Tactical Decision Game #95-6 Solution A


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Tactical Decision Game Solution #95-6 C June 1995

In a Hard Place

by Capt Andrew R. Milburn

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Reports Made

I would call battalion, relay the latest information from the Spojnian commander, and explain that to remain in the town is to ensure that we become involved in a fight against rebels and almost certainly captured. I would point out that the best chance at accomplishing the mission lies in continuing north along Rt. 21. I'd also request air to cover us and act as a deterrent if nothing else. Assuming concurrence I'd issue the frag order below. I would also inform the commander of the local government forces of my intentions

Platoon Commander's Frag Order

"We are going to push on to Sulehac along Rt. 21. My intent is to get as much of the convoy through as possible, while minimizing casualties on our side.

"Machine-gun Section: I'm going to split you into squads and use you to recon Rt. 21 from either flank. Report and cover any enemy roadblocks or ambush positions. Be prepared to support our passage through them by fire if necessary.

"1st MG Squad: Pick up the fire team on Hill 118 and head north, paralleling Rt. 21. If you have to go around the woods, so be it, but keep the road in sight as much as possible.

"2d MG Squad: You will pick up the fire team from Hill 114 and do the same thing to the east of Rt. 21. If you see rebel forces, let me know and keep them covered. I'm going to try to talk my way through any roadblocks, but if they open fire or I give you the signal to open fire, pour it on! If it looks as though they are waiting in ambush then hit them regardless.

"1st Squad (leader plus one fire team): You will be riding on the lead truck with me. If we get stopped at a roadblock keep your muzzles skyward as per SOP.

"2d Squad: You will have all the AT4s. You will be in the middle of the convoy. If we are stopped, try to dismount your AT4 gunners unobserved and have them acquire any enemy vehicles or crew-served weapons as targets. If I give the signal, destroy them. Remount as quickly as you can, on the rear truck if necessary. Keep half the squad on the deck, out of sight until the shooting starts, as per SOP.

"3d Squad: You will be in the rear truck. You, too, keep half your squad out of sight.

"Medical Team: I want your people dispersed throughout the convoy. [Miscellaneous coordinating instructions were also included.]

Explanation

Battalion's orders were explicit to stay in Pihad. I contend, however, that I will be meeting the intent of the order if I avoid capture and accomplish the mission by reaching Sulehac. I believe that I run a greater risk of capture by staying in the city. By their own admission, the government forces defending the town are ill equipped and ill prepared to handle the enemy force now approaching. I know that the stream upon which the commander is pinning his hopes, will not present much of an obstacle to dismounted infantry. If the government forces do not capitulate, the populace of the town (including my convoy) will take a beating both from the enemy mortars and from the ensuing street battles. Rt. 21 will quickly become clogged with refugees, making the accomplishment of my mission even more unlikely. The chances of a relief force even being authorized to intervene are not promising in light of UnProFor's record.

Although I don't know the exact strength of the enemy to the north, my chances there are more favorable. There is at least a possibility that I can talk my way through a road block or, in case that fails, balance the scales in favor of my blowing through them. I believe that with this plan I have enough firepower to keep the enemy's head down while the convoy punches through.

I am aware that if I have to use my flank force, the lead truck will be dangerously close to heavy caliber rounds and AT4s, but that is a chance that I have to take. I might also be asked: Why even try to talk - why not just blast my way through? The answer to this would be that though this course of action might make things easier for us, it will threaten the chances of any subsequent convoys getting through.

For more detailed information on the structure of Marine Corps units, Marine Corps equipment, and symbols used in Tactical Decision Game sketches, see Marine Corps Gazette, October 1994, pp. 53-56 and the modification reported in the January, 1995, edition on page 5.