Flank Guard, Part III
Posted on May 16,2019Article Date Sep 01, 1996
by Maj John F. Schmitt, USMCR
This scenario is the continuation of Tactical Decision Game #96-3, “Flank Guard” (MCG, Mar96) and Tactical Decision Game #96-7, “Flank Guard, Continued” (WICG, Jul96), based on the author’s solution to #96-7 on p. 107.
Situation
You are the commander of a light armored reconnaissance (LAR) company guarding the right flank of 6th Marines. You are about 10-12 kilometers east of 6th Marines, generally paralleling that regiment as you move north astride a dirt road. The terrain is sparsely vegetated. It is a clear night.
As you near Checkpoint 35, you discover an enemy column moving west across your front with a company of T-64s in the lead followed by a company of BMPs and BTR-60s. You decide to spring a hasty ambush with the intent of drawing the enemy’s attention away from 6th Marines, but you only catch the tail of the column. You lose contact with the enemy tanks. 2d Platoon and your attached TOW section engage the enemy rear, but apparently a couple of LAV-ATs are hit. 3d Platoon makes no contact near Checkpoint 35, so you order it to attack west toward the enemy rear. Meanwhile, you lead 1st Platoon to the southwest side of Hill 223 to try to relocate the enemy tanks.
While moving, you monitor the progress of the other platoons. 3d Platoon’s attack seems to be going well; the platoon commander reports 5 or 6 enemy vehicles hit. 2d Platoon reports: “We’ve only got 1 LAV-AT operational; the others have been knocked out. I’ve collected the AT crews and 3 KIA. I’m engaging BTRs. Be advised the BMPs seem to be swinging around in your direction.”
As you move into position southwest of Hill 223, you spot the BMPS, under artillery fire, approaching from the north; a muzzle flashes as a BMP opens fire from about 2,000 meters. Just then your 1st Platoon commander reports: “Six T-64s, 200 degrees, range 2,500 meters.” A BMP 73mm round explodes nearby, and you decide it’s time to move. What will you do, Captain?
Requirement
In a time limit of 2 minutes decide what you will do by issuing any orders and/or making any appropriate reports/requests. Then provide a sketch and an explanation of your plan. Send your solution to Marine Corps Gazette, TDG #96-9, Box 1775, Quantico, VA 22134 or fax (703) 640-0823.
