Tactical Decision Game #97-6 Solution B


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Tactical Decision Game Solution #97-6 B June 1997

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Han Lu River Bridge

by Capt Vincent J. Lumalcuri

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Company Commander's Frag Order

"2d Platoon has spotted a road block south of the bridge and has taken casualties from an entrenched enemy unit on the far side. I want 2d to keep the enemy occupied to his front, while 1st and 3d envelop him from the west. I intend to dislodge the enemy and ambush him as he withdraws. The desired end state: a secure bridgehead for the regiment's advance.

"1st Platoon: You are the main effort. Head north over Hill 119 and find a suitable splash point for the company to cross the river. Once across, you will dismount and attack east, with Hill 305 as an aiming point.

"3d Platoon: Follow in trace of the main effort, 1st Platoon, until north of the river. Then proceed east of Hill 763 to set in ambush. Your first priority is to hit any enemy reinforcements headed south toward the bridge. Second priority is to ambush the enemy as he withdraws to the north.

"2d Platoon: Pull back. Maintain observation of the enemy and report his actions to me. You will be the base of fire for the company's envelopment. Support by fire 1st Platoon's attack from the vicinity of Hill 271. You are the company reserve. Be prepared to follow in trace of 1st and 3d Platoons as necessary.

"Forward Observer/Forward Air Controller (FO/FAC): See if you can get some fire/rotary wing support out here. I want to hammer those defenses while the enveloping force is moving.

"Mortars: Support from rear of Hill 271.

"Company Gunny: Let's get those casualties back to the aid station ASAP!

"I will be with the assault force and main effort. 1st Platoon, move out!"

Report to Battalion

"Receiving moderate resistance from an unknown enemy unit en trenched north of the Han Lu River. Am enveloping to secure a bridgehead. Will advise...."

Rationale

First, I assume that the Han Lu River is fordable by my amtracs. To fulfill the battalion commander's intent, we must establish a secure bridgehead across the river. Our strength lies in the maneuverability and river fording capability of the amtracs. The enemy's critical vulnerability is that he is tied to the bridge. I intend to accomplish the battalion commander's intent by pitting my strength against the enemy's weakness. We will "hold 'em by the nose, and kick 'em in the pants." To the enemy's front, I have positioned 2d Platoon to ensure that some part of his force is oriented in that direction. 1st Platoon will find a route across the river, where it will dismount and assault the enemy position from the flank.

This plan is risky because it divides the company, possibly inviting the piece meal destruction of the assault force north of the river. For this reason, I have positioned 3d Platoon in ambush north of the objective to provide security and disrupt an enemy withdrawal. As a last resort, that platoon will not be too far north to provide assistance at the objective if necessary. I have designated 2d Platoon as the company reserve because I intend to have them displace to some location north of the river once the assault begins and their mission of providing a base of fire is complete. Coordination between 1st and 2d Platoons will be in accordance with established company procedures.

If this plan fails, it will most likely be because the enemy has anticipated our actions and positioned a force to oppose 1st and 3d Platoons' river crossing. If this be the case I will most likely attempt another crossing further to the west or to the east as the situation permits.

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.