1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2024-09-27

Date of Last Modification: 2024-09-29

Application: This OPORD (Operations Order) serves the purpose of specific operation communication that informs units and personnel of an upcoming operation.

Approval Authority: Commanding Officer of the 1st Ranger Battalion, Arma III Realism

Enquiries: S-2 Intelligence Personnel – 1st Ranger Battalion, Arma III Realism

2. Operation Order - Strident Defender I

Alpha Company, 1st Ranger Battalion, United States Army

Date of Issuing Orders: 2024-09-27

Reference Number: OPERATION STRIDENT DEFENDER I

3. Situation

SITUATION REPORT: PEOPLES LIBERATION FORCES OF BELARUS (PLFB) OBSERVED MOVING THROUGH KALININGRAD; US FORCES ON RED ALERT FOR HIGH PROBABILITY THREAT

Date: 2024-09-29 LAST UPDATE

Location:  Elbląg, Poland

A. Area of Operations (AO)

• Area of Operations will be on the Eastern board of Poland and Russia. 
• Region Simulated is  Elbląg, Poland
• Current Weather (https://www.accuweather.com/en/pl/elbl%C4%85g/266368/weather-forecast/266368)
• Forecasted Weather
• • 6°Lo
  • RealFeel® 6°
  • Partly cloudy
  • Wind
  • WSW 6 km/h Wind Gusts 13 km/h
  • Probability of Precipitation 3%
  • Probability of Thunderstorms 0%
  • Precipitation 0.0 mm
  • Cloud Cover 36%
    

B. Enemy Forces

• Observed the 4th Royal Guard of the PLFB in the region near Kaliningrad. These forces are consisting of Mechanized troops utilizing large stocks of T-72s and BMP-2 to rapidly deploy troops into fighting zones.
• Observed 7th Squadron (Snow-Bears) of the PLFB flying eastwards towards Poland. Reports indicate that there are fixed wing assets in use and Mi-24 attack helicopters being moved into the regions. 
• Estimated PLFB forces inside Kaliningrad in the range of ~50,000 troops. Primarily made of veteran infantry and augmented reserves. 

C. Friendly Forces

• Polish Armed Forces - 37th Defense Force making up nearly 12,000 reservists and augmented veteran troops are present in the region. Majority of Polish forces are on the boarder between Poland and Belarus.
• United States Advanced Forces consisting of Alpha Company, 1st Ranger Battalion. 

D. Attachments/Detachments

• 160th SOAR air wings are present in the region assisting logistical operations and REDACTED operations. 

4. Mission

​Mission Statement: 

The 1st Ranger Battalion, along with attached units, is tasked with securing the eastern border with Kaliningrad to prevent enemy forces from breaching NATO defenses. Our primary objective is to establish fortified trench lines along the border to serve as a forward operating position. Troops will identify and mark hostile anti-aircraft sites within the area of operations, ensuring air superiority and safeguarding future air missions. Additionally, we will deploy strategically placed minefields on the main roads leading into Kaliningrad to disrupt and delay any enemy reinforcements or advances. These defensive measures will strengthen our position, allowing for further tactical operations to be conducted in the region. 

Mission Objectives by importance;

• Secure the boarder with Kaliningrad;
• Deploy minefields and block roads leaving Poland;
• Start establishing trench lines; and
• Identify potential Anti Air sites when those supports land in the region.

5. Execution

A. Commander’s Intent

The primary objective is to secure and fortify the border with Kaliningrad, ensuring no hostile forces breach our defensive perimeter. Establish defensive positions to control key terrain and deny enemy freedom of movement. This will serve as the foundation for further operations aimed at degrading enemy capabilities in the region.

B. Concept of Operations

Our operations will be conducted in four phases:

Phase 1: Border Securing

Troops will be deployed along the eastern border with Kaliningrad to establish control over key points. We will prioritize securing vital terrain features that offer strategic advantages for defensive operations.

Phase 2: Establishing Trench Lines

Engineers and infantry will construct fortified trench lines across designated areas. These trenches will serve as defensive structures capable of absorbing and deflecting enemy advances, providing protection to our forces.

