Operation Strident Defender IV - OPORD

OPERATION ORDERS

NATO CLASSIFIED

NATO CONFIDENTIAL

RESTRICTED DISTRIBUTION

CLASSIFICATION LEVEL: NATO SECRET



HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS:

This document contains NATO classified information. It is to be handled in accordance with NATO security regulations. Access is limited to personnel with proper clearance and a need-to-know basis. Unauthorized disclosure, copying, or dissemination of this document may result in disciplinary action or criminal prosecution under applicable laws.



SECURITY HANDLING:

Classification Level: NATO Secret

Distribution is restricted to authorized NATO personnel only.

All copies of this document must be tracked and destroyed or returned as per NATO Security Protocol.


1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2024-10-08

Date of Last Modification: 2024-10-09


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 IV

Alpha Company, 1st Ranger Battalion, United States Army

Date of Issuing Orders: 2024-10-08

Reference Number: OPERATION STRIDENT DEFENDER IV

3. Situation

SITUATION REPORT: PEOPLES LIBERATION FORCES OF BELARUS (PLFB) CENTRALIZING AND REGROUPING AROUND THE SIEGE LINES OF VIROJOKI. US RECON FORCES HAVE IDENTIFIED PLFB SPECIAL FORCE UNITS INSIDE THE AO. 1RB IS THE ACTIVE STANDBY UNIT AND WILL BE DEPLOYED TO ASSAULT THE POSITION OF THE PLFB SF.

Date: 2024-10-09 LAST UPDATE

Location: Dwórzno, Poland


A. Area of Operations (AO)


B. Enemy Forces

  • 5th Spetznaz Brigade and accompanying support personnel. Estimated in the range of two platoons (Assault and Support) with command staff. 


C. Friendly Forces

  • NTR


D. Attachments/Detachments

  • NTR

4. Mission

​Mission Statement

The 1st Ranger Battalion is tasked with a high-priority assault on the main base of operations used by the Belarus 5th Spetsnaz units. This base, located within a fortified mining complex, has served as the hub for enemy special operations in the region. A precision missile strike launched from a US Navy destroyer will initiate the assault by destroying the primary weapons cache located at the base. Following the strike, Ranger units will execute a coordinated ground assault on the mine, where the Spetsnaz units have converted the facility into a barracks and operational center. The objective is to neutralize enemy forces, disrupt their operations, and secure the area for follow-on NATO operations.

Mission Objectives by importance;

  • Destroy Enemy Weapons Cache:;
  • Assault the Enemy Base;
  • Neutralize Enemy Forces; and
  • Secure the Mining Complex.

5. Execution


A. Commander’s Intent

The purpose of this operation is to decisively neutralize the main special forces unit of the People's Liberation Forces of Belarus (PLFB) operating within the region by striking at their primary base of operations. The destruction of their weapons cache, initiated by a precision missile strike from a US Navy destroyer, will disrupt their ability to continue their mission. Following this, the 1st Ranger Battalion will swiftly assault the enemy-occupied mining complex, neutralizing any remaining forces and securing the area. The objective is to eliminate the PLFB special forces presence, deny the enemy their stronghold, and ensure that they can no longer pose a threat to NATO forces in the region.


Success will be achieved when the cache is destroyed, the enemy base is secured, and all enemy forces are neutralized, preventing further special operations from their ranks. Speed, aggression, and precision are critical to overwhelming the enemy and maintaining operational tempo.


B. Concept of Operations

Our operations will be conducted in four phases:


Phase 1: Preparation & Insertion

  1. Rangers will gather intelligence on enemy positions and prepare for the operation.
  2. Insertion into the AO will be conducted covertly to position forces within striking distance of the PLFB base.
  3. Finalize communication and coordination with the US Navy destroyer for the missile strike.


Phase 2: Missile Strike

  1. A precision missile strike from a US Navy destroyer will target the primary weapons cache, destroying the bulk of PLFB resources.
  2. The missile strike will act as the initiation of the assault, creating confusion and weakening the enemy's capacity.


Phase 3: Assault on the PLFB Base

  1. Following the missile strike, the 1st Ranger Battalion will immediately assault the PLFB mining complex, which is being used as a barracks and operational base.
  2. Clear and secure all sectors of the base, neutralizing enemy personnel and dismantling command structures.


Phase 4: Secure & Consolidate

  1. Once the mine and surrounding areas are secured, Rangers will establish defensive positions to repel any potential counterattacks.
  2. Conduct a thorough search of the area to ensure no hidden PLFB forces or resources remain.
  3. Set up a secure perimeter for follow-up NATO forces.


Phase 5: Extraction

  1. Once the base is secure and PLFB forces are eliminated, Rangers will prepare for extraction.
  2. Extraction will be conducted via air or ground, depending on the operational environment and the presence of any remaining threats.
  3. Success will be measured by the destruction of the weapons cache, the elimination of all PLFB special forces in the area, and the full control of the enemy base.


Tasks to Subordinate Units:

  • 1st Platoon: Will engage on the Assault.
  • 2nd Platoon: Will engage on the Assault.
  • 3rd Platoon: Act as QRF force for the Assault. 
  • 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


NATO CLASSIFIED

NATO CONFIDENTIAL

RESTRICTED DISTRIBUTION

CLASSIFICATION LEVEL: NATO SECRET



HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS:

This document contains NATO classified information. It is to be handled in accordance with NATO security regulations. Access is limited to personnel with proper clearance and a need-to-know basis. Unauthorized disclosure, copying, or dissemination of this document may result in disciplinary action or criminal prosecution under applicable laws.



SECURITY HANDLING:

Classification Level: NATO Secret

Distribution is restricted to authorized NATO personnel only.

All copies of this document must be tracked and destroyed or returned as per NATO Security Protocol.


Operation Strident Defender III - OPORD
OPERATION ORDERS