Tactical_Problem

MISSION: Higher HQ guidance: 1. Restore central government control of the provincial capital and citadel 2. Retain loyalty of central government supporters and 3. Neutralize threat posed by the militia There are implied issues with higher HQ guidance. Operations must not cause civilian loyalties toward the militias. Higher HQ guidance also states that it wants to “neutralize” the enemy, not destroy. Neutralizing the militias while maintaining central government civilian loyalty will assist in accomplishing the objectives set forth by Higher HQ. ENEMY: -LTC Ethelred’s BN consists of around 600 men and most were trained in U.S. military schools -21 M-1 Abrams, 20 M-2 BFVs, and 8 M-198s - BN readiness is reported at 70 percent as of 2 weeks ago - Significant stockpiled Class V supplies is estimated - Ability to sustain continuous operations beyond 72 hours is questionable - The country contains around 6000 militia with small arms, crew-served weapon systems, and mortars. Their location is not included in the intelligence and they are assumed to be in their area of operations. - LTC Ethelred controls New Olaf and the Citadel. In addition to this he also controls the water plant and railroad lines in the area. The water plant processes 80% of the city’s water and 50% of its food supply is moved via the railroad TROOPS: - Friendly forces for this operation include the 2nd IBCT, 33rd Division located at FOB Viking - Capabilities include around 4000 Soldiers, forced entry options, mix of weapon systems, and Air Assault - U.S. friendly forces must obtain the objectives by seizing the initiative and rapidly neutralizing the militia - Friendly forces must prevent militia sympathy beyond New Olaf and preventing an increase in enemy numbers - Friendly forces must secure the water and railroad line to prevent destruction of these vital capabilities TERRAIN: - New Olaf contains around 35,000 residents, 13,000 houses and numerous historical and culturally sensitive buildings, churches, and schools - River crossing at the ford site, class 90 bridge, or the ferry site (capable of up to 100 tons per one-way crossing with a 10 minute travel time -International border 50km north of town - 2000 foot long military runway 1 km northeast of the citadel - Crossing the river into the city will be hindered if the enemy sabotage’s all river crossings TIME: - The mission must be completed in the next four days - This may not allow for a detailed plan with attention to all aspects of an operation carried out in a small city CIVIL: - Area: The town is well-defined with good maps. Sensitive structures are well-known. - Structures: Several cultural and historical buildings, houses, and schools. - Capabilities: unknown at this time. - Organizations: unknown at this time. - People: 35,000 local residents with numerous reports of growing militia support - Events: unknown at this time. - Mission success is crucial to maintaining local central government support. If support shifts to the militia force, a counterinsurgency may ensue leading to a more complicated situation. - Avoidance of damaging historical buildings is crucial along with minimal damage to houses, churches, schools and businesses PROBLEM STATEMENT: How to defuse enemy forces in New Olaf and the Citadel in the next four days utilizing combat power from the 2nd IBCT, 33rd Division, while preventing collateral damage to water and rail service along with a loss of central government loyalty by the civilian population and preserving historical/cultural/religious buildings and bridges.