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 #002 / CODE NAME: “MOVEMENT TO CONTACT”
CADRE / OPFOR NOTES
Complexity: Moderate Recommended Phase: WALK (Blocks 3-4), RUN (Day Iterations) Mission Summary: 1st Platoon conducts a movement to contact in AO FLUNKER with squads operating independently in assigned zones to locate, engage, and assess REAPER forces. Each squad has its own objective and operates at its own pace.
Training Focus: This OPORD is designed to evaluate individual squad leader planning and decision-making. The PL issues the platoon OPORD, but each squad leader must conduct their own TLP — analyzing terrain, selecting movement techniques, choosing formations, planning actions on contact, and issuing a squad OPORD. Cadre should assign one evaluator per squad to observe the SL’s planning process and tactical decisions.
Destinations:
- 1st Squad → OBJ BAINTON (vic MP 0600 1538)
- 2nd Squad → OBJ HERRERA (vic MP 0612 1546)
- 3rd Squad → OBJ BARLOW (vic MP 0613 1532)
Actions on Objective: Each squad independently locates and engages REAPER in its zone, secures its objective, and reports. Squads do not depend on or wait for adjacent squads.
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:
- Deploy one OPFOR team (2-3 personnel) per zone, positioned near each squad’s objective.
- Each OPFOR team operates independently — do not coordinate across zones unless running MDCOA.
- Introduce a civilian or non-combatant scenario in one zone to test ROE.
- Cadre can inject intelligence updates, obstacles, or simulate equipment malfunctions per zone.
- Vary OPFOR tactics across zones (one team delays, one ambushes, one defends) to create distinct planning problems for each SL.
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 002-movement-to-contact-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 FLUNKER includes the road junction at OBJ HERRERA (MP 0612 1546), bounded to the north by the old logging road, to the east by the Starke city limits, to the south by the creek line, 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 are a small, organized group of irregular fighters, likely part of a local militia or insurgent cell. They are familiar with the terrain, use small arms and support weapons, and employ ambush and hit-and-run tactics. They are capable of blending into the local populace and adapting quickly to changing situations.
1. Composition. Three independent REAPER teams, each 2-3 combatants with small arms and a possible crew-served weapon. Total 6-9 combatants distributed across AO FLUNKER.
2. Disposition. REAPER teams are dispersed across the AO, with one team operating in each sector — western, central, and eastern. Each team uses terrain and vegetation for concealment near its respective area. Teams operate independently with limited lateral coordination.
3. Most Probable Course of Action (MPCOA). Each REAPER team initiates harassing fire from concealed positions when friendly forces enter its area, then breaks contact to avoid being fixed. Teams may leave behind simple obstacles or early warning devices but do not attempt to decisively engage. Each team fights independently without reinforcement from adjacent teams.
4. Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). REAPER teams coordinate across sectors to mass against one friendly squad, concentrating fires from multiple directions. The isolated squad faces a coordinated ambush while adjacent squads are unaware or too distant to provide immediate support.
1. Higher Headquarters: A Co. 4th BN – 211th INF.
2. Mission. A Company locates and engages REAPER forces to assess strength and disposition.
3. Commander’s Intent. Locate REAPER forces and establish tactical advantage for future operations.
Civilians present; avoid unnecessary disturbances and ensure safety.
None.
1st Platoon conducts a movement to contact in AO FLUNKER NLT __ to locate and engage REAPER forces in assigned squad zones and assess their strength and disposition.
Purpose: Develop the situation with REAPER forces across AO FLUNKER to enable the company commander to make informed decisions for follow-on operations.
Key Tasks: (1) Each squad locates REAPER forces in its assigned zone and reports their strength and disposition. (2) Fix or destroy REAPER forces upon contact. (3) Squads maintain freedom to maneuver independently throughout the engagement.
End State: REAPER forces located and assessed in all three zones, squad objectives secured, friendly forces maintaining tactical advantage and prepared for follow-on operations.
1st Platoon conducts a movement to contact across three independent squad zones in AO FLUNKER. Each squad advances toward its own objective at its own pace, locating and engaging REAPER forces within its assigned zone. No main effort is designated — all squads operate with equal priority. Squad leaders select their own movement techniques, formations, and routes based on their analysis of terrain and enemy situation. The PL monitors all squads and coordinates as needed. The PSG trails, prepared to support any squad requiring reinforcement or casualty evacuation.
No priority of indirect fires designated. Mortar support available through company on request; any squad may request fires through the PL.
1. 1st Squad (Western Zone):
2. 2nd Squad (Central Zone):
3. 3rd Squad (Eastern Zone):
4. Platoon Leader:
5. Platoon Sergeant:
1. Rules of Engagement (ROE):
2. Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR):
3. Commander’s Critical Information Requirements (CCIR):
4. Reporting:
5. Coordination Between Squads:
6. This OPORD is effective immediately upon distribution.
1. PACE Plan:
2. Call Signs:
3. Challenge, Password, Running Password, Combination: