Operation Steel Mirage

RSVP: 25 10 23 – 19:30 (please sign-up asap though, as it makes things easier to plan)
Activity: Mission – Strike, SEAD/DEAD, CAP, CSAR/Escort, CAS
Theatre: Syria
Modules: F/A-18C, F-16, AH-64, A-10C-II, OH-58D
Prerequisites: None

1 SITUATION

1.1 Overview

The situation in Syria has taken a turn for the worse in recent months. The Syrian Regime, bolstered by Russian military support, has been making rapid advances around Damascus.
U.S. intelligence failed to anticipate just how effective the Russian Maskirovka tactics can be, and now Syrian forces are pushing forward in a surprising pace, threatening the capital.

In the north, Al-Dumays airfield represents both as a logistic hub and potential staging ground for future airstrikes. Its neutralization is crucial to keeping the enemy at bay.
Meanwhile, in the south, the A-10 pilot’s capture could send a signal of vulnerability of American forces in the region. A successful recovery will show that U.S. forces are not only capable of striking hard, but also of retrieving their own when things get tough.

1.2 Area of operations

BACKTRACK (MGRS: BT): 23nm ENE of DAMASCUS. Next to mountain ridge. Al-Dumays airfield.
BULLSHIT (MGRS: BS): 14nm SE of DAMASCUS. Mostly desert with scattered villages.

1.3 Time and weather

* May 04 – 2016
* 05:45 local time
* Scattered (12000ft)
* Wind 337 / 6
* Temperature: 21℃
* FORCE QNH 2992 / 1013

1.4 Air threats

MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-29

As for BACKTRACK, expect enemy reinforcements and scrambling air defense systems as soon as you hit their radar.

1.5 Ground threats

Technical, BMP-2, T-72B, ZSU-23 Shilka, SA-2, SA-6, SA-8

As you get closer to the front lines, expect enemy reinforcements, especially near BULLSHIT. The situation is fluid, and intel will likely shift as you go. Keep your eyes open and your weapons tighter.

1.6 Friendly forces

N/A, we are the only blue forces in the AO.

1.7 Civilian/3rd part

All civilian air traffic is suspended.

2 MISSION

There are two mission happening in parallel.
Mission Backtrack; neutralize the logistic hubs and shatter the run- and taxiways.
Mission Bullshit; provide cover for the rescue of the downed A-10 pilot.

3 EXECUTION

3.1 Commander’s intent

Neutralize the logistic hub and save our god damn pilot. Pigs don´t grow on trees you know!

3.2 Packages

The mission contains 2 packages, callsign ALPHA and BRAVO respectively.
Alpha: ARCTIC1, BENDER2, INDY9
Bravo: SALTY1 / BLACKJACK4, PIG7

3.3 Order of events

Mission Backtrack
This operation is divided into 2 phases which will be conducted chronologically: SEAD/DEAD and Strike on logistic targets/runways.

1. F-16 INDY9 will render SA-sites around Al-Dumays airfield inoperable. Report GOODNIGHT when succeeded to neutralize at least the SA-6 sites.

2. INDY9 will fallback to establish CAP track (WP4) to protect ARCTIC1 and BENDER2. Engage enemies at free will.

3. F/A-18 ARCTIC1 will, on GOODNIGHT, push and strike the logistic hubs.

4. F/A-18 BENDER2 will, on GOODNIGHT, push and strike the runways and taxiways.

Mission Bullshit
This operation has one phase only.

1. Initially one flight infiltrates the crash site and locates enemy forces in the area. Three flights advance to holding area.

2. Then one flight attacks located targets at crash site supported by two flights.

3. One flight secures route back to FARP supported by one flight, One flight recovers downed pilot and withdraws back to FARP supported by one flight.

3.4 Rules of engagement

ROE: C
As per SPINS
Addition: Weapons free on all enemy SCUD installations unless they are moving into built up areas.

3.5 Acceptable level of risk

ALR: MEDIUM
As per SPINS

3.6 Flight tasking

Package ALPHA (Lead: ARCTIC11)

ARCTIC1
* Depart Mother
* Feet dry (WP1)
* FENCE IN (WP2)
* Hold until GOODNIGHT (WP3) at 20000′
* Initiate attack (FL assigns targets: WP4, 5, 6, 7, 8. See Annexes for details)
* FENCE OUT (WP9)
* Refuel if needed ARCO1
* Feet wet (WP10)
* Recover at Mother

Loadout: FL decides

BENDER2
* Depart Mother
* Feet dry (WP1)
* FENCE IN (WP2)
* Hold until GOODNIGHT (WP3) at 22000′
* Target Runway (WP4)
* Target Taxiway (WP5)
* FENCE OUT (WP6)
* Refuel if needed ARCO1
* Feet wet (WP7)
* Recover at Mother

Loadout: FL decides

INDY9/JESTER1
* Depart Ramat David
* Ingress Point: WP3
* CAP North: WP1
* CAP South: WP2
* Engage SA-6 and SA-2 sites (~WP4). SA-6 priority. Report GOODNIGHT
* Egress Point: WP5
* Refuel if needed TEXACO2
* RTB Ramat David

Loadout: FL decides (SEAD/DEAD & A2A)

Package BRAVO (Lead: PIG7)

PIG7
MOVE to HA 1
Be prepared to ATTACK targets located by Blackjack4
Be prepared to SECURE route back to FARP

Loadout: FL decides

BLACKJACK4
INFILTRATE crash site
LOCATE enemy units at crash site
Be prepared to ATTACK located targets supported by Pig7 and Salty1
Be prepared to SECURE route back to FARP supported by Pig7 or Salty1

Loadout: FL decides

SALTY1
ESCORT Greyhound3 to HA 1
MOVE to BP
Be prepared to ATTACK targets located by Blackjack4
Be prepared to ESCORT Greyhound3 to crash site
Be prepared to ESCORT Greyhound3 to FARP
Be prepared to SECURE route back to FARP

Loadout: FL decides

GREYHOUND3
MOVE to HA 1 escorted by Salty1
Be prepared to RECOVER pilot from crash site escorted by Salty1
Be prepared to WITHDRAW back to FARP escorted by Salty1

4 ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

4.1 Airfield operations

* Ramat David
* TCN: 84X
* Active runway: 33
* Departure via Exit Hayim
* Approach via Entry Amos Lake

4.2 Carrier operations

* CASE 1
* BRC: 018
* Departure time: ASAP
* Departure sequence: ARCTIC1, BENDER2
* Charlie time: 07:10

As per Carrier Ops SPINS

4.3 Tankers

As per Aerial Refueling SOP

5 COMMAