1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2024-12-04

Date of Last Modification: 2024-12-04

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 - Relenting Peace III

Alpha Company, 1st Ranger Battalion, United States Army

Date of Issuing Orders: 2024-12-04

Reference Number: OPERATION RELENTING PEACE III

3. Situation

SITUATION REPORT: ISIL FORCES HAVE CAPTURED THE TOWN OF QALANDAR OUTSIDE THE REGIONAL CAPITOL OF ANIZAY. IRAQ FORCES AND US COALITION FORCES HAVE BEEN SENT TO RETAKE THE TOWN OF QALANDAR AND CAPTURE ISIL CRITICAL MISSION ASSETS IN THE FORM OF IED CACHES BEING KEPT INSIDE THE TOWN. ISIL FORCES ARE NOW ACTIVELY EMBEDDING THEMSELVES INTO THE TOWN OF QALANDAR BY ESTABLISHING MACHINE GUN NESTS (MGN) ONTOP OF ANY MULTI STORY COMPLEX. THESE NESTS ARE PRIMARILY AIMING WEST AND SOUTH AS OF 1700HRS LOCAL TIME. ISIL FORCES ARE ESTABLISHING A MINEFIELD IN THE NORTHERN OUTSKIRTS OF THE TOWN. THE MINEFIELD IS ESTIMATED 80% COMPLETE. APPROVAL OF SWEEPING BARRAGE ARTILLERY FIRE HAS BEEN AUTHROIZED ON THIS SECTION AS OF 1450HRS AS CONFIRMATION OF ALL CIVILIAN PERSONS HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE SURROUNDING AREAS. ISIL GENERAL FAISAL JAWADI HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED INSIDE THE TOWN OF QALANDAR LEADING ISIL TROOPS. KILL OR CAPTURE ORDER HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR GENERAL FAISAL JAWADI TO BOTH US COALITION AND IRAQ FORCES.

Date: 2024-12-4 LAST UPDATE

Location:  Al Diwaniyah, Iraq

A. Area of Operations (AO)

• Area of Operations will in the region of Anizay a fictional province neighboring the city of Al Diwaniyah, Iraq.
• Region Simulated is  Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
• Current Weather Simulated In-Game (https://www.accuweather.com/en/iq/al-diwaniyah/206849/weather-forecast/206849)
• Forecasted Weather
• • 23°Hi | 6°Lo
    
  • RealFeel® 8°
  • Clear | Air Quality UNHEALTHY 
  • Wind
  • • N 13 km/h Wind Gusts 15 km/h
  • Probability of Precipitation 0%
  • Probability of Thunderstorms 0%
  • Precipitation 0mm
  • Cloud Cover 0%
    

B. Enemy Forces

• The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as ISIS, is a Salafi jihadist militant group that emerged from Al-Qaeda in Iraq. Its primary objective is the establishment of a global Islamic caliphate. ISIL's forces in Iraq have been composed of a diverse mix of fighters, including:
• • Iraqi Nationals: Many members are former Iraqi military personnel and insurgents who joined ISIL during its rapid expansion in 2014. 
  • Foreign Fighters: At its peak, ISIL attracted thousands of foreign fighters from various countries, including Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Reports from 2014 indicated that up to 3,000 foreign fighters were present in Iraq and Syria.
  • Sunni Militants: ISIL capitalized on sectarian tensions, recruiting Sunni militants disillusioned with the predominantly Shia Iraqi government. 
  • The group's military structure included various divisions and brigades, such as the Ramadi Brigade, Fallujah Brigade, and the Abu Umar al-Baghdadi Brigade, each responsible for specific regions or operations. 
  • Despite losing significant territorial control by 2019, ISIL continues to operate in Iraq through insurgent tactics, including ambushes and guerrilla warfare. As of early 2024, estimates suggest that ISIL maintains between 3,000 and 5,000 active members in Iraq and Syria. 

C. Friendly Forces

• United States Advanced Forces consisting of Alpha Company, 1st Ranger Battalion. 
• United States 6th Fleet and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.
• Iraqi Ground Forces, or al-quwwāt al-barīyah al-'irāqīyah; consisting of 3rd Battalion, Bravo Company assigned to assist in mission.
  

D. Attachments/Detachments

• Nothing to report.