Phase 3: Anti-Aircraft Site Identification

Reconnaissance teams will identify and report all enemy anti-aircraft (AA) sites within the region. These sites will be targeted for air strikes or artillery bombardments in subsequent operations, ensuring air superiority and safe passage for our assets.

Phase 4: Minefield Deployment

Combat engineers will deploy minefields along main roads leading into Kaliningrad. These minefields will slow down and disrupt any enemy attempts to send reinforcements or launch offensives from the Kaliningrad area. Routes will be carefully selected to maximize their effectiveness.

Tasks to Subordinate Units:

• 1st Platoon: Secure the Delta defense line and entry points along the border, prioritize vital terrain for trench line establishment, and prepare for defense.
• 2nd Platoon: Secure the Easy defense line and entry points along the border, prioritize vital terrain for trench line establishment, and prepare for defense.
• 3rdPlatoon: Secure the Easy defense line and entry points along the border, prioritize vital terrain for trench line establishment, and prepare for defense.
• 4th Platoon: Assist logistical operations at the Airfield. 
  

6. Sustainment

​Logistics: 

• Ammo resupply will be available at designated Landing Zones (LZ). Medical support will be provided by the attached medics from the battalion aid station; and
• Meal and Water kits are to be transported at the platoon level with provided ration packs.

Personnel and Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC): 

• Ensure all personnel are combat-loaded and have completed their pre-combat inspections (PCI).

7. Command and Signal

Command:

• Overall Command:
• • U.S. Forces in the region will operate under the overall command of Colonel H. Simmerson, Commander of the U.S. 1st Ranger Battalion, in coordination with NATO and Polish defense forces.
  • Allied forces, including special operations and undisclosed units, will be under the operational control (OPCON) of Task Force Sentinel, with mission directives issued through the NATO Eastern Command.
• Command Relationships:
• • U.S. Forces will maintain tactical control (TACON) over all attached Ranger elements, with joint operations coordinated through NATO channels. Special operations units will report directly to Task Force Sentinel for mission-specific tasks.
  • Polish Forces will operate under their national command authority but will liaise directly with U.S. and NATO command structures for joint operations.
  • U.S. forces will synchronize operations with the Special Operations Task Force to ensure integration of covert and intelligence missions with conventional operations.
• Succession of Command:
• • In the event that Colonel H. Simmerson is unable to continue in command, the command will pass to Lieutenant Colonel M. Hogan, Deputy Commander of the 1st Ranger Battalion.
  • Each subordinate unit will have a pre-designated chain of command as outlined in the mission’s operational orders.

Signal:

• Primary Communications:
• • Secure communications will be established through SINCGARS (Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System) for tactical unit-to-unit communication.
  • Joint Force Communications Network (JFCN) will provide encrypted communication for coordination between U.S., NATO, and Polish Forces. Units will maintain regular contact with headquarters and adjacent forces via this network.
• Alternate Communications:
• • Satellite Communications (SATCOM) will be used as a secondary method for long-range communications in case of primary system failure or interference.
  • Field phones and messenger systems will serve as backup communication within forward positions and for maintaining local security.
• Call Signs and Frequencies:
• • Call signs for all units and leaders will be provided in the Annex K (Communications) of the operational order. Call signs will be used for secure communication across tactical networks.
  • Frequency management will be handled by the S-6 Communications Section, with changes and encryption keys updated daily to ensure operational security.
• Visual Signals:
• • Standard visual signals for identification and coordination, including IR strobes, signal flares, and marking panels, will be used in situations where radio silence is required or communications fail.
• Emergency Communication Procedures:
• • In the event of complete communication failure, units will revert to pre-established emergency fallback frequencies outlined in the Communications SOP.

• • Emergency beacons and signal devices will be issued to all personnel to ensure recovery and extraction in high-risk zones.

8. Closing Remarks

​Remarks​: 

• Unit Members are to be located on Operations Server 2302 no later than (NLT) 1930EST;
• LOAs are to be submitted prior to 1900EST; and
• Leadership is to report to TeamSpeak (TS) at 1900EST

CPT J. Prescott, Commanding Officer, Alpha Company