1)
Signal operation instructions in effect: As per Communications Card Day __.
2)
Secure radio codes: Fill 1.
3)
IFF turn-on and turn-off lines.
a)
Mode 3A: On take-off.
b)
Mode 4:
On take-off.
4)
Laser codes: As per SOP.
5)
Code word or password: As per Communications Card Day __.
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6) Meaconing, intrusion, jamming, interference, and electronic counter-measures: Submit
MIJI report after mission completion with Squadron S2.
8)
Lost commo procedures: As per SOP.
9) Tactical air and JAAT frequencies: For impromptu CAS, contact Dragon as per
Communications Card Day __ frequency, then expect Day Have-Quick communications, net A00.125.
10) Frequencies: As per Communications Card Day __.
6.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
a.
Crew Endurance: As per mission briefing.
b. Safety Tip: Be prepared for restricted visibility from blowing dust during high winds, and
brownout conditions during terrain flight maneuvering.
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