4. Mission

​Mission Statement: 

ISIL forces, under the command of General Faisal Jawadi, have captured and fortified the town of Qalandar. In response, U.S. and Iraqi Army forces will launch a coordinated assault to reclaim the town. A joint artillery strike will target and clear a minefield positioned in front of Qalandar to facilitate the advance. Iraqi Army forces will approach from the east, engaging the enemy and securing key terrain in the vicinity of the town. Meanwhile, 1st Ranger Battalion will move under cover of a dry riverbed from the north, utilizing the terrain to stay concealed as they close in on the town. Upon reaching optimal assault positions, the Rangers will conduct a direct assault on the northernmost perimeter of the town, neutralizing any ISIL defensive elements and securing control of Qalandar. This mission is critical to degrading ISIL's operational capabilities in the region and restoring security to the area.

Mission Objectives by importance;

• Coordinate Artillery Strike:
• • Conduct a joint U.S. and Iraqi Army artillery strike to neutralize and clear the minefield in front of Qalandar.
  • Ensure the strike is timed to support the movement of both attacking forces.
• Iraqi Army Assault:
• • Iraqi Army forces will move to assault from the east, securing key terrain and providing a diversion to support the main attack.
  • Neutralize any ISIL forces located in the eastern approaches to Qalandar.
• Ranger Battalion Movement:
• • 1st Ranger Battalion will use the dry riverbed as cover to advance towards the north of Qalandar, staying concealed from enemy observation and fire.
  • Coordinate with Iraqi forces to ensure the Rangers' approach is synchronized with the artillery strike and Iraqi Army’s movements.
• Northern Assault:
• • 1st Ranger Battalion will engage the northernmost perimeter of Qalandar, neutralizing ISIL defensive positions and securing key locations in the town.
  • Clear the town of any remaining ISIL combatants in the northern sector.
• Secure Qalandar:
• • After neutralizing ISIL forces, secure control of the town of Qalandar.
  • Establish defensive positions and conduct necessary sweeps to ensure there are no remaining enemy forces within the town.
• Coordinate Between U.S. and Iraqi Forces:
• • Maintain communication and coordination between U.S. and Iraqi units to ensure a synchronized attack and maximize operational effectiveness.
  • Establish and follow clear lines of command and signal for the duration of the operation.
    

5. Execution

5.1. Concept of Operations:

Artillery Preparation:

1. The mission will begin with a coordinated U.S. and Iraqi Army artillery strike targeting and clearing the minefield situated in front of Qalandar. This will neutralize the obstacles to the east and north of the town, facilitating the advance of both forces.
2. Timing of the artillery strike will be synchronized with the movement of both the Iraqi forces from the east and 1st Ranger Battalion from the north.

Iraqi Army Assault (East):

1. Upon successful clearance of the minefield, Iraqi Army forces will move from the east to secure key terrain around the town.
2. Their primary objective is to neutralize any ISIL defenses or personnel in the eastern approaches, drawing enemy attention and providing a diversion to facilitate the Rangers’ approach from the north.

1st Ranger Battalion Movement (North):

1. The 1st Ranger Battalion will use the dry riverbed to remain concealed and move towards the northern perimeter of Qalandar. The Battalion will close in on the town under cover of the terrain, avoiding direct engagement until reaching a favorable position.
2. Coordination with the Iraqi forces will be key to ensuring the Rangers' approach is not compromised. Rangers will maintain stealth and ensure they are in position for a coordinated assault.

Northern Assault on Qalandar:

1. Once in position, 1st Ranger Battalion will assault the northern perimeter of Qalandar. The Battalion will clear enemy positions and secure the northern sector of the town.
2. The Rangers will focus on neutralizing ISIL forces within the town, sweeping through key buildings, and clearing pockets of resistance.

Consolidation and Securing of Qalandar:

1. After neutralizing the remaining ISIL combatants, the town will be fully secured.
2. Establish defensive positions around the town to prevent counterattacks and prepare for follow-on operations.
3. Perform necessary sweeps and searches for any remaining insurgents and unexploded ordnance (UXO).

5.2. Tasks to Subordinate Units:

Iraqi Army Forces:

• Secure and clear the eastern approaches to Qalandar, neutralize any ISIL elements, and provide a diversion to support the Ranger Battalion’s northern assault.
• Occupy and defend key terrain in the east to establish a defensive perimeter around Qalandar.

1st Ranger Battalion:

• Move undetected through the dry riverbed, using cover and concealment, to reach the northern perimeter of Qalandar.
• Conduct a direct assault on the northern sector of the town, clearing enemy positions and securing key locations.
• Maintain close communication with Iraqi forces to ensure synchronization of movements.

5.3. Coordinating Instructions:

Artillery Strike Timing:

• The artillery strike will occur at [T+X] minutes and must be followed by the immediate advance of both the Iraqi Army and the Ranger Battalion.

Rules of Engagement:

• ISIL forces will be treated as hostile. Avoid collateral damage in civilian areas, but engage all combatants who pose a direct threat to the mission.

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