This TDG is set in the war in Afghanistan. It has its roots in COIN operations, but is relevant to any current DATE scenario. While approaching this TDG, familiarize yourself with the MTOE of a platoon in an IBCT, within the constraints provided below. Be creative, consider what you know about the enemy, and the relevant information about your friendly forces’ operations the day prior. Spend some time understanding the enemy, the terrain, and yourself. Think critically and creatively. Good luck and enjoy!
Situation
You are the platoon leader of 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 2-502 IN in the 101st ABN DIV (AASLT). Your brigade deployed to the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan and has been in country for 6 months. During that time, you have encountered multiple IEDs (improvised explosive devices) along the main line of communication (LOC) – east to west running Highway 1. Highway 1 is a paved, 2x vehicles wide road with civilian traffic traveling both ways. All other LOCs are 1x vehicle wide. The terrain off of these LOCs is grape vineyards only trafficable by foot in a squad file moving at 1 kph.
After a brigade-level Air Assault (air envelopment and back clearing) your sphere of influence has extended 10 km south to the next east to west running LOC: RTE Canada. Yesterday (D-1), your sister platoon – currently securing their COP – hit a deep buried IED while moving mounted from east to west on RTE Canada at approximately 1700 hours. They were conducting a resupply mission to their Afghan National Army Partners at a nearby COP to their east. With the assistance of EOD and Battalion Recovery Assets, your sister platoon was able to recover their vehicles and move back to COP where they are currently still located.
Task Org
You are an MTOE Infantry Rifle Platoon. You have 4x MRAPs and 3x MATVs (1 of which has a mine-roller). Your platoon has access to anti-mine and anti-IED capabilities. Your company has 1x Military Working Dog team that is attached to you for this mission. It is a USMC MWD team with a 1:1 hour work-rest ratio.
You have your 60mm mortar team on the COP with your 2nd Platoon. The Company Commander is at the Battalion Assembly Area, but is the release authority for use of the company mortars. Your platoon has 1x APOBs, but due to concerns with local governance and infrastructure the BN HQ requires a tentative plan for its use prior to SP. BN HQ will pre-approve. You can adjust the plan to meet the reality on the ground in real time. No M58 MICLICs are available to your company for this mission.
You have priority support from BN 120mm mortars from the BN TAA north of HWY co-located at your line of departure.The company commander gave you priority for the company internal RQ-11 RAVEN under the control of 2nd Platoon at the COP. You have no priority air. Brigade Headquarters is withholding larger artillery and CAS due to concerns for civilian infrastructure and collateral damage.
Enemy
The enemy in the area are local insurgent forces, numbering 10-15 military aged males, wearing local dress and armed with 7x AK-47s, 1x PKM, 1x RPG, 1x Recoilless Rifle, and IED (Command Detonated and Pressure Plate) capabilities.
Mission
1st PLT/ A Co/ 2-502 IN will conduct a movement to contact to clear RTE Canada from the Battalion TAA to 2nd PLT’s COP, NLT 1700hrs D-Day, IOT resupply both ANA partners at the ANA COP and the sister platoon at their location.
Output Required
You have 10 minutes. Get with your Squad Leader & Platoon Sergeant to devise a plan. Using the ops graphic provided, draw your concept of the operation. You can accompany this with a separate “whiteboard” concept sketch. Prepare a FRAGORD for your company. Include your analysis of enemy disposition, re-stated mission statement, a concept statement, and the rationale for your plan.
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