I have been writing up a set of orders to follow to really immerse in the simulation... This might seem overkill but thought I would do this to help understand and come up to speed.. I don't specify exact orders configuration as that will need to be applied in simulation. However, for operational planning I thought this would help.. This approach is based on the planning OODA loop with a set of SOPs in the background.. I have used to Daz's AAR for St Vith to aid - using that tactical approach.. obviously mapping or ground model is already available. Set of Orders with out any models...
Any thoughts or overkill ?? Regards
Operational Plan - Op Rodenhurst Briefing Notes
HHQ General Outline
Strategic Approach
- As part of the 3rd Army counter-offensive on the southern border the 4th Armd Div is now approaching St Vith, which is the last supply route to Enemy still in the Bulge. Taking and holding St Vith will achieve a 3rd Army Objective of trapping those forces.
- CCA will conduct operations to secure the approaches to St Vith.
- CCB will conduct operations to secure and hold St Vith once CCA has cleared the approaches
- CCR will remain to standby to provide western flank protection against approach enemy units carrying out CATK up into St Vith western approaches.
- Brigade and Divisional Arty/Air Assets will provide Interdiction and Suppression bombardments against enemy positions in support of CC operations.
Divisional Primary Objectives (NLTs)
- Secure and Hold St Vith (NLT D2 1200)
- Destroy the Enemy
Divisional Enabling Objectives (NLTs)
- Establish Bridge Head at Steinebruck (NLT D1 2359)
- Secure Lommersweiler (NLT D2 2359)
- Secure Breitfeld Crossroads (Once CCB arrives <0200060145) (NLT D2 2359)
- Secure Schillerbach (NLT D2 2359)
Divisional Secondary Objectives (NLTs)
- Secure Gruffingen for CATK (CCR) (NLT D3 1200)
- Secure Weppler (NLT D1 1200)
Friendly Forces - 4th Armd Div
- CCA (In Situ)
- CCB (D2 0200)
- CCR (D3 0700)
- 4 Armd Div HQ (D2 0200)
- AIR
Enemy Forces
- Located Steinebruk-Lommersweiler Area Consisting of the 29 VG Div and possible SS Panzer Units.
- Moving South toward St Vith ETA 24hrs
- Intel spotted German Armor Column moving West to East ETA 48hrs
- Positions identified South of Steienbruck south of river and centred on Bridge at SB. Estimated at Regt Strength consisting of Infantry and Engineers
- Positions identified as well establish FS positions at Lommersweiler Estimated at Battalion Strength. Consisting of Mechanized and Engineer Units.
- Key threat in area is AT Stugs Unit and Indirect Firesupport Units.
Supporting elements
- Arty 3 x ARTY (1 of which is 155mm)
- Air Support (Close Ground Attack) adhoc
Considerations
- MSRs Alpha and Bravo
- Perimeters/Vulnerabilities CATK
- Flanks/Rear Protections
- Blocking Positions/Guards
- CATKs
- Command Capacity
Key Timings
D1 Start - 0600
D1 Secure Steinebruck - <2359
D2 Reinforce - 0155 4 Armd Div HQ
D2 Reinforce - 0200 CCB.4
D2 Secure Schilerbach - <2359
D2 Secure Lommesweiler - <2359
D2 Secure Breitfeld - <2359
D3 Reinforce - 0705 CCR.4
D3 Secure Gruffingen - < 1200
D5 Stop - 0600
Initial Tactical Plan
Unit Operational Planning Objectives
Tactical Phases
1a CCA 51 Mech will launch an assault to secure a bridgehead at Steinbruck NLT D1 2359 where 51 Mech will reorg for next Obj.
1b CCA 318 will launch concurrent flanking attack on SB NLT D1 2359 in support of 51 Mech.
2a CCA 51 Mech & 1 Bn 318 Inf will conduct a joint assault to Secure Lommersweiler NLT D2 2359 where 318 will dig in and 51 will move on to FUP north for assualt on Breifeld.
2b CCA 35 Tank will send a small Recon Force to Scout MSR Alpha and secure the Village of Setz to provide MSR protection and Rearguard.
3a On the arrival of CCB (ETA D2 0200) they will move dow MSR Alpha to FUP for Assualt to secure St Vith (NLT D2 1200) securing Schellerbach in the process.
3b CCB to Defend St Vith - Dig in and await CTAK from Enemy NLT D2 1200.
3c CCA 51 Mech with continue to FUP and launch assault to secure Breitfeld NLT D2 2359
4 On the arrival of CCR (ETA D3 0700) to move west to secure Gurfflingen and swing North to launch CATK at enemy formations attemtping to disrupt supply corridor MSR Bravo and enemy rear ech units.
Contingency Plan
- Actions on: Flank Attacks/Probes against West Perimeter 318 to provide Block Defence in Lommersweller area and 51 Mech further North west in Breitfeld areas protecting MSR Bravo in the process. We also will be conducting CATK operations on the western flank with CCR to clear out enemy formations north toward St Vith.
- Actions on: Flank Attacks/Probes against Northern Perimeter 35 Tank to provide block and flank protection on Northern perimeter road where viable. Arty will also be called in to suppress where required.
Tactical Execution PHASE 1: SECURE BRIDGEHEAD Steinebruck
COMBAT COMMAND Objectives:
- Secure Bridgehead at Steinebruck with combined frontal and right flanking assault.
- Scout MSR Alpha route and Secure Met
TACTICAL ORDERS
1st BN 318 INF:
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Tactical Execution PHASE 2: SECURE <Next Objective>
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