| Northwest Ohio Defense Force |
| ODF 4th Battalion |
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Basic Infantry Course (May 2009):
(AAR courtesy of NEODF)
Members of 1st BN, 3rd BN, and 4th BN began to gather at the bivy area of the 3rd BN Range in
Columbiana County prior to official check in time of 1100 hours for the 1st annual Basic Infantry
Course being offered to new (and existing) members by the Ohio Defense Force.
Due to a last minute snag, the training was divided up between 2 areas (3rd BN & 5th BN); instead of
a single training site for the whole state originally to be hosted by 1st BN. Accordingly, this caused
some shifting of instructors and class schedules.
The first class of the day was a Navigation Course which had each member run a fixed compass
course (basic orienteering) after completion of an overview of the various types of compasses, and
how to get a bearing (azimuth), and find a reciprocal course. Members were able to practice their
ranger pace count, and familiarize themselves with setting and maintaining a bearing.
Class then reconvened in the bivy area where the 4th BN commander gave an overview of basic
small unit hand signals and fire team & squad level movement formations. Differences were learned
between team sized and squad sized movement on patrol, and during reaction to contact and
breaking of contact. Placement of team and squad leaders was explained, and various positives and
negatives to each type of movement was covered in some detail. Teams were divided up and
followed a training circuit whereby instructors would give them a formation and they then hand to use
the hand signal to get into formation and move through the circuit. During this time and throughout
the remainder of the course new team leaders were rotated through so that everyone had the
opportunity to give the commands and also be an assistant TL.
At 1930 hours, after a fortifying meal, members geared up for the night patrol to recon an area across
the creek from the range. Full camouflage was affected with members taping noisy clips and other
gear, painting exposed flesh with grease paint, and coloring bright metal to kill the shine. The jump
test was required of every member before going on patrol and the team leaders were held
accountable for noise discipline.
Once everyone was ready, the column moved out in a squad of multiple fire teams. As teams were
made up by having everyone count off, members found themselves teamed up in different order than
typical. And, as there were many new faces in attendance, new names had to be put with them.
Various squad movements were covered, including learning to cross danger areas by “bumping” (a
sort of leap frog maneuver), halting, and learning to “freeze” in place with just a hand signal given.
The night patrol was completed by 2230 hours, and training secured for the day by 2300, when many
sought the refuge of their sleeping bags, both in tents and under the stars.
Sunday, 24 May 2009:
0600 hours and reveille came early this clear Ohio morning, and members arose to a hearty
breakfast before reporting to the 100 yard range for weapons familiarization.
Members were given the opportunity to handle and fire various weapons systems including the AR-
15 platform in the form of a 16”bbl M-4 carbine, folding stock AK-47, SKS, an FN-FAL, a Mossberg .12
gauge pump shotgun, and a Remington 1100 auto-loading shotgun.
At 0900, a course in combat first aid including the basic principles of emergency treatment in the field
of sprains, fractures, punctures, gunshot wounds, and other related combat lifesaving techniques.
Members practiced patient assessment, bandaging and victim transport upon each other before
breaking for lunch @ 1100 hours.
After the mid-day meal, the 3rd BN chaplain conducted a class on map reading that complemented
the navigation lessons with a compass learned the previous day. Some handy reference material
was handed out for members to keep with their navigational tools. The five “D’s” were stressed:
Descriptions, Detail, Directions, Distances, and Designations. Importance was also leveled at
knowing the declination (or deviation) of the Magnetic North, from True North. At our longitude, in
2009, this variation is 8.4˚ west. Though some members had difficulty with some of the concepts, the
overall value of map reading skills and proper use of navigational aids was driven home quite well.
Immediately following this the teams were assembled into a squad and given training on how to
react properly to a near ambush and a far ambush. Each team had the opportunity to be in both the
kill zone and the flanking support maneuver several times. By 1800 hours people were feeling the
effects of fatigue from the near constant training. Evening Chow was then served, and the members
had some down time until being called back on duty at 0200 hours for the Finishing Exercise of the
Course. Some relaxed, some stayed busy, while others sacked out after a hot meal that included a
cold salad and dessert.
Monday, 25 May 2009:
Reveille was abrupt, and vocal this morning, as members were roused to get their gear together and
assemble for a pre-exercise briefing. Fire Teams were assembled and given their assignments in
the squad level recon / assault patrol mission that was handed down by the training cadre. The five
paragraph SMEAC report boiled down to a Raid/ Rescue scenario where 2 friendlies were being held
hostage in a nearby barn by at least 3 known hostiles. Intel suggested that the hostiles could be
quickly supported with reinforcements on short notice, which demanded that the patrol move quickly,
quietly, and be prepared to assault at a moment’s notice if they wished to save the hostages.
Notional route security had been established for the window of opportunity as well as a notional
trucked medevac if necessary to a predetermined pickup zone.
At 0330 the patrol moved out from the bivy area and crossed the creek into Indian Country. As it was a
moonless night, movement was slow, with team members staying only an arm’s reach from another.
The objective was reached quickly, from the south under heavy cover, after getting the entire squad up
a very steep hill, safely and mostly quietly.
Once in position to reconnoiter the barn and it’s perimeter, a leader’s conference was held, and it
was decided to move farther west and assault in 3 teams from the treeline, with the point team
assaulting the barn and rescuing the hostages, team 2 providing left flank cover, team 3 covering the
right flank and perimeter security.
On the squad leader’s command, a designated marksman took out the exposed sentry in the open
barn door (a shot of only 80 yards), then the point team assaulted through to breach the barn, only to
engage a mortar emplacement on the right flank!
Team 3 quickly took out the tube after team 1 shifted fire, allowing team 1 to take the barn, kill bad
guys inside and secure the 2 hostages.
As our Rules of Engagement for this exercise precluded that any one with a weapon and not part of
the patrol was to be considered hostile, an oversight left both hostages (training cadre acting as
hostages) armed with their side-arms, which of course led to a friendly fire injury. All simulated of
course, but a very important lesson nonetheless.
As support and security was notational for this exercise, the area perimeter was quickly secured, the
Aid & Litter Team brought up, an ACE (Ammunition, Casualties, Equipment Status) check was
performed, the wounded attended to, and a bug out initiated to vacate the area before enemy backup
could be brought into position. Mission was completed, with all teams on the move back to base by
0558 hours!
With the sun only 20 minutes up, the enlarged squad and training cadre (some evacuated by vehicle)
hustled back to the bivy area on a route march to de-gear, debrief, and grab some breakfast! The
debriefing was thorough, with everyone given a chance to comment and ask questions of the cadre.
As this was all a training exercise, members learned the value of training in this manner with Topical
Based Training being used to prepare for Scenario Based Training (ie: this FinEx), so that they may
be able to fall back on their default training, rather than have to rise to a situation.
Members then began to strike their bivy and load their vehicles for the ride home to a hot shower,
clean clothes, and a real bed!
Lessons Learned:
1) Without a compass, your map is less effective. But a compass without a map is better. But a
compass with a map will save your bacon if you paid attention this weekend!
2) Know your hand-signals. Radios may not always be available.
3) Your team leader and squad leader are a very critical part of any unit movement. Know who and
where they are at all times. Know who the #2 is on both the fire team & the squad level.
4) Know your order in your team, who is point, who is tail gunner, know everyone and where they
are in relation to you at all times when on patrol.
5) Always check your six! Keep glancing back to the guy behind you. Make eye contact. Be ready to
pass any signals up and down the line.
6) Pay attention during briefings. Take notes.
7) Be 100% tactical whenever in the field. Keep your gear quiet, your glare subdued, and your
mouth shut! Noise & light discipline to be observed at all times, day or night! Keep some cough syrup
or cold meds in your IFAK for cough suppression!
8) There is no substitute for training. I say again, THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR TRAINING!
9) And no matter what the time of year: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Operation Nametaker (August 2008) (see also the "Reports" tab at NEODF's website for
another version of the AAR for Nametaker)
This was a two-day joint op between 1st, 3rd, and 4th BN's at 3rd's training area in northeast Ohio.
On the agenda: raids and dealing with Enemy Prisoners of War (EPW's).
We got started on Saturday morning with a quick bit of instruction on the characteristics and types of
raids. Members were given a handout so they could follow along with what the instructor was saying,
as well as for further review on their own time. Afterword the op order for the first raid was passed out,
gear was checked, and weapons were test fired with blanks. Then everyone moved out to the
objective. Since this was new for almost everyone, we went through a series of walkthrough
rehearsals. This took several hours, but in the end everyone had a pretty firm grasp on what they
were doing. Much improvement was seen between the first rehearsal and the final, full-speed raid.
After a break for lunch, a simulated meth lab was set up for the second raid, and participants
rehearsed the attack prior to boarding vehicles. Unlike the first raid we did, we didn't practice on the
objective itself this time.
The movement to the ORP was done, the leaders recon was done, and we stepped out on our attack.
Even though we were using blanks, we were still careful about muzzle discipline and not crossing
fields of fire. The objective was secured, the enemy driven off or killed, and the 'lab' was destroyed.
Then we pulled out back to our vehicles and went back to 'base', where we debriefed, ate, and talked
about the training thus far.
The following morning we reviewed everything and did several more rehearsals in the bivouac area
before moving on to sentry removal (both lethal and non-lethal) and EPW handling. We learned
several ways to dispose of a sentry, as well as how to actually sneak up on someone without being
detected. Then we divided up into groups of 3 for the EPW search portion of the training. Again, an
introductory class was given prior to members actually carrying out the search. After the first person
from each group was searched, the roles were rotated until everyone got a chance to be not only the
searcher, but also the prisoner and the security man. It sucks having all your gear thrown on the
ground, but it's part of the learning experience, and everyone had to do it, so it's not quite as bad as if
you get singled out for it.
After another review of the entire weekend and addressing any lingering questions, training was
secured and members were dismissed.
The general consensus is that this was a very successful training evolution. We look forward to doing
more multi-battalion training in the future.
Operation Balkan Thunder (June 2008)
The annual statewide FTX. All battalions were present for this one.
Even though most personnel arrived Friday, the exercise actually started on Saturday. We were using
blanks, and everyone was basically on the Honor System as to whether they'd been 'killed' or not. We
began by having each battalion move to their designated start points, then move to their AO's. Then
they were given a mission to complete. This proved more difficult to accomplish than anyone
originally thought.
For the evening session, we were again given a mission and sent out. 4th's task was a simulated
rocket attack. We took our shot, then quickly exited the area to avoid pursuers. We were then
supposed to link up with 5th and attack a position manned by 1st and 3rd. On the way to the
rendezvous, we ran into a team from 3rd, and a firefight quickly ensued. Each side pulled back after
ten shots or so. Afterward, we got word over the radio that 5th had been wiped out, so we had to wait
30 minutes until they were 'resurrected'. Since we were badly outnumbered, we found a good spot
and hid. When 5th was sent back into the scenario, we moved out again and tried to make the meet.
The sun went down while we were moving, and when we were just about to the point we were
supposed to meet 5th, a flare went up from not even 100 meters in front of us. So we hit the dirt. Then
we heard someone moving behind us, so we stayed in place. After probably an hour we met up with
5th, then were told to get back to the CP before 2300, which was about 10 minutes away. So we
busted thru some heavy brush to a path that was in a position that was out of the line of sight/fire of
the enemy position, then ran back. We got back with about 1 minute to spare, then cleaned our
weapons and grabbed something to drink.
Sunday was the Super Squad competition. The events were a tactical shoot and casualty carry,
SALUTE report, hand signals (both display and execution), and casualty diagnosis and treatment.
Since 4th is the newest battalion, and we'd only been training together for six months (counting
Balkan Thunder), we went into this hoping only to not embarrass ourselves. So imagine our surprise
when the competition was over and it was announced that we won!
This means we're going to have to work even harder this year, in order to defend the title at next year's
competition.
______________________________________
Operation Barghest (November 2007)
1. Situation
a. Enemy Forces Elements of the Gendermerie Nationale, the French military police. Enemy forces
have been patrolling the area and setting up checkpoints in hope of catching friendly forces or
sympathizers moving food, fuel, ammunition, and medical supplies. Patrols are typically 4-8
personnel with small arms. Checkpoints are manned by 4 enemy personnel with small arms and a
medium machinegun.
b. Friendly Forces ODF’s 1st, 3rd, and 5th Battalions will be operating in the area (notional) in their
assigned grids. Their mission is the same as ours.
2. Mission
Clear the area of any enemy patrols. If a checkpoint has been set up, eliminate it.
3. Execution
a. Concept of Operations aggressively patrol our area of operations, making security halts and
setting up ambushes of opportunity. If a checkpoint has been set up, we will take it under fire and
then assault, killing all enemy personnel and capturing any weapons, equipment, and ammunition
we can.
b. Do NOT engage patrols numbering more than 8 enemy personnel.
4. Administration and Logistics
a. Each member will carry a basic load-out of ammunition consisting of not less than two magazines
for their rifle.
b. Each member will carry a minimum of ONE meal.
c. Casualties will be treated and left in place to be collected by the Casualty Collection Team from
HQ.
d. No prisoners.
5. Command and Signal
a. Hand and arm signals will be utilized within the unit during the patrol. If an assault takes place, the
patrol leader will signal the beginning of the assault by firing the first shot. All cease-fires will be
signaled verbally.
**********
This was the Op Order for this month's training session.
This was our first independent training session. It was conducted at the training area in Zanesville.
The day was brisk, rather than truly cold (that's next month), with intermittent sunshine.
Upon our arrival, we prepared and placed some targets, then checked our gear, filled our water, and
stepped out on a patrol. We covered a good portion of the perimeter of the training area, making
numerous security halts and just listening to the surrounding area. We also checked out several
possible enemy positions, including the area that was used for the defensive position for the night
attack during the statewide FTX. After making it almost completely around the perimeter, the point
man sighted the targets we had placed (the 'enemy checkpoint'). We moved as close as we thought
we could probably pull off against a live enemy, crawling the last 50 meters on our bellies, then
opened up on the targets, continuing to advance by fire and movement. After a cease-fire was called,
we carefully moved up to the enemy position, keeping the enemy covered in case any of them still
had some fight left. After securing the position, we resumed our patrol back to our secure area (HQ).
Afterward we measured off some distances for future events such as runs and hikes, as well as
checking out a few areas for possible training courses (such as an infiltration course and a room
clearing course).
What Went Right
Dispersion between members of the patrol was good, as was communication with hand signals and
muzzle discipline. No one got hurt, which is always a good thing, but especially so during live-fire
events. We moved into our attack positions smoothly, and put rapid yet controlled fire on the enemy
position. No mindless spray and pray here. Movement to the objective after the cease-fire was
smooth, and we kept the enemy covered with our muzzles. When the patrol was resumed, we went
tactical again, instead of just lollygagging back to our secure area (after an attack is one of the most
dangerous times for the attackers).
What Needs Improvement
We need to patrol more often. We haven't done this in a while, and we were out of practice. We made
too much noise walking through the dry leaves and brush. This could be remedied by moving slower
and more carefully.
Each member of a patrol should have a small set of binoculars in their gear. Even a relatively weak
set would come in handy.
Two magazines per man isn't enough to keep up a good volume of fire. We were attempting to
reduce ammunition consumption. This will not be repeated. Wolf ammo is still fairly cheap (in
comparison to Lake City, Lapua, S&B, or other new production, and most surplus), there is no reason
to skimp on training in an effort to save a couple bucks.
Overall
Overall, this was a good training session. We worked well together, we learned, we honed our skills,
we enjoyed ourselves, and no one got hurt.
___________________________________________________________
(AAR courtesy of NEODF)
Members of 1st BN, 3rd BN, and 4th BN began to gather at the bivy area of the 3rd BN Range in
Columbiana County prior to official check in time of 1100 hours for the 1st annual Basic Infantry
Course being offered to new (and existing) members by the Ohio Defense Force.
Due to a last minute snag, the training was divided up between 2 areas (3rd BN & 5th BN); instead of
a single training site for the whole state originally to be hosted by 1st BN. Accordingly, this caused
some shifting of instructors and class schedules.
The first class of the day was a Navigation Course which had each member run a fixed compass
course (basic orienteering) after completion of an overview of the various types of compasses, and
how to get a bearing (azimuth), and find a reciprocal course. Members were able to practice their
ranger pace count, and familiarize themselves with setting and maintaining a bearing.
Class then reconvened in the bivy area where the 4th BN commander gave an overview of basic
small unit hand signals and fire team & squad level movement formations. Differences were learned
between team sized and squad sized movement on patrol, and during reaction to contact and
breaking of contact. Placement of team and squad leaders was explained, and various positives and
negatives to each type of movement was covered in some detail. Teams were divided up and
followed a training circuit whereby instructors would give them a formation and they then hand to use
the hand signal to get into formation and move through the circuit. During this time and throughout
the remainder of the course new team leaders were rotated through so that everyone had the
opportunity to give the commands and also be an assistant TL.
At 1930 hours, after a fortifying meal, members geared up for the night patrol to recon an area across
the creek from the range. Full camouflage was affected with members taping noisy clips and other
gear, painting exposed flesh with grease paint, and coloring bright metal to kill the shine. The jump
test was required of every member before going on patrol and the team leaders were held
accountable for noise discipline.
Once everyone was ready, the column moved out in a squad of multiple fire teams. As teams were
made up by having everyone count off, members found themselves teamed up in different order than
typical. And, as there were many new faces in attendance, new names had to be put with them.
Various squad movements were covered, including learning to cross danger areas by “bumping” (a
sort of leap frog maneuver), halting, and learning to “freeze” in place with just a hand signal given.
The night patrol was completed by 2230 hours, and training secured for the day by 2300, when many
sought the refuge of their sleeping bags, both in tents and under the stars.
Sunday, 24 May 2009:
0600 hours and reveille came early this clear Ohio morning, and members arose to a hearty
breakfast before reporting to the 100 yard range for weapons familiarization.
Members were given the opportunity to handle and fire various weapons systems including the AR-
15 platform in the form of a 16”bbl M-4 carbine, folding stock AK-47, SKS, an FN-FAL, a Mossberg .12
gauge pump shotgun, and a Remington 1100 auto-loading shotgun.
At 0900, a course in combat first aid including the basic principles of emergency treatment in the field
of sprains, fractures, punctures, gunshot wounds, and other related combat lifesaving techniques.
Members practiced patient assessment, bandaging and victim transport upon each other before
breaking for lunch @ 1100 hours.
After the mid-day meal, the 3rd BN chaplain conducted a class on map reading that complemented
the navigation lessons with a compass learned the previous day. Some handy reference material
was handed out for members to keep with their navigational tools. The five “D’s” were stressed:
Descriptions, Detail, Directions, Distances, and Designations. Importance was also leveled at
knowing the declination (or deviation) of the Magnetic North, from True North. At our longitude, in
2009, this variation is 8.4˚ west. Though some members had difficulty with some of the concepts, the
overall value of map reading skills and proper use of navigational aids was driven home quite well.
Immediately following this the teams were assembled into a squad and given training on how to
react properly to a near ambush and a far ambush. Each team had the opportunity to be in both the
kill zone and the flanking support maneuver several times. By 1800 hours people were feeling the
effects of fatigue from the near constant training. Evening Chow was then served, and the members
had some down time until being called back on duty at 0200 hours for the Finishing Exercise of the
Course. Some relaxed, some stayed busy, while others sacked out after a hot meal that included a
cold salad and dessert.
Monday, 25 May 2009:
Reveille was abrupt, and vocal this morning, as members were roused to get their gear together and
assemble for a pre-exercise briefing. Fire Teams were assembled and given their assignments in
the squad level recon / assault patrol mission that was handed down by the training cadre. The five
paragraph SMEAC report boiled down to a Raid/ Rescue scenario where 2 friendlies were being held
hostage in a nearby barn by at least 3 known hostiles. Intel suggested that the hostiles could be
quickly supported with reinforcements on short notice, which demanded that the patrol move quickly,
quietly, and be prepared to assault at a moment’s notice if they wished to save the hostages.
Notional route security had been established for the window of opportunity as well as a notional
trucked medevac if necessary to a predetermined pickup zone.
At 0330 the patrol moved out from the bivy area and crossed the creek into Indian Country. As it was a
moonless night, movement was slow, with team members staying only an arm’s reach from another.
The objective was reached quickly, from the south under heavy cover, after getting the entire squad up
a very steep hill, safely and mostly quietly.
Once in position to reconnoiter the barn and it’s perimeter, a leader’s conference was held, and it
was decided to move farther west and assault in 3 teams from the treeline, with the point team
assaulting the barn and rescuing the hostages, team 2 providing left flank cover, team 3 covering the
right flank and perimeter security.
On the squad leader’s command, a designated marksman took out the exposed sentry in the open
barn door (a shot of only 80 yards), then the point team assaulted through to breach the barn, only to
engage a mortar emplacement on the right flank!
Team 3 quickly took out the tube after team 1 shifted fire, allowing team 1 to take the barn, kill bad
guys inside and secure the 2 hostages.
As our Rules of Engagement for this exercise precluded that any one with a weapon and not part of
the patrol was to be considered hostile, an oversight left both hostages (training cadre acting as
hostages) armed with their side-arms, which of course led to a friendly fire injury. All simulated of
course, but a very important lesson nonetheless.
As support and security was notational for this exercise, the area perimeter was quickly secured, the
Aid & Litter Team brought up, an ACE (Ammunition, Casualties, Equipment Status) check was
performed, the wounded attended to, and a bug out initiated to vacate the area before enemy backup
could be brought into position. Mission was completed, with all teams on the move back to base by
0558 hours!
With the sun only 20 minutes up, the enlarged squad and training cadre (some evacuated by vehicle)
hustled back to the bivy area on a route march to de-gear, debrief, and grab some breakfast! The
debriefing was thorough, with everyone given a chance to comment and ask questions of the cadre.
As this was all a training exercise, members learned the value of training in this manner with Topical
Based Training being used to prepare for Scenario Based Training (ie: this FinEx), so that they may
be able to fall back on their default training, rather than have to rise to a situation.
Members then began to strike their bivy and load their vehicles for the ride home to a hot shower,
clean clothes, and a real bed!
Lessons Learned:
1) Without a compass, your map is less effective. But a compass without a map is better. But a
compass with a map will save your bacon if you paid attention this weekend!
2) Know your hand-signals. Radios may not always be available.
3) Your team leader and squad leader are a very critical part of any unit movement. Know who and
where they are at all times. Know who the #2 is on both the fire team & the squad level.
4) Know your order in your team, who is point, who is tail gunner, know everyone and where they
are in relation to you at all times when on patrol.
5) Always check your six! Keep glancing back to the guy behind you. Make eye contact. Be ready to
pass any signals up and down the line.
6) Pay attention during briefings. Take notes.
7) Be 100% tactical whenever in the field. Keep your gear quiet, your glare subdued, and your
mouth shut! Noise & light discipline to be observed at all times, day or night! Keep some cough syrup
or cold meds in your IFAK for cough suppression!
8) There is no substitute for training. I say again, THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR TRAINING!
