Reference no: EM133822961

Marine Corps Planning Process

SCENARIO BACKGROUND
You are BLT 1/6's S-3A. You are currently ashore after the 24th MEU's successful amphibious assault at AF Obj A.

The XO pulls you aside. "Listen, you're potentially our best planner. Here is a recap of the situation. Much of the 2nd Bn, 3rd BTG's combat power is destroyed after our amphibious assault, but they are still in the fight. Remnants of the enemy's force defending AF Obj A withdrew east to consolidate at LF Obj 2."

"I am going to give you the FRAGO that covers the amphibious assault that we just executed. It includes our tasking statement to clear LF Obj 2. No talking to the rest of the staff about this one. The S-2 is working intelligence products and I need you to review the FRAGO and the original intel estimate while waiting for an update from the S-2. The S-2 will update you again with the IPB analysis reflecting the situation after the amphibious assault. After your review, complete a task analysis, create a COA, and wargame enough to provide some branch plans focusing on actions around LF Obj 2. Keep your efforts centered on the fight that we think will happen at LF Obj 2. Let's walk over to the big map and let me get you oriented." Place Your Order Now!

"The CO believes that the enemy is most likely to create a deliberate defense at LF Obj 2. He's also prioritizing the elimination of forces trying to withdraw from LF Obj 2. There is defensible terrain east of LF Obj 2 that he could use to trade space for time in some sort of repositioning action, but the urban terrain is more complicated at LF Obj 2 and offers the enemy some advantages of concealment and force protection. It's important to study the environment, Venturan tactics, and wargame possibilities to build options for the CO. The CO has given some thoughts in his Commander's Guidance to help you with problem framing and the development of a COA. Good luck."

Task: What a unit must do
Purpose: Why they must do it (i.e., the desired result)

1. Situation.
a. General. Omitted.
b. Battlespace. Omitted.
c. Enemy Forces. See Appendix 11 to Annex B
(1) Current Situation. The 2nd Bn, 3rd BTG is deployed on St. Thomas and St. John in support of 3rd BTG's objectives to protect the eastern flank of the 3rd DTG and to facilitate the establishment of advance bases for the Carib Command's near seas defense strategy. The battalion has consolidated forces on St. Thomas after its withdrawal from AF Obj A and is conducting defensive operations at LF Obj 2. One of the Bn's companies is occupying St. John. The brigade headquarters is confirmed to be on Isla Esperanza and is currently unable to reinforce 2nd Bn. The 2nd Bn forces on St. Thomas suffered significant losses while defending AF Obj A. Losses include: 100% of its artillery, 50% of its air defense and logistics support elements, and one infantry platoon. Assume current force-strength of defenders at LF Obj 2 is at full strength having incorporated withdrawing forces to offset losses from 24th MEU's shaping. The 2nd Bn is foot mobile and does not have the lift to transport units above a company size via motorized transport. It does have a motorized reconnaissance platoon. Mobility and counter-mobility operations are enabled by an engineer squad. Sustainment is provided by a Combat Service Support (CSS) platoon. Force protection resources include three Anti-Air (AA) sections and a sniper team. No UAS squad, signals platoon, or Information Warfare (IW) squad are present on St. Thomas. (Adversary Overlay)
d. Friendly Forces.
(1) Higher
(a) JFMCC/4th Fleet. On Order, COMFOURTHFLT (JFMCC) conducts offensive air, land, and sea operations in order to enable the defeat of Venturan operations in the Caribbean.
(b) 2nd MEB. On Order, 2nd MEB/CTF 49 denies Venturan forces use of AO Tinian in order to support the defeat of Venturan operations.
(2) Adjacent
(a) 10th MLR/TF 49.3. Phase I: On D-11 occupy LOA Silver in order to enable security operations. Phase II: Guard JFMCC and ESG-2 /CTF 46 to deny the Venturan Carib Command use of the sea and airspace in LOA Silver in order to protect JFMCC and ESG-2/CTF 46 naval operations in AO Gator. Phase III: Guard JFMCC and ESG-2/CTF 46 to deny the Venturan Carib Command use of the sea and airspace in LOA Silver in order to protect JFMCC and ESG-2/CTF 46 naval operations in AO Gator. Phase IV: Guard JFMCC and ESG-2 / CTF 46 to deny the Venturan Carib Command use of the sea and airspace in LOA Silver and Gold in order to protect JFMCC and ESG-2/CTF 46 naval operations in AO Tinian.
(b) VMGR-252(-). Phase I: On D-11 provide assault support to the ME in order to facilitate the occupation of EABs in LOA Silver. Phase II: Provide assault support to the ME in order to facilitate denial of the Venturan Carib Command use of the sea and airspace in LOA Silver. Phase III: Provide assault support to the ME in order to facilitate the occupation of EABs in LOA Gold. Phase IV: Provide assault support to the ME in order to facilitate denial of the Venturan Carib Command use of the sea and airspace in LOA Silver and Gold.
(c) 11th MEU/TF 49.2. Phase I: Prepare to seize AF Objective B (St. Croix). Phase II: On D-Day at H-Hour, seize AF Obj B in order to support the ME occupation of EABs in LOA Gold. Phase III: NLT D+6 conduct a RIP with the ME in order to enable the occupation of EABs in LOA Gold. Phase IV: On order, conduct a RIP with the ME and reembark amphibious shipping in order to enable follow on operations.
(3) Supporting
(a) CTF 40 provides offensive air and sea operations in AO.
(b) ESG-2/CTF 46 (General): Protect CPR 4/TG 46.1 and CPR 7/TG 46.2 landings in AO Gator in order to facilitate the rapid and uninterrupted buildup of 11th MEU/TF 49.2 and 24th MEU/TF 49.1 combat power. Provide Naval Surface Fire Support to 11th MEU/TF 49.2 and 24th MEU/TF 49.1 in order to facilitate the landing force's schemes of maneuver. Conduct pre-assault operations, to include amphibious reconnaissance, to confirm surface landing areas and HLZs to enable CPR-4/TG 46.1 & 24th MEU/TF 49.1 and CPR-7/TG 46.2 & 11th MEU/TF 49.2 confirmation of surface and air landing areas. Confirm location of 2nd & 3rd battalion, 3rd BTG reconnaissance units in order to facilitate ESG-2/CTF 46 D-Day targeting. Confirm location of 24th MEU/TF 49.1 and 11th MEU/TF 49.2 high payoff targets in order to support rapid maneuver.
(c) ESG-2/CTF 46 (Specific) (Omitted)
(4) Attachments and Detachments. See Annex A.

2. Mission. O/O, 24th MEU conducts an amphibious assault to seize AF Objective A, then attacks to defeat 2nd Bn, 3rd BTG in the vicinity of LF Obj 2 in order to support the MEB ME occupation of EABs in LOA Gold.

3. Execution.
a. Commander's Intent
(1) Purpose. Support the MEB ME occupation of EABs in LOA Gold.
(2) End state. AF Obj A seized; LF Obj 2 cleared; 2nd Bn, 3rd BTG defeated; and BLT 1/6 re-embarked.

b. Concept of Operations. O/O, 24th MEU seizes AF Obj A with a BLT (ME), an ACE (SE2), and a CLB (SE3). At H-Hour, the ME conducts an amphibious landing and seizes AF Obj A in order to facilitate the establishment of an EAB on St. Thomas. The ME will then clear LF Obj 2 IOT defeat 3rd BTG forces and support follow-on occupation of an EAB on St. Thomas. To support the attack, SE2 proves the ME CAS, aerial reconnaissance, and assault support in order to facilitate the ME scheme of maneuver, and DAS, AAW, and EW to the 24th MEU in order to facilitate offensive operations. SE3 lands in trace of the ME, establishes a BSA adjacent to AF Obj A, and provides DS CSS to the ME in order to support the ME's attack. NLT D+6 the ME conducts a Relief in Place (RIP) in order to facilitate future occupation of the EAB. The ME and SE3 reembark amphibious shipping in order to prepare for follow on operations. SE2 supports the RIP with AAW and EW in order to prevent enemy air or naval attack. Reserve. None.
(1) Phase 1. (omitted for brevity)
(2) Phase 2. Seize AF Obj A and Clear LF Obj 2. BLT 1/6 (ME) seizes AF Obj A and clears LF Obj 2 IOT support MEB establishment of EAB on St. Thomas.
(3) Phase 3. (omitted for brevity).

c. Tasks.
(1) BLT 1/6 (ME)
(a) On D-Day at H-Hour, conduct an amphibious assault to seize AF Objective A in order to facilitate the defeat of 2nd Bn, 3rd BTG in the vicinity of LF Objective 2.
(b) On Order, establish security for AF Obj A.
(c) On Order, clear LF Objective 2 in order to support the MEB's ME occupation of EABs in LOA Gold.
(d) On Order, occupy AA WOLF at AF Obj A in order to facilitate operations against the 2nd Bn, 3rd BTG in the vicinity of LF Objective 2.
(e) NLT D+6 conduct a RIP with follow-on forces in order to facilitate MEB occupation of an EAB.
(f) NLT D+6 re-embark aboard amphibious shipping and assume MEB reserve during Phase IV.

(2) VMM 266 (SE1)
(a) Protect the ATF in AO Gator-North IOT facilitate amphibious operations.
(b) From H-Hour on D-Day through D+5 provide the ME CAS, Aerial Reconnaissance, and Assault Support in order to support the ME scheme of maneuver.
(c) BPT provide ME with assault support IOT support the ME attack.
(d) From H-Hour on D-Day through completion provide 24th MEU DAS, AAW and EW in order to facilitate uninterrupted offensive operations in AO Gold.

(3) CLB 24 (SE2)
(a) On D-Day, land at Red Beach and occupy a Beach Support Area (BSA) IOT support the ME attack.
(b) BPT to provide the ME with DS CSS in order to support the ME attack on LF Obj 2.

d. Reserve. None.

e. Commander's Critical Information Requirements (CCIRs).
(1) [P] What is the location, composition and disposition of enemy forces defending LF Obj 2?
(2) [P] What is the location, composition and disposition of enemy forces capable of attacking AF Obj A?
(3) [P] What is the location, composition and disposition of enemy forces capable of reinforcing LF Obj 2?
(4) [P] Are there any indications and warnings of 2nd Bn withdrawal from LF Obj 2?
(5) [P] Have anti-landing obstacles been emplaced at Red Beach?
(6) [F] Are there less than 4 x F-35C FMC?
(7) [F] Is there a ship to shore connector loss during execution of the landing plan?

f. Coordinating Instructions.
(1) All times reported in Quebec time zone.
(2) D-Day: X Oct, 20XX
(3) H-Hour: 0200Q
(4) MOPP 0 in effect until further notice.
(5) Air and Missile Defense Warning Condition: Yellow.
(6) Air and Missile Defense Weapons Control: Tight.
(7) Ship Defense Warning Condition: Yellow.
(8) ROE: Standing ROE are in effect. Commanders may submit requests for additional ROE through command channels. Changes or additions to these ROE must be approved by 2nd MEB. ROE is applicable within the defined JFMCC AO.
(a) Every service member has the right to use reasonable and necessary force to defend themselves against attack.
(b) Non-combatant civilians will not be detained except for their own personal safety. In all cases they will be treated IAW the law of armed conflict.
(c) Adversary personnel indicating a desire to surrender will be permitted to do so and will be treated as prisoners of war. All captured personnel will be treated IAW the law of armed conflict.
(d) Suspected war crimes or similar criminal violations, whether committed by adversary or U.S./Friendly forces, will be reported immediately through command channels.
(9) All target nominations due to TBWG 24hrs prior to 24 MEU Daily Targeting Board.
(10) Operational Graphics. See Appendix 16 (Operations Overlay) to Annex C.

4. Administration and Logistics
a. Personnel. Omitted.
b. Logistics. CLB-24 supports the 24th MEU with 3 CLB detachments, an EOD team, a Landing Support Platoon, and a Shock Trauma Platoon. SE 3 Det 1 and Det 2 will provide DS CSS to the ME. SE 3 Det 3, the EOD Team, and the Shock Trauma Platoon will provide GS CSS to the 24th MEU. The Landing Support Platoon will support the BSA. Phase I (Shaping): Prepares for D-Day operations. Phase II (Seize EAB): On D-Day the ME lands with 2 DOS of Class I (Food & Water), and Class V. SE 3's Det 1 and 2 land in trace of the ME to provide DS CSS. These Dets carry an additional .25 DOS of Class I (water), 1 DOS of Class I (food), 1 DOS of Class III, .75 DOS Class V, and .25 DOS Class IX and will push Class I, III, V, and limited IX to the ME. SE3's Det 3, one EOD team, one Shock Trauma Platoon, and one Landing Support Det lands and establishes a BSA. From D-Day to D+2, SE3 Det 3 establishes a BSA capable of storing up to 53,600 gallons Class I (water), producing up to 16,000 gallons of water per day, storing up to 46,344 gallons Class III, storing up to 120 pallets of Class V, and storing up to 24 pallets of Class IX. From D+3 until completion, SE 2 continue to resupply the BSA with class I, III, V, and IX based on pull requests. Casualties requiring ROLE II level of care will be evaluated by SE2 from POI to ARG shipping if possible. If the tactical situation prevents casualty movement direct to ARG, shipping casualties will be brought to the BSA by the unit for follow-on movement to ARG shipping by CPR or SE2. CPR will coordinate evaluation of casualties to ROLE III facilities.
c. Communications Strategy and Operations. Omitted.
d. Civil-Military Operations. Omitted.
e. Meteorological and Oceanographic Services. Omitted.
f. Geospatial Information and Services. Omitted.
g. Civil-Military Operations. Omitted.
h. Medical Services. Omitted.

5. Command and Signal
a. Command Relationships. Omitted.
b. Command Posts and Headquarters. Omitted.
c. Succession to Command. Omitted.
d. Signal. Omitted.

SPECIFIED TASKS (Found in FRAGO 3.c.(1))

(a) On D-Day at H-Hour, conduct an amphibious assault to seize AF Objective A in order to facilitate the defeat of 2nd Bn, 3rd BTG in the vicinity of LF Objective 2.
(b) On Order, establish security for AF Obj A.
(c) On Order, clear LF Objective 2 in order to support the MEB's ME occupation of EABs in LOA Gold.
- VMGR 252-Phase II: Provide assault support to the ME in order to facilitate denial of the Venturan Carib Command use of the sea and airspace in LOA Silver. Coordinate when this will occur.
- Phase III: NLT D+6 conduct a RIP with the ME in order to enable the occupation of EABs in LOA Gold
(d) On Order, occupy AA WOLF at AF Obj A in order to facilitate operations against the 2nd Bn, 3rd BTG in the vicinity of LF Objective 2.
(e) NLT D+6 conduct a RIP with follow-on forces in order to facilitate MEB occupation of an EAB.
Conduct coordination with 3/2 in preparation for the RIP on RCT Obj A" is an implied task to the HHQ specified task of "Conduct a RIP with 3/2 on RCT Obj A
(f) NLT D+6 re-embark aboard amphibious shipping and assume MEB reserve during Phase IV.

IMPLIED TASKS (associate any implied task with a specified task above)
- Coordinate with VMM-266 and 24th MEU FSCC to integrate CAS, aerial reconnaissance, and IDF support in preparation for the amphibious assault. (Spec task (a))
- Coordinate with 2nd CEB for breaching and obstacle clearance at landing zones and beaches, synchronized with recone and fire support.(Spec task (a))
- Synchronize with 2nd Recon Bn and CLB-24 for reconnaissance, logistics, and sustainment operations to support landing and follow-on operations.(Spec task (a))
- Establish and maintain communications with higher and subordinate units to ensure situational awareness and timely reporting during the assault. (Spec task (a))
- Conduct coordination with adjacent units to establish security boundaries and prevent gaps in coverage at AF Obj A. (Spec task (b))
- Coordinate with 2nd Recon Bn to identify and monitor likely avenues of approach for enemy counterattacks. (Spec task (b))
- Position defensive assets, including engineers (2nd CEB), to fortify positions and emplace obstacles around AF Obj A. (Spec task (b))
- Coordinate with CLB-24 to establish resupply points and casualty evacuation routes . (Spec task (b))
- Develop and implement a communications plan to ensure real-time reporting and coordination between security elements at AF Obj A.
- Ensure indirect fire support coverage with coordination with MEU FSCC. (Spec task (b))
- Establish blocking positions to prevent the enemy from withdrawing or requesting reinenformcemtn at LF Obj 2 (Spec task (c))
- Secure Key terrain and infatructurea once clearing operation are complete. (Spec task (c))
- Conduct counter-recon operations to detect and destroy enemy observations elements IVO LF Obj 2. (Spec task (c))
- Establish a CASEVAC position at AA WOLF to support medical evac during follow-on operations. (Spec task (d))
- Coordinate Pre-stage ammo, fuel, and supplies as the forward staging area. (Spec task (d))
- Coordinate passage of line with adjacent units to deconflit movement for medical evac and followon operations. (Spec task (d))
- Coordinate with follow-on forces to sync RIP execution and movement. (Spec task (e))
- Develop timeline and the movement plan for personnel and euiptment. (Spec task (e))
- Coordinate embarjation or pesonelle, euiptment with apmphibous shippong. Spec task (f))
Ensure final accountability and staging of personnnel, euiptment and supplies prior to embakation. Spec task (f))
- Confirm C2 trasnsitionfor assuption of the MEB reserve role. Spec task (f))

Attachment:- Planning_Assessment_Workbook.rar