The Commander’s Intent

Situation

You are the commanding officer of Company B, Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 1/2. Your company’s mission is to secure the bridge crossing the Minse River. The enemy is reported to be a reinforced rifle platoon holding the key terrain surrounding the bridge. They are well organized and possess some automatic weapons but have no indirect fire capabilities. A section of 81mm mortars is directly attached to your company and is embarked on your assault amphibious vehicles (AAVs). You have direct support from the Marine expeditionary unit’s artillery battery. Charlie Company is in reserve approximately 15 km south of your position.

According to your concept of operations and the company’s scheme of maneuver, Ist Platoon, with machineguns attached, will envelop the enemy and establish a support-by-fire position in the vicinity of company Objective B. The company’s 60mm and attached 81 mm mortars will provide both suppression and obscuration on the enemy position southeast of the bridge (company Objective C). 3d Platoon will assault this enemy position. 2d Platoon will assault the enemy position north of the bridge (company Objective A). 2d Platoon is the main effort. You intend to utilize both indirect and direct fires to support 2d Platoon’s maneuver to company Objective A.

You have begun your attack, and your fires upon Objective C have been effective. You then receive this report from Ist Platoon: “Contact with enemy. Squad-sized unit has immobilized one of our AAVs. The platoon commander and the first squad leader are seriously wounded. The enemy squad has withdrawn now that we have returned fire.” This report from the Ist Platoon platoon sergeant continues: “We are about 700 meters from our river crossing point and about 4 to 5 clicks from company Objective B.”

3d Platoon has reached Objective C and has begun their consolidation. Your 60s have ceased fire. 81s have shifted to provide obscuration for 2d Platoon, and artillery suppression of company Objective A is about to cease. Your original commander’s intent was “to isolate and destroy the enemy in order to secure the bridge for the BLT’s movement north.”

Requirement

In a time limit of 3 minutes, issue your orders to your team leaders. Provide a brief rationale for your actions and a sketch of your plan. Submit your solution to Marine Corps Gazette, TDG #01-7, P.O. Box 1775, Quantico, VA 22134, fax 703-630-9147, or e-mail <[email protected]>.

For more detailed information on the structure of Marine Corps units, Marine Corps equipment, and symbols used in TDG sketches, see MCG, Oct94, pp. 53-56 and the modification reported in jan95, p. 5.

Dogs at the Bridge

Situation

The Caribbean island of St. Karen is characterized by steep hills, cliffs, and swollen rivers. The soil is rocky with low-growing shrubs in the southern and midland regions, with forests in the northern and eastern regions. Two years ago, the emperor of St. Karen declared his nation a “druggie safe state.” It is now a haven for drug smugglers. Three large cartels have joined forces and are known as the Greyson Dogs. They fund impressive land and naval forces. Their terrorist activities in the region include piracy, raids on neighboring islands, and attacks on U.S. Coast Guard patrols. Regimental Landing Team 6 has successfully pushed the “Dogs” into the northern forest regions and is now staged in assembly areas, preparing to continue offensive operations.

You are a combat engineer squad leader. Your platoon is attached to Battalion Landing Team 1/6. Your platoon commander issues you the following order:

The battalion is getting ready to push out across the Penny River tomorrow afternoon. We want to go across in the western part of the forest where the Dogs don’t expect us. There’s a bridge located on Route 610. Your mission is to conduct an engineer route reconnaissance along Route 610 up to and including the Penny River Bridge in order to confirm the battalion’s route for the attack. Don’t be compromised-the battalion commander doesn’t want to tip his hand. Good luck.

Your nine-man squad is organized into Demo Teams I and 2. You have one M203 with M16, one M249 squad automatic weapon, seven M16s, a PRC-119, and two sets of ANPVS-7 night vision goggles. You set out just before sunset. The patrol to the bridge is uneventful, and you find the road to be in good shape. Arriving at the bridge in darkness, you take up a position to overlook the area as depicted on the map. You immediately notice five to six individuals working busily to prepare the bridge span for demolition. You note that the water appears to be deep and moving at about 3 feet per second. The banks are steep on both sides, but the bridge is made of concrete and appears sturdy. You see a fork in the road that travels off to the east to a possible ford site. It looks rugged. The banks are steep and rutted, and who knows what the streambed looks like. You figure a few hours work with bulldozers and dump trucks might make it operational.

You call back to battalion and explain the situation. You are not sure they understood your transmission. Their reply is broken: “Rogshh … If … across… dord … <click>worried .. tion … <zzzhzhz> … can’t let thrick … mission … shshs….”

As the Dog engineers put the final charges in place, you can see firing wire is being stretched from a position of defilade to the bridge. What now?

Requirement

In a time limit of 5 minutes, issue your orders to your team leaders. Provide a brief rationale for your actions and a sketch of your plan. Submit your solution to Marine Corps Gazette, TDG #01-6, P.O. Box 1775, Quantico, VA 22134, fax 703-630-9147, or email <[email protected]>.

For more detailed information on the structure of Marine Corps units, Marine Corps equipment, and symbols used in TDG sketches, see MCG, Oct94, pp. 53-56 and the modification reported in Jan95, p. 5.

Hit Hard at Hill 233

Situation

You are the executive officer (XO) of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2d Marines. Bravo Company crossed the line of departure 1 hour ago and is moving 7 kilometers to its tentative assault position. The battalion’s two– company attack (Bravo and Charlie Companies) is scheduled to go at 0400. The battalion commander’s goal is to move two companies around the flank of the enemy and attack them from the rear, as well as cut their only line of communications.

Bravo Company is moving in a column formation. One kilometer (about 1 hour) behind you is the battalion forward command post and Charlie Company. The terrain is rough, several ridges and hills covered with thick vegetation lie across your route. Visibility in most areas is no more than 50-75 meters. Enemy presence in this area has not yet been detected by the battalion’s surveillance and target acquisition teams. As a result your company commander is really “stepping it out” in an effort to reach the assault position on time (1000).

You’re located in the rear of the company with the company gunny and the training noncommissioned officer who is carrying the radio. At 1700, the company is climbing one of the many steep ridges in your path. Ist Platoon has crossed the ridge and is descending the opposite side down a narrow finger. In the middle of the column, the company headquarters element and weapons platoon are at the top of the ridge. 2d and 3d Platoon are yet to begin their ascent. Suddenly, near the top of the ridge, an enormous amount of small arms fire erupts. Several machineguns are in action, and several explosions go off as well.

The gunfire dies down a bit and you attempt to raise the commanding officer (CO) on the radio. Unfortunately, you can’t raise him or the mortar section for that matter. 1st Platoon commander comes on the hook and reports that the CO and weapons platoon got hit hard. There was a large ambush on top of the hill. He believes that some of weapons platoon is still pinned down, but they’ve suffered a lot of casualties. He also reports his rear squad is engaged with a platoon-size element.

2d Platoon reports numerous casualties from weapons platoon and that he’s exchanging fire with the enemy.

At that moment, 2d and 3d Platoons begin receiving mortar fire. Both platoons, as well as yourself, quickly hit the deck.

What now XO?

Requirement

Within 2 minutes issue orders to your platoons. Provide your plan of attack with a sketch and a brief explanation of your plan. Submit your solution with rationale to Marine Corps Gazette. TDG #01-3, P.O. Box 1775, Quantico, VA 22134 or fax 703-630-9147.

For more detailed information on the structure of Marine Corps units, Marine Corps equipment, and symbols used in TDG sketches, see MCG, Oct94, pp. 53-56 and the modification reported in Jan95, p. 5.

Attack on Jersey Island

Situation

You are the commanding officer of Company G, Battalion Landing Team 2/2, the small boat company of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). Your company task organizes for small boat operations aboard 20 combat rubber reconnaissance craft with 3 rifle platoons, 2 mortar teams, 2 SMAW (shoulder launched multipurpose assault weapon) teams, and 2 machinegun squads. The company is currently embarked aboard the USS Austin, and it is part of a combined U.S.-Baklavarian amphibious task force responding to an escalation of arms smuggling in the Adriatic Sea. Arms smugglers continue to use the small, uninhabited islands along the central Baklavarian coast as transshipment points for weapons to insurgent groups operating in the southern Astorian Sea.

Baklavarian naval forces recently intercepted a boat carrying illegal weapons and ammunition. Interrogations of the crewmembers revealed that the headquarters of the smuggling operations and the main weapons cache site are located on Jersey Island, several miles west of the Baklavarian coastline. The island is characterized by several prominent, rocky hills and vegetation that varies in thickness throughout the terrain. Twenty to 25 men armed with AK-47s guard each site. The interrogated crewmen believe that some type of antiaircraft gun protects the command post (CP).

The U.S.-Baklavarian amphibious task force has been directed to conduct a nearly simultaneous surface and heliborne assault on Jersey in order to deny the insurgent groups the strategic use of the island as the main transshipment point for smuggling operations. Specifically, Golf Company will conduct a small boat assault to seize the insurgent headquarters and destroy any antiaircraft guns near the CP in order to facilitate the Baklavarian heliborne company attack on the arms cache site. The times of the surface and heliborne landings will be separated by I hour in order to give your company time to maneuver to its objective. The mission commander believes this action will throw any defense of the island off balance and facilitate the success of the mission.

As the company maneuvers into position for its assault on the enemy CP, your lead platoon stumbles upon a fire team-sized security patrol. Fires are immediately exchanged, and the element of surprise is lost. The Ist Platoon commander reports that he has two men down, and he is also receiving small arms fire from the hilltop to his front. Before you issue any orders to your element leaders, the reconnaissance and surveillance team on the west side of the island reports that a column of armed smugglers is moving generally southeast toward the CP, perhaps to reinforce the headquarters. As you glance at your watch, you realize that the Baklavarian heliborne force is scheduled to land in the landing zone in less than 20 minutes. What do you do, Captain?

Requirement

In a time limit of 5 minutes, issue your orders to your element leaders and submit any reports to the mission commander aboard USS Austin. Provide a brief rationale for your actions and a sketch of your plan. Submit your solution to Marine Corps Gazette, TDG #01-2, P.O. Box 1775, Quantico, VA 22134 or fax 703-630-9147.

For more detailed information on the structure of Marine Corps units, Marine Corps equipment, and symbols used in TDG sketches, see MCG, Oct94, pp. 53-56 and the modification reported in Jan95, p. 5.

Advance guard at Colenso Crossing

Situation

You are the commander of Company A, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, currently assembled about 45 miles west of Middleburg. Your unit is part of I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), which is supporting Arconian defense forces in resisting an invasion from Baltonia, its neighbor to the east. Reinforced by infantry, tanks, and artillery, the battalion is ordered to secure at first light the two bridges near Colenso Crossing in order to facilitate the attack by follow-on mechanized forces east along Highway 8 to defeat Baltonian forces and restore the Arconian border.

The time is now 2115. Your battalion commander briefs you on the situation: Arconian forces have broken contact and withdrawn to a hasty defensive line along the Longhorn River following a Baltonian attack. An Arconian regiment is located in Middleburg with forces on Hills 299 and 304. Since the Baltonian attack, only small enemy patrols have been sighted near Colenso Crossing, with no reports of enemy movements further west. Baltonian forces are equipped with secondhand Soviet-style gear and adhere loosely to Soviet doctrine. The Baltonians are not equipped with the latest thermal devices for night fighting, but there is a good chance they have captured some thermal devices from the Arconians. The Baltonians can achieve local air superiority for up to a few hours at most.

Highway 8 is a paved, two-lane highway in various states of repair between Middleburg and Colenso Crossing. The terrain is mostly rolling farmland with patches of forest. Because of steep banks, it is believed the Longhorn and Mineral Rivers can be crossed only at bridges or identified fords. Sunrise is at 0500 and sunset at 2000. Colenso Crossing is culturally significant, being the site of several historic Arconian landmarks.

Your company will form the battalion advance guard and main effort, and at 0500 will conduct a surprise attack to seize Objectives Gin and Tonic, the two bridges at Colenso Crossing. You will be reinforced with an infantry platoon on assault amphibious vehicles and a tank platoon, both of which are on their way to your company assembly area. The battalion main body will follow an hour behind and will consolidate positions around Colenso Crossing or reinforce your attack if needed. Supporting artillery will provide on-call suppression. Radio listening silence will be in effect until contact with the enemy. The battalion commander instructs you go forward with him at 2145 to coordinate the passage of lines with the Arconians at Middleburg, leaving you very little time to make the necessary arrangements. What is your plan, Captain?

Requirement

In a time limit of 10 minutes, issue any orders and make any appropriate reports/requests. Then provide a sketch and explanation of your plan. Submit your solution to Marine Corps Gazette, TDG #98-2, P.O. Box 1775, Quantico, VA 22134 or fax 703-640-0823.

For more detailed information on the structure of Marine Corps units, Marine Corps equipment, and symbols used in TDG sketches, see MCG, Oct94, pp. 53-56 and the modification reported in Jan95, p. 5.

Han Lu River Bridge, part II

This scenario is the continuation of TDG #97-6, “Contract at the Han Lu River Bridge,” (MCG Jun97; Solutions, Aug97)

Situation

You are the commander of Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. Your battalion has attacked north to secure a bridgehead across the Han Lu River for the regiment’s attack into the enemy’s rear areas. Your company has just successfully seized the Jomsom Bridge over the Han Lu River, while Company B (the main effort), supported by Company C, has seized a bridge 6 miles east. Your platoons are consolidating the bridgehead when you receive the following message on the battalion tactical net:

Bravo and Charlie are engaged with an enemy mechanized battalion about 10 clicks to your east. The enemy seems to be fighting a delaying action west toward Jomsom. You are in a position to cut off his only avenue of retreat. I expect him to break and run at any time. Your mission is to ensure that no enemy forces be allowed to escape west of Jomsom. When the enemy main body commits to its retreat, you will become the main effort and receive priority of fires. [The battalion has one artillery battery, a section of Cobras and two sections of Harriers in direct support.] In addition, I’ve already sent you a tank platoon and CA-AT [combined antiarmor team].

You tell your XO, “Get the orders group assembled for a frag order and have the company ready to attack immediately.”

You move to Hill 305 for a look. You see wire and ditches stretching across all open areas from Hill 451 to Rte. 2. An enemy unit, apparently squad size, is entrenched atop Hill 451 overlooking the obstacles. East of Jomsom, Rte. 2 is devoid of traffic, but Jomsom itself is a flurry of activity with 20-30 trucks and about 6 BTRs being loaded with equipment and personnel. You see enemy soldiers but no civilians. There are about 10 trucks already heading west out of Jomsom. Looking to the east, you see the smoke and hear the sounds of battle but no enemy forces heading your direction . . yet.

At the base of Hill 305 you find your commanders standing by. You see four MlAls and five HMMWVs (three with TOWs and two with Mkl9s)just now crossing the bridge. Your FAC tells you the Cobra Section has checked in and is ready for action. The Harriers are on strip alert with a 15-minute flight time. As you begin to brief the situation, you hear the following report over the battalion net:

Enemy breaking contact and heading your way. Estimate two BMP-2 companies and one T-72 company. ETA Jomsom: 20 mikes. It is 1535-about 90 minutes of daylight remaining. The weather is clear. The woods are not thick and allow passage of vehicles although the going is difficult. Your ammo is at 70 percent.

What is your plan, Captain? Requirement

In a time limit of 5 minutes, issue any orders and make any reports or requests. Once this is done, provide a sketch of your plan and an explanation of your decision. Send your solution to the Marine Corps Gazette, TDG #98-1, P.O. Box 1775, Quantico, VA 22134 or fax 703-640-0823. US tMC

For more detailed information on the structure of Marine Corps units, Marine Corps equipment, and symbols used in TDG sketches, see MCG, Oct94, pp. 53-56 and the modification reported in Jan 95, p. 5.

Battle of Sanna’s Post

Situation

You are the commanding officer of a rifle company with an assault amphibious vehicle (AAV) platoon and a combined antiarmor team (CAAT) made up of three TOW HMMWVs and two heavy machinegun (HMG) HMMWVs. The battalion is currently moving south-southeast as 2d Marines’ advance guard. The regimental landing team (RLT) is pushing hard to engage enemy mechanized forces moving east before they can consolidate near the port city of Fontein. Your company’s mission is to provide flank security on the right of the battalion’s movement to contact and to be prepared to assume the lead element as directed.