9) And no matter what the time of year: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Operation Nametaker (August 2008) (see also the "Reports" tab at NEODF's website for
another version of the AAR for Nametaker)
This was a two-day joint op between 1st, 3rd, and 4th BN's at 3rd's training area in northeast Ohio.
On the agenda: raids and dealing with Enemy Prisoners of War (EPW's).
We got started on Saturday morning with a quick bit of instruction on the characteristics and types of
raids. Members were given a handout so they could follow along with what the instructor was saying,
as well as for further review on their own time. Afterword the op order for the first raid was passed out,
gear was checked, and weapons were test fired with blanks. Then everyone moved out to the
objective. Since this was new for almost everyone, we went through a series of walkthrough
rehearsals. This took several hours, but in the end everyone had a pretty firm grasp on what they
were doing. Much improvement was seen between the first rehearsal and the final, full-speed raid.
After a break for lunch, a simulated meth lab was set up for the second raid, and participants
rehearsed the attack prior to boarding vehicles. Unlike the first raid we did, we didn't practice on the
objective itself this time.
The movement to the ORP was done, the leaders recon was done, and we stepped out on our attack.
Even though we were using blanks, we were still careful about muzzle discipline and not crossing
fields of fire. The objective was secured, the enemy driven off or killed, and the 'lab' was destroyed.
Then we pulled out back to our vehicles and went back to 'base', where we debriefed, ate, and talked
about the training thus far.
The following morning we reviewed everything and did several more rehearsals in the bivouac area
before moving on to sentry removal (both lethal and non-lethal) and EPW handling. We learned
several ways to dispose of a sentry, as well as how to actually sneak up on someone without being
detected. Then we divided up into groups of 3 for the EPW search portion of the training. Again, an
introductory class was given prior to members actually carrying out the search. After the first person
from each group was searched, the roles were rotated until everyone got a chance to be not only the
searcher, but also the prisoner and the security man. It sucks having all your gear thrown on the
ground, but it's part of the learning experience, and everyone had to do it, so it's not quite as bad as if
you get singled out for it.
After another review of the entire weekend and addressing any lingering questions, training was
secured and members were dismissed.
The general consensus is that this was a very successful training evolution. We look forward to doing
more multi-battalion training in the future.
Operation Balkan Thunder (June 2008)
The annual statewide FTX. All battalions were present for this one.
Even though most personnel arrived Friday, the exercise actually started on Saturday. We were using
blanks, and everyone was basically on the Honor System as to whether they'd been 'killed' or not. We
began by having each battalion move to their designated start points, then move to their AO's. Then
they were given a mission to complete. This proved more difficult to accomplish than anyone
originally thought.
For the evening session, we were again given a mission and sent out. 4th's task was a simulated
rocket attack. We took our shot, then quickly exited the area to avoid pursuers. We were then
supposed to link up with 5th and attack a position manned by 1st and 3rd. On the way to the
rendezvous, we ran into a team from 3rd, and a firefight quickly ensued. Each side pulled back after
ten shots or so. Afterward, we got word over the radio that 5th had been wiped out, so we had to wait
30 minutes until they were 'resurrected'. Since we were badly outnumbered, we found a good spot
and hid. When 5th was sent back into the scenario, we moved out again and tried to make the meet.
The sun went down while we were moving, and when we were just about to the point we were
supposed to meet 5th, a flare went up from not even 100 meters in front of us. So we hit the dirt. Then
we heard someone moving behind us, so we stayed in place. After probably an hour we met up with
5th, then were told to get back to the CP before 2300, which was about 10 minutes away. So we
busted thru some heavy brush to a path that was in a position that was out of the line of sight/fire of
the enemy position, then ran back. We got back with about 1 minute to spare, then cleaned our
weapons and grabbed something to drink.
Sunday was the Super Squad competition. The events were a tactical shoot and casualty carry,
SALUTE report, hand signals (both display and execution), and casualty diagnosis and treatment.
Since 4th is the newest battalion, and we'd only been training together for six months (counting
Balkan Thunder), we went into this hoping only to not embarrass ourselves. So imagine our surprise
when the competition was over and it was announced that we won!
This means we're going to have to work even harder this year, in order to defend the title at next year's
competition.
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Operation Barghest (November 2007)
1. Situation
a. Enemy Forces Elements of the Gendermerie Nationale, the French military police. Enemy forces
have been patrolling the area and setting up checkpoints in hope of catching friendly forces or
sympathizers moving food, fuel, ammunition, and medical supplies. Patrols are typically 4-8
personnel with small arms. Checkpoints are manned by 4 enemy personnel with small arms and a
medium machinegun.
b. Friendly Forces ODF’s 1st, 3rd, and 5th Battalions will be operating in the area (notional) in their
assigned grids. Their mission is the same as ours.
2. Mission
Clear the area of any enemy patrols. If a checkpoint has been set up, eliminate it.
3. Execution
a. Concept of Operations aggressively patrol our area of operations, making security halts and
setting up ambushes of opportunity. If a checkpoint has been set up, we will take it under fire and
then assault, killing all enemy personnel and capturing any weapons, equipment, and ammunition
we can.
b. Do NOT engage patrols numbering more than 8 enemy personnel.
4. Administration and Logistics
a. Each member will carry a basic load-out of ammunition consisting of not less than two magazines
for their rifle.
b. Each member will carry a minimum of ONE meal.
c. Casualties will be treated and left in place to be collected by the Casualty Collection Team from
HQ.
d. No prisoners.
5. Command and Signal
a. Hand and arm signals will be utilized within the unit during the patrol. If an assault takes place, the
patrol leader will signal the beginning of the assault by firing the first shot. All cease-fires will be
signaled verbally.
**********
This was the Op Order for this month's training session.
This was our first independent training session. It was conducted at the training area in Zanesville.
The day was brisk, rather than truly cold (that's next month), with intermittent sunshine.
Upon our arrival, we prepared and placed some targets, then checked our gear, filled our water, and
stepped out on a patrol. We covered a good portion of the perimeter of the training area, making
numerous security halts and just listening to the surrounding area. We also checked out several
possible enemy positions, including the area that was used for the defensive position for the night
attack during the statewide FTX. After making it almost completely around the perimeter, the point
man sighted the targets we had placed (the 'enemy checkpoint'). We moved as close as we thought
we could probably pull off against a live enemy, crawling the last 50 meters on our bellies, then
opened up on the targets, continuing to advance by fire and movement. After a cease-fire was called,
we carefully moved up to the enemy position, keeping the enemy covered in case any of them still
had some fight left. After securing the position, we resumed our patrol back to our secure area (HQ).
Afterward we measured off some distances for future events such as runs and hikes, as well as
checking out a few areas for possible training courses (such as an infiltration course and a room
clearing course).
What Went Right
Dispersion between members of the patrol was good, as was communication with hand signals and
muzzle discipline. No one got hurt, which is always a good thing, but especially so during live-fire
events. We moved into our attack positions smoothly, and put rapid yet controlled fire on the enemy
position. No mindless spray and pray here. Movement to the objective after the cease-fire was
smooth, and we kept the enemy covered with our muzzles. When the patrol was resumed, we went
tactical again, instead of just lollygagging back to our secure area (after an attack is one of the most
dangerous times for the attackers).
What Needs Improvement
We need to patrol more often. We haven't done this in a while, and we were out of practice. We made
too much noise walking through the dry leaves and brush. This could be remedied by moving slower
and more carefully.
Each member of a patrol should have a small set of binoculars in their gear. Even a relatively weak
set would come in handy.
Two magazines per man isn't enough to keep up a good volume of fire. We were attempting to
reduce ammunition consumption. This will not be repeated. Wolf ammo is still fairly cheap (in
comparison to Lake City, Lapua, S&B, or other new production, and most surplus), there is no reason
to skimp on training in an effort to save a couple bucks.
Overall
Overall, this was a good training session. We worked well together, we learned, we honed our skills,
we enjoyed ourselves, and no one got hurt.
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