![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Duke | NROTC | Solution A | Main TDG Page | Solution C | Setup |
"This mission is difficult but feasible. The accomplishment of it depends on the intelligence support the BLT can get and the willingness of the National Command Authorities to accept the risk of casualties.
"Proposed Course of Action: We will commit a rifle company in 4 CH-53Es along with the Dragon Platoon and our fast attack vehicles (FAVs) in 2 CH-53Es. The Dragons and the FAVs will secure the two northernmost bridges, while the rifle company lands on the four corners of the town. Immediately the rifle company will shrink the perimeter into the specific target area in order to get into a position to allow the Direct Action Platoon to make the snatch. The remaining CH-53E with the refueling capability will set up a FARP site southeast of Hill 881S in a defensible position. The Cobras will lead the formation and provide security throughout. VMFA will provide observation and possibly attack the troops located on the mountain should they decide to move towards the town. VMAQ will shut down all enemy communication in the flight corridor. Optimally the helos will land at predawn in the darkness to allow the mission to be completed in the daylight. Although we may have a decided advantage at night for a combat mission, the daylight will make it easier to spot the targets should they try to escape from the objective area.
"Intelligence Requirements: Our essential elements of information are obvious. We want all possible information on the specific location of where the targets will be in the town, the location of SA-7bs, satellite photography of the objective area, photographs of the targets to be snatched, and changes in the positioning of the BRDMs.
"Support Requirements: In addition to the support already made available, we feel we need an interrogator translator team and a KC-135 tanker (from Aviano) on station.
"No-Go Criteria: If either two or more helicopters go down or if the 750-man Mountain Battalion moves into town to take over security, we believe the attempt should not be made.
"Consequences of the Mission: The possibility exists that collateral damage will be done in the town while attempting to make the snatch. Collateral damage will also be incurred if the SA-7bs are fired. Because of incomplete intelligence, the possibility of the targets not being in the objective area at the time of touchdown clearly exists. The mission entails obvious risks and could result in the destruction of numerous helicopters and loss of life. We believe it to be feasible, however, and worth the risks."
This mission must hit all at once. Our only chance of actually securing the targets is to use the element of surprise. The helos have to get in and out and disembark the forces quickly. The rapid attack from four different directions will put the security company in a dilemma and expose the BRDMs and trucks to our organic antiarmor weapons. We plan to use our air support to watch and possibly destroy the battalion of mountain troops, should they start a move on the town. The keys to our success are the element of surprise and speed of the ground forces.
Our critical vulnerability is the helicopters on approach to the landing zones. by using the darkness, the helicopters stand a much better chance of surviving the initial touchdown. In order to further confuse the enemy, we will have the EA-6Bs jam any radio communication in our flight corridor. This action will allow the ground forces more time to get moving and organize once they have hit the ground.
The FARP will be placed in a location that is safe enough for the Cobras to sit down and conserve fuel, while still having the ability to quickly provide support to the ground forces. A KC-135 tanker from Aviano will have to be on station for the trip in and the egress.
Collateral damage will be unavoidable once inside the town, because of the battle that is most likely to ensue with the security company and the BRDMs.