THIS IS A TRAINING OPERATION ORDER. FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
References: ATP 3-21.8, ATP 3-20.98, FM 3-90-2, ADRP 1-02
OPERATIONAL PLAN / ORDER #005 / CODE NAME: “AREA RECONNAISSANCE”
CADRE / OPFOR NOTES
Complexity: Lower Recommended Phase: WALK (Blocks 1-2), RUN (Day Iterations) Mission Summary: 1st Platoon is tasked to conduct an area reconnaissance in AO COTTO to locate REAPER positions, assess REAPER strength and disposition, and identify key terrain features.
Destination: AO COTTO, bounded by Highway 16 (north), old railroad bed (south), Starke city limits (east), and pine forest edge (west). Focus area around suspected REAPER position at MP 0613 1532.
Actions on Objective: Platoon will establish an ORP, conduct reconnaissance of the area using zone or area reconnaissance techniques, collect intelligence on enemy positions and activities, and report findings to higher headquarters.
Training Focus: This OPORD is ideal for early TLP training due to its simpler mission focus. Candidates can concentrate on planning products, reconnaissance fundamentals, and reporting without the added complexity of direct engagement.
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:
- Enemy may be static in defensive positions or mobile in small patrols.
- Introduce false indicators or decoy positions to test candidate’s analytical skills.
- OPFOR may detect friendly reconnaissance and attempt to counter-recon or withdraw.
- Cadre can inject time constraints, weather changes, or equipment failures.
- Test ability to avoid detection while gathering intelligence.
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 005-area-zone-reconnaissance-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 area 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. Suspected enemy activity centered around MP 0613 1532.
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 small irregular force, likely operating from concealed positions within AO COTTO. They are equipped with small arms and may have support weapons. They are experienced in local terrain and employ security measures to avoid detection.
1. Composition. Estimated 4-6 REAPER personnel, small arms, possible support weapons, in concealed or defensive positions.
2. Disposition. REAPER forces are likely dispersed in small groups throughout the area, using terrain and vegetation for concealment. They maintain security patrols and observation posts to detect friendly reconnaissance. Exact locations unknown – this is the purpose of the reconnaissance mission.
3. Most Probable Course of Action (MPCOA). REAPER forces maintain static defensive positions or conduct limited patrols within the area. If detected, they attempt to break contact and withdraw rather than engage decisively. They may use decoy positions or false indicators to mislead friendly reconnaissance.
4. Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). REAPER forces detect friendly reconnaissance and initiate an ambush or counter-reconnaissance operation. They coordinate with additional elements to encircle or fix the reconnaissance platoon, seeking to prevent intelligence collection or inflict casualties.
1. Higher Headquarters: A Co. 4th BN – 211th INF.
2. Mission. A Company conducts reconnaissance operations to locate and assess REAPER forces in AO COTTO.
3. Commander’s Intent. Gather intelligence on REAPER positions, strength, and disposition to enable follow-on operations and prevent REAPER freedom of action.
Local civilians may be present in the area. Reconnaissance must minimize detection and avoid contact with non-combatants to maintain operational security and good relations.
None.
1st Platoon conducts an area reconnaissance of AO COTTO NLT __ to locate REAPER positions, assess REAPER strength and disposition, and identify key terrain features to enable follow-on operations.
Purpose: Provide the company commander intelligence on REAPER forces in AO COTTO to enable planning and execution of follow-on operations.
Key Tasks: (1) Locate REAPER positions within AO COTTO. (2) Assess REAPER strength, disposition, and defensive preparations. (3) Identify key terrain that affects friendly or enemy operations.
End State: REAPER positions located, strength and disposition assessed, intelligence reported to higher, friendly forces consolidated at ORP without compromise.
1st Platoon conducts an area reconnaissance of AO COTTO from a secure ORP. Two reconnaissance elements move to assigned sectors using covered and concealed routes, collecting intelligence on REAPER positions, activities, and terrain. A security element remains at the ORP to provide a rally point and QRF capability. The platoon avoids decisive engagement — the mission is intelligence collection, not destruction. Upon completion or compromise, elements return to the ORP for consolidation and reporting.
Fires are limited to self-defense only. Avoid engagement unless necessary to break contact. Indirect fire support available through company on request to support disengagement.
1. 1st Squad (Reconnaissance — Northern Sector):
2. 2nd Squad (Reconnaissance — Southern Sector):
3. 3rd Squad (ORP Security / QRF):
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: