Operation Honeybadger (2001) XXIII
Last Light (Part I)
Sun 8 Oct 2023
Ended
Operation Honeybadger (2001) XXIII
During it's flight to reinforce British troops in Iraq, a C-130 containing sensitive information and high value individuals was caught in a sandstorm as it was flying over central Kenya. It sustained in-flight damage and was forced to crash land at an abandoned airstrip in the middle of a conflict zone between Somalian pirates and Buntu ethnic rebels. Due to the nature of the cargo and personnel on board, a quick response force from the British Army Training Unit Kenya in Nanyuki has set out via land to locate and secure the crash site.
Mission-Specific-equipment:
While we don't expect the search to last into night-time, standard-issue monocular NVGs and flashlights will be provided at STARTEX, as well as ILLUM flares, handheld and UGL
Operation order
Situation
Background Information
During it's flight to reinforce British troops in Iraq, a C-130 containing sensitive information and high value individuals was caught in a sandstorm as it was flying over central Kenya. It sustained in-flight damage and was forced to crash land at an abandoned airstrip in the middle of a conflict zone between Somalian pirates and Buntu ethnic rebels. Due to the nature of the cargo and personnel on board, a quick response force from the British Army Training Unit Kenya in Nanyuki has set out via land to locate and secure the crash site.
Mission-Specific-equipment:
While we don't expect the search to last into night-time, standard-issue monocular NVGs and flashlights will be provided at STARTEX, as well as ILLUM flares, handheld and UGL Friendly Forces
The friendly force responding to the accident is a QRF platoon from Laikipia Air Base being inserted into the AO with Chinook helicopters into the provisional outpost commanded by the Kenyan Defense Forces, whereupon they will be briefed on the situation in the region by the commanding officer there.
Supporting Assets
Supporting them on this operation is the Kenyan Defense Forces, with whatever assets they can spare at their current time and position. As time is of the essence, you will be provided only the aid that is immediately available, entirely upon the discretion of the outpost commander.
Enemy Forces
With the region being locked in tense conflicts, you should expect elements of lightly armed and armored motorized infantry, aided either by technicals or other light armored vehicles. Several tribes and actors are locked in this engagement, and as it is a bordering region with hostile Somalia, expect large numbers of enemy combatants present at all times. If possible, use the terrain and time of day to conceal your movement and deny the enemy his mobility and numbers.
Mission
Tasking
The QRF platoon is tasked with moving towards the presumed crash site of the C-130 and locating any survivors as well as mission essential intelligence. You are to secure both the survivors and the intelligence and proceed towards a suitable LZ position for extraction.
End-state
The mission's success rests solely on retrieval of all survivors and all intelligence.
Execution
Commander's Intent
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PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
The primary objective of our mission is to secure the crash site of the NATO C-130 and destroy any enemy presence or resource, before endex in field.
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Tasks and Sequencing
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STARTEX:
Upon startex dog platoon will prepare for enemy assault on RV-Bronze by holding defensive positions around the town. DOG 1 is to defend HP-1, DOG 2 HP-2 and DOG 3 HP-3.
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PHASE 1:
Once the KDF have dropped off Charlie platoon at WP-1, we will proceed into AO through a river crossing taking us into enemy lines. We will regroup at and standby at WP-2 to assess the initial situation and ensure we are able to continue with our primary objective.
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PHASE 2:
From WP-2, Charlie platoon will continue to WP-3 whilst attempting to remain undetected. From the cover of thick foliage, we will then move to WP-4 where we will assess the situation at POI ALPHA before conducting a pincer movement on the town in search of potential intelligence to aid our primary objective.
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PHASE 3:
Once charlie platoon have completed their tasking in POI Alpha, we will continue to WP-5 where will we assess the situation at the airfield and supposed crash-site before conducting another pincer assault on compounds C1 to C5. We will attempt to remain undetected until we have reached the airfield itself.
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NOTES:
- Several ENDEX positions have been marked due to the unpredictable nature of the operation.
- The operation has the potential to extend into the night so appropriate night-fighting equipment is to be provided.
- Specific section orders have not been provided as the scheme of movement and attack will be decided in-field.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
PHASE 1:
Once the KDF have dropped off Charlie platoon at WP-1, we will proceed into AO through a river crossing taking us into enemy lines. We will regroup at and standby at WP-2 to assess the initial situation and ensure we are able to continue with our primary objective.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
PHASE 2:
From WP-2, Charlie platoon will continue to WP-3 whilst attempting to remain undetected. From the cover of thick foliage, we will then move to WP-4 where we will assess the situation at POI ALPHA before conducting a pincer movement on the town in search of potential intelligence to aid our primary objective.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
PHASE 3:
Once charlie platoon have completed their tasking in POI Alpha, we will continue to WP-5 where will we assess the situation at the airfield and supposed crash-site before conducting another pincer assault on compounds C1 to C5. We will attempt to remain undetected until we have reached the airfield itself.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NOTES:
- Several ENDEX positions have been marked due to the unpredictable nature of the operation.
- The operation has the potential to extend into the night so appropriate night-fighting equipment is to be provided.
- Specific section orders have not been provided as the scheme of movement and attack will be decided in-field.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Administration/Logistics
Resupply
We do not have any additional logistical support. Ammo Bearers are to be used as primary resupply.
Medical
We do not have any additional medical support. PAK in field.
Rules of Engagement
We do not have the facilities to accommodate any CPERS during this mission. Appropriate SOP to be followed.
Fire Support Plan
(none)
Close Air Support
(none)