THIS IS A TRAINING OPERATION ORDER. FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
References: ATP 3-21.8, FM 3-90-1, TC 3-21.76, ADRP 1-02
OPERATIONAL PLAN / ORDER #008 / CODE NAME: “PATROL BASE OPERATIONS”
CADRE / OPFOR NOTES
Complexity: Moderate Recommended Phase: RUN (Night Iterations - Coaching Focus) Mission Summary: 1st Platoon is tasked to establish and occupy a patrol base in AO COTTO to conduct continuous operations, provide security, and enable sustainment for follow-on missions.
Destination: Patrol Base (PB) THUNDER, vicinity MP 058 152, AO COTTO, NLT 2200.
Actions on Objective: Platoon will conduct a leader’s reconnaissance, occupy the patrol base using the triangle or cigar-shaped technique, establish security, and conduct patrol base activities including security patrols, maintenance, and planning for follow-on operations.
Training Focus: This OPORD emphasizes security priorities, patrol base setup, and sustainment operations. Links directly to the Patrol Base Operations Training Package. Ideal for night training iterations where static operations allow focus on security fundamentals without the complexity of offensive maneuver.
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 enemy reconnaissance probes during occupation or stand-to.
- Test candidate’s ability to establish and maintain security priorities.
- Introduce resupply, casualty evacuation, or personnel issues during occupation.
- Cadre can inject intelligence updates requiring adjustment to the patrol base plan.
- Test ability to conduct patrol base activities while maintaining security.
- Introduce a compromise scenario requiring displacement or defense.
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 008-patrol-base-operations-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. The planned patrol base site is in a wooded area with good concealment and defensible terrain.
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.
Limited visibility expected during nighttime operations; plan for EENT/BMNT stand-to procedures.
REAPER forces consist of irregular forces operating in the area who actively patrol and conduct reconnaissance to locate friendly positions. They are equipped with small arms and may have support weapons. They are experienced in local terrain and may attempt to probe or attack friendly positions if discovered.
1. Composition. Estimated 6-8 REAPER personnel, small arms, possible support weapons, operating in 2-3 person reconnaissance teams and larger assault elements.
2. Disposition. REAPER forces are dispersed throughout the area, conducting patrols and reconnaissance. They maintain observation posts on likely routes and are prepared to report and engage friendly forces. Main body elements are positioned to reinforce reconnaissance teams if contact is made.
3. Most Probable Course of Action (MPCOA). REAPER reconnaissance elements detect friendly patrol base and conduct observation to assess strength and disposition. They report findings to higher and may conduct limited probing attacks to test friendly defenses before withdrawing to plan a larger operation.
4. Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). REAPER reconnaissance detects patrol base occupation and rapidly coordinates a multi-element attack. REAPER forces conduct a coordinated assault using indirect fire, support weapons, and assault elements to overwhelm friendly positions before reinforcements can arrive.
1. Higher Headquarters: A Co. 4th BN – 211th INF.
2. Mission. A Company conducts area security operations in AO COTTO to deny REAPER freedom of movement and enable follow-on offensive operations.
3. Commander’s Intent. Establish a secure patrol base to enable continuous operations, maintain security of the platoon, and prepare for follow-on missions. The patrol base must be positioned and organized to allow rapid response to enemy contact while providing for sustainment and rest of the force.
Local civilians may be present in the area. Patrol base operations must minimize detection and avoid contact with non-combatants to maintain operational security.
None.
1st Platoon establishes and occupies Patrol Base THUNDER (vicinity MP 058 152) NLT 2200 to provide security, enable sustainment, and prepare for follow-on operations in AO COTTO.
Purpose: Establish a secure base in AO COTTO to sustain the platoon, maintain security, and prepare for follow-on offensive operations against REAPER.
Key Tasks: (1) Occupy the patrol base without compromise. (2) Establish 360-degree security with LP/OPs and fighting positions. (3) Maintain the ability to defend the base or displace on order.
End State: PB THUNDER occupied and secure, security posture maintained through BMNT/EENT cycles, platoon rested and prepared for follow-on operations.
1st Platoon occupies PB THUNDER using a deliberate occupation technique (triangle or cigar-shaped based on terrain). The PL conducts a leader’s reconnaissance to confirm site suitability before committing the platoon. Three squads occupy assigned perimeter sectors with interlocking fields of fire. LP/OPs extend early warning onto likely enemy avenues of approach. The platoon executes priorities of work — security, weapons maintenance, rest rotation — while maintaining the ability to defend in place or displace. Stand-to at BMNT and EENT. One squad serves as QRF throughout.
Defensive fires planned for likely REAPER avenues of approach. Each squad responsible for direct fires within assigned sector. 1st Squad, covering the most likely avenue of approach, has priority of indirect fires. Final protective fires (FPF) designated and briefed.
1. 1st Squad (Northern Sector):
2. 2nd Squad (Southeastern Sector):
3. 3rd Squad (Southwestern Sector / QRF):
1. Rules of Engagement (ROE):
2. Commander’s Critical Information Requirements (CCIR):
3. Reporting:
4. Stand-To Procedures:
5. This OPORD is effective immediately upon distribution.
1. PACE Plan:
2. Call Signs:
3. Challenge, Password, Running Password, Combination: