THIS IS A TRAINING OPERATION ORDER. FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
References: ATP 3-21.8, FM 3-90-1, ADRP 1-02
OPERATIONAL PLAN / ORDER #001 / CODE NAME: “AMBUSH AT CROSSROADS”
CADRE / OPFOR NOTES
Complexity: Moderate Recommended Phase: RUN (Day Iterations) Mission Summary: 1st Platoon is tasked to conduct a linear ambush along a key supply route to destroy REAPER forces and disrupt REAPER logistics.
Destination: OBJ FLUNKER at MP 0601 1538, AO COTTO.
Actions on Objective: Platoon will establish an ORP, move to the ambush site, set up assault, support, and security elements, initiate the ambush on the REAPER convoy, and withdraw in an organized manner.
Evaluation Timeline: For evaluated iterations, candidates will receive this OPORD and have 75 minutes to complete TLP Steps 1-8 before SP. Execution window is 60 minutes. AAR is 15 minutes.
OPFOR/Training Wrinkles:
- Simulate a lightly armed convoy with the ability to reinforce or withdraw.
- Introduce a civilian vehicle or non-combatant to test ROE and decision-making.
- OPFOR may attempt to flank or counterattack if the ambush is detected early.
- Cadre can inject communication/equipment failures or unexpected convoy timing changes to challenge flexibility.
NOTE: UAS/Counter-UAS injects are OPTIONAL and should only be used if authorized by the Commandant and incorporated into the approved POI.
See Also: LTA Grid Reference
Iteration Guidance: This is the mission command version — squad tasks state outcomes without prescribing specific positioning or movement. For the first iteration with a new class or candidates who need additional scaffolding, use 001-ambush-detailed.md instead.
Time Zone Used Throughout the Plan/Order: EASTERN STANDARD TIME
Task Organization:
1st Platoon, A Co. 4th BN-211th INF
Platoon Leader
Platoon Sergeant
1st Squad
2nd Squad
3rd Squad
Clay County, Florida, in the vicinity of Starke and Highway 16. AO COTTO encompasses the crossroads at MP 0601 1538 and surrounding woodlines, bounded to the north by Highway 16, to the east by the Starke city limits, to the south by the old railroad bed, and to the west by the pine forest edge.
1. Terrain. Camp Blanding features flat to gently rolling terrain with sandy soils, low-lying areas, and extensive pine and hardwood forests. The area includes open fields, dense underbrush, ponds, marshes, and wetlands. Vegetation provides concealment and limits long-range observation. Roads and trails serve as likely avenues of approach for both friendly and enemy forces. Terrain and soil conditions may restrict vehicle movement, especially in wet areas.
2. Weather.
REAPER forces consist of a lightly armed irregular force, likely affiliated with a regional militia group. They are equipped with small arms, possible support weapons, and have experience operating in rural environments. They are capable of basic convoy operations and may attempt to reinforce or withdraw if engaged.
1. Composition. 2 vehicles, 6-8 REAPER personnel, AK-47s, possible support weapons (e.g., HMG).
2. Disposition. REAPER forces are typically dispersed in small groups along key supply routes and maintain a low profile to avoid detection. The convoy travels south to north along Bradenton Ave through AO COTTO. They are prepared to consolidate quickly at critical points if threatened and may use scouts or lookouts to monitor friendly movement.
3. Most Probable Course of Action (MPCOA). Upon initiation of the ambush, REAPER forces return limited, inaccurate fire, then rapidly withdraw along a secondary route to avoid further engagement. They may abandon vehicles or wounded, and attempt to regroup at a safe distance. Reinforcements are unlikely to arrive in time to decisively affect the engagement.
4. Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). A nearby REAPER quick reaction force rapidly reinforces the ambushed convoy, coordinating a counterattack with flanking or encirclement maneuvers against the platoon. REAPER forces employ indirect fire or IEDs to disrupt friendly withdrawal and attempts to inflict maximum casualties before friendly forces can break contact.
1. Higher Headquarters: A Co. 4th BN – 211th INF.
2. Mission. A Company conducts ambush operations to disable REAPER supply route in AO COTTO.
3. Commander’s Intent. Destroy REAPER convoy and seize supplies to ensure safe passage for friendly forces.
Local civilians frequent the area. Ambush must minimize risk to non-combatants and avoid civilian casualties to maintain good relations.
None.
1st Platoon conducts an ambush at OBJ FLUNKER (MP 0601 1538) NLT __ in order to destroy REAPER forces and disrupt REAPER supply lines.
Purpose: Disrupt REAPER logistics and deny REAPER resupply capability along the supply route through AO COTTO.
Key Tasks: (1) Destroy the REAPER convoy. (2) Seize REAPER supplies and materiel. (3) Withdraw without decisive engagement by REAPER reinforcements.
End State: REAPER convoy destroyed, supplies seized, friendly forces consolidated at ORP and prepared for follow-on operations.
1st Platoon conducts a linear ambush at OBJ FLUNKER. The platoon occupies an ORP, then moves to establish the ambush site along REAPER’s expected south-to-north route of movement. The assault element, as the main effort, initiates the ambush and destroys the convoy. The support element provides flanking suppressive fire to fix the enemy in the kill zone. The security element isolates the ambush site against reinforcement or escape. Upon completion, the platoon withdraws by echelon to the ORP.
1st Squad, as the decisive effort, has priority of indirect fires. Mortar support available through company on request.
1. 1st Squad (Assault — Decisive Operation):
2. 2nd Squad (Support — Shaping Operation):
3. 3rd Squad (Security — Shaping Operation):
1. Rules of Engagement (ROE):
2. Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR):
3. Commander’s Critical Information Requirements (CCIR):
4. Reporting:
5. This OPORD is effective immediately upon distribution.
1. PACE Plan:
2. Call Signs:
3. Challenge, Password, Running Password, Combination: