The Republic of Livonia has been slowly losing ground in a civil war between the western-aligned government and the Russian-backed rebels for the past two years. Livonia had been receiving military aid and training from NATO forces stationed in the country, but not direct combat support. However, 16 hours ago, the Republic of Livonia capitulated, and the rebel faction has taken control of the government. Its first action was to allow Russian forces to enter the country to assist in rooting out the remaining loyalist forces.
USEUCOM has ordered all American troops to withdraw from the country immediately. In order to avoid the failings of the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, the withdrawal has been set for 1830 hours, with the intervening time to be used to secure as many civilians and military equipment as possible – and destroy any equipment left behind. Should the advancing enemy forces reach American positions before 1830, orders are to delay the enemy advance to allow civilians and equipment evacuation efforts to conclude before falling back to the evac point.
Task Force Knight had been stationed at FOB Revolver, outside the city of Pecher, in the northwest of the country. The city is an ideal defensive position, being surrounded by rivers and only accessible via five bridges. Most of the FOB’s equipment has been withdrawn and the last C-192 is on standby at the Pecher airport to withdraw any last-minute refugees fleeing ahead of the enemy advance, as well as the remaining platoon of TF Knight.
AH-64 are remaining on station to provide support until evacuation is complete.

VIKING 1 Infantry Squad SKYLARK 5 AH-64E in direct support of VIKING 1

Remainder of Task Force Knight is deployed in defensive positions around the town.
3x Infantry Squads set up on bridges as blocking forces
A reserve force remains at the airfield to organise evacuation of refugees and prepare for destruction of all equipment that could not be evacuated before final withdrawal.

Mixture of captured Livonian Defense Force and Russian motorized and mechanized infantry, with credible reports of armor and possible artillery.

Tasking: Hold the southern bridge to delay enemy advance into Pecher. If necessary to fall back, conduct a fighting withdrawal. Squad leader is authorized to detonate pre-placed demolition charges on each bridge.

Success: The enemy forces have been delayed enough for TF Knight to evac at 1830
Failure: The enemy forces overrun TF Knight’s positions

Purpose: To delay the enemy forces attacking from the south in order to ensure the safe evacuation of US military and civilian assets from Pecher Airport. Key Tasks: * Move to Battle Position Arion * Set up defensive positions ensuring adequate area security south * Withdraw at 1830 to Pecher Airport

This operation will be conducted in three phases.

Phase 1 - Preparations

Objective: Reach RELEASE POINT 6 VIKING * Depart Assembly Area fully loaded * Move to Release Point 6 via Waypoints 1-5 SKYLARK * Loiter above Pecher to start reconnaissance of the following sectors (in priority order: C1, C2, C4, S3, S2. * Once initial recon is complete, SKYLARK will scan the remaining areas * SKYLARK may only engage targets upon request from FAC

PHASE 2: Defence

Objective: Repel, delay enemy attacks VIKING * Sets up at Battle position Arion, 1-1 taking sector C1 and 1-2 taking C2 * Repel enemy attacks SKYLARK * Free to engage targets from C4 * Recon and engage upon request targets in S3 * Maintain continued surveillance of S sectors and C4

PHASE 3: WITHDRAWAL

Objective: Withdraw successfully to Pecher Airport VIKING (exact plans will be drawn up by FL in situ) * Bound backwards towards SOLON * IF withdrawing further, EXFIL through F1 and F2 - use of INFIL vehicle preferred * F3 may be used for hastened battle positions if need be SKYLARK * Continue surveillance of sectors south of the bridge * Engage, upon request, targets approaching VIKING, with priority armoured vehicles and force multipliers

CONTINGENCIES

VIKING is expected to be engaged, and should be prepared for significant engagements at position ARION. Withdrawal from ARION will only be initiated when three conditions are satisfied: 1) The unit is decisively engaged; 2) VIKING is combat ineffective; and 3) SKYLARK is unable to provide sufficient close air support.

All elements should leave the assembly area fully loaded. Expect limited resupply opportunities during the operation.

Medical support during this operation will be limited. PAKs will be provided in field.

There is a small possibility of civilians moving towards Pecher for safety and evacuation. Always ensure positive ID of targets.

Close air support is provided by SKYLARK. Communication with SKYLARK is through dedicated FAC.