16AA - OP DARKFOREST ii - YOU FUCKER, OVERWATCH, PRISONERS
Channel: Para Plays
Date: 2015-08-06

Highlights Only.

TO: A Coy
FROM: Maj Hicks, R, OC
SUBJECT: OPERATION DARK FOREST II
PRIORITY: IMMEDIATE
CLASSIFICATION: NATO/OTAN SECRET
DTG: 051900ZJUL15

+++++++++++++BEGINS++++++++++++++

SITUATION

The security situation in KOSICE PROVINCE is significantly worse than expected. Initial operations by A Coy have resulted in 5 identified enemy KIA during small arms contacts with local defence patrols from FOB PRIBINA. Bodies have been handed to Slovakian Police for identification and forensication and we expect initial results imminently. Recovered weapons have been stored in FOB PRIBINA armoury.

A further two local militiamen were killed and their vehicle destroyed during a BLUE ON GREEN incident which followed hard on the heels of a legitimate contact. This incident is extremely regrettable both for the loss of life and for the likely negative impact on A Coy's relationship with legitimate local militia commanders. Formal notice of investigation from the Slovakian Police makes clear that BLUFOR troops discharged significant quantities of Small Arms, explosive and Anti-Armour munitions in an apparent breach of the ROE. A Royal Military Police investigative team is expected to arrive at FOB PRIBINA in the next 24 hours to interview witnesses.

In addition to these contacts, which are assessed to have been initiated by illegal nationalist militias, A/2's failure to hand over critical EU Aid to Slovakian Army troops tasked with protection of the supply dump in KELNOV has highlighted the apparent desertion of local troops to join these same militias. Further intelligence points to an increasing likelihood of overt armed confrontation between loyalist and illegal nationalist militias in eastern KOSICE. Local government officials have reported that the failure of the recent aid convoy means that stocks of food in outlying villages are running low, further increasing the threat of violence.

ASSESSMENT
 
It is clear that local Law Enforcement and Slovakian Army forces lack the manpower to project any meaningful security bubble beyond the main towns of JAKLOVCE and MARGECENY. Their priority is protection of main EU Supply Dump and Critical Infrastructure.
A Coy's present position is HIGHLY VULNERABLE to any deterioration in the current security situation.
There are real risks to the health and wellbeing of CIVPOP as a result of food and water shortages and the actions of illegal militias.

INTENT

My intent is to step up patrols in the immediate vicinity FOB PRIBINA in order to frustrate any efforts to attack that location and to ensure a firm operating base for A Coy.

TASKING


A/1: You will conduct Platoon Foot Patrol to NORTH of FOB PRIBINA to include sweep of HEIGHT POINT 226 and patrol through village of MALA LODINA where you will attempt to open dialogue with local militia commanders UPDATE You will then proceed EAST and patrol eastern boundary of A21 gaining observation onto MARGECANY.
A/2: You will conduct local security patrols to EAST, WEST and SOUTH of FOB PRIBINA, including movement through previously identified contact areas UPDATE You will also mount patrol and/or vehicle convoy to JAKLOVCE in order to a) enable OC meeting with SRPZ Investigator MEDVED at Police HQ; b) conduct security sweep of EU Stockpile area.
4/1: You will operate a mounted column in support of patrol activities.
4/2: Local Defence Plan. You will occupy damage position on roof of HQ building. You will re-site guns and conduct test firings as required.
4/4: Local Defence Plan. CASEVAC as required.
33/A: Local Defence Plan. Logistics co-ordination.
AAC: Rotary lift of key personnel; vehicles and supplies (see below). Standby for ISTAR.

CO-ORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS
 
Timings:
 
O Group 1845Z
Platoon Briefings
Company ROE Briefing 1905Z
No Move Before 1910Z
All Patrols MUST return by 2130Z
 
Command and Signal - per SOP

Succession of Command - Maj Hicks; Capt Emmet; Lt Ellis;

Support & Services

- Transport on foot or via ground vehicle, boat, rotary as required;
- CASEVAC as per SOP to Feild Surgical facilities at FOB PRIBINA;
- Logistics priorities: RHIB's for river crossing; Medical vehicles; re-site of guns; munitions; humanitarian supplies.