The terrain in the area is a flat, rocky desert, with sparse vegetation. Two rivers, flanked by steep banks, run through the area and are swollen by recent rains; they are fordable at only a few points. Elsewhere trafficability for wheeled and tracked vehicles is good. It is 0100, partly cloudy with good visibility. You are currently moving 10-15 kilometers per hour south, approximately 3-4 kilometers west of your battalion.

The CAAT team, currently moving in advance of the company, has sent scouts along the high ground to observe the Modder River area, including Sanna’s Post, a small village to the west, and the road running perpendicular to your route. The CAAT leader reports “Enemy sighted, vicinity of Sanna’s Post, 2,000m west of Modder River Ford. Looks like a logistics site with two T-72s, a BTR-60 platoon, and many fuel trucks and supply vehicles. They are stationary near several small buildings. Will maintain observation and move vehicles into firing positions. I don’t think they have seen us. Please advice.

As you digest that information, battalion reports “lead companies heavily engaged with elements of motorized rifle battalion and tank force . . . Regiment will attempt flanking maneuver with its follow-on forces as we fix the enemy . . . I am counting on your company to prevent enemy reinforcement from the west . . .”

What is your plan, Captain?

Requirement

In a time limit of 10 minutes, decide what you will do, prepare appropriate orders as well as any requests/reports you would submit. Provide a sketch and an explanation of your plan. Mail your solution to Marine Corps Gazette, TDG #974, P.O. Box 1775, Quantico, VA 22134 or send fax to 703-640-0823 or Email to ([email protected]).

For more detailed information on the structure of Marine Corps units, Marine Corps equipment, and symbols used in TDG sketches, see MCG, Oct94, pp. 53-56 and the modification reported in Jan95, p. 5.

More Hell in a Handbasket

This scenario is the continuation of Tactical Decision Game #95-9, “Hell in a Handbasket,” MCG, Sep95. You are the executive officer of 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. The MEF has made a landing in the enemy rear and is driving west toward the enemy city of Lung-Hoc. Your battalion, reinforced with a company from 2d Battalion, has made a helicopterborne landing 15 kilometers south of Lung-Hoc in the Han-Bas-Quet triangle and has set up a series of blocking positions in order to prevent enemy forces from escaping south out of Lung-Hoc or from reinforcing Lung-Hoc from the south. Each company is reinforced with a section of Dragons and a combined antiarmor team (CAAT) of two TOW vehicles and two heavy machinegun (HMG) vehicles. The battalion is expected to hold its positions until mechanized advance elements of the division arrive within 24-48 hours. Company A, in a blocking position near Han, has sighted enemy activity to the north but has not made contact. Company B, with the battalion commander, was to have landed at Landing Zone (LZ) Robin, but there has been no word from them, and Robin is teeming with enemy activity. Your estimate is that they never made the landing. At Bas, Company G came under heavy attack from two directions and has begun delaying toward Quet. One platoon (callsign “Anchor”) from Company C is holding Quet with the 81mm mortar platoon and has had no enemy contact. The rest of Company C (with your small command group in trace) has moved northeast toward Hill 865 with the object of taking over Company G blocking mission. You can no longer raise the reconnaissance team that had been in the vicinity of Hill 865 and reported the enemy activity around the Rt 65-Rt 40 intersection.

The leading elements of Charlie Company crest Hill 865. Below you to the east you can see and hear Golf Company delaying along Route 25. From what has been reported and the sounds of things you estimate there is at least a mechanized battalion advancing down Rt 25. Charlie Company reports a steady flow of enemy forces (“dozens of vehicle lights”) heading south on Route 40 through LZ Robin and then east into Bas. Alpha reports that it is being probed by enemy patrols from the north. You hear small arms fire from over the crest of Hill 865, and Charlie Company reports that it has driven off what seems to be an enemy combat patrol moving up the north slope.

What now, Major?

Requirement

In a time limit of 5 minutes prepare the frag orders you will issue and any reports/requests you will make. Then provide a sketch and a short explanation of your decision. Send your solution to Marine Corps Gazette, TDG #95-11, P. O. Box 1775, Quantico, VA 22134 or fax (703) 640-0823.

For more detailed information on the structure of Marine Corps units, Marine Corps equipment, and symbols used in TDG sketches, see MCG, Oct94, pp. 53-56 and the modification reported in Jan95, p. 5.

Flank Guard, Part III

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.

On a Clear Day

You are the commanding officer of a tank battalion operating in a desert region with three tank companies and an antitank platoon of five TOWs. It has been a war of rapid movements. The enemy is generally to the north, but after the marching, countermarching and confused fighting of the last 24 hours you realize that is a fairly meaningless distinction. There exact location is uncertain. At 0200 you are in a leaguer. With no idea of where the nearest friendlies are, you established 360-degree security. You have refueled; you have redistributed ammunition and decide you have enough to get you through another engagement. Your main concern is trying to raise Bravo Company, which you have not seen or heard from since early afternoon. Alpha Company has seven tanks, Charlie has eight.

You are thinking you might actually get some rest tonight when you receive instructions from division: “A mixed enemy force of tanks and mech-estimated battalion strength, but that’s probably exaggerated-was reported to have overrun the Faludi airstrip about an hour ago. Attack to destroy.” You ask for more information, but that is all that is known. You remind division of your ammunition situation and the fact that you only have 15 tanks, and the reply is: “Roger; attack at the earliest opportunity.”

Faludi is a deserted settlement on a small mound some 25 kilometers north-north-west. By 0245 you move out with Charlie in the lead, followed by your headquarters with the TOWs, and Alpha in the rear. At 0330 you meet up with a reinforced light armored reconnaissance company (19 LAVs) that lacking any other instructions, falls in behind Alpha. At 0430 Alpha reports that another platoon of LAV-25s (callsign “Whippet”-4 LAVs) has attached itself to your right flank.

At 0550 Charlie reports it has hit a track that you think must be Route 10A. You move forward to have a look. Dawn is just beginning to appear. Your gunner is listening to Armed Forces Radio and says: “It’s gonna be clear and hot today.”

Charlie reports it can just make out Faludi in the haze about 5 kilometers north. “There are a couple thin-skinned vehicles there. I can’t ID them.” Suddenly, gunfire erupts to the south and Charlie reports: “Whippet has just engaged a convoy of about 10 vehicles. They are fleeing south.” Charlie now reports: “I’ve got a visual on the airstrip. About 30-40 trucks; maybe 6 artillery pieces; no armor or mech.”

The engagement continues in the south and now Alpha reports: “Whippet is pursuing the convoy and says they’re engaging some ZSUs-4 or 5 of ’em-on an escarpment about 5 clicks south.” Just them, artillery fire starts to land just north of your position. A piece of shrapnel pings off your turret. You decide it’s going to be anything but clear today, but it is starting to get hot. What do you do?

Requirement

In a time limit of 5 minutes, decide what you will do by issuing instructions to your subordinates. Then provide a sketch, a short explanation, and a premortem (see box insert) of your decision. Send these items (the initial solution, unaltered by the premortein results) to Marine Carps Gazette, TDG #96-19, Box 1775, Quantico, VA 22134 or fax 703-640-0823.

On the Road to Martinstraus

Situation

You are the commander of Company A, 1st Tank Battalion, with three tank platoons, a rifle platoon on AAVs, and a reinforced light armored reconnaissance (LAR) platoon (four LAV-25s, two LAV-ATs). 1st Marine Division is conducting combat operations in a hilly region of the country of Tracoatia and plans to attack northeast to destroy a brigade-size enemy force that intelligence indicates is building up north of Stony River. 1st Tanks has been ordered to seize the Martinstraus bridge in order to facilitate the attack north across the river. Your company will be the advance guard, with the rest of the battalion following in trace ready to support. Battalion informs you that artillery and four AH-1W Cobras are in direct support of your company.

At 0700 your company departs its assembly area traveling along Route 2 in the order of march shown. As you approach the dirt road intersecting Route 2, your company begins receiving fire from Hills 327 and 350. Your platoons seek cover and return fire. Your forward observer (FO) calls for artillery support. You estimate the incoming fire to be 14.5mm, consistent with what you would expect from enemy security forces.

What are you going to do, Captain?

Requirement

In a time limit of 5 minutes decide what you vill do by issuing any orders and/or making any appropriate reports/ requests. Then provide a sketch and any explanation of your plan. Send your solution to Marine Corps Gazette, TDG #96-11, Box 1775, Quantico, VA 22134 or fax 703-640-0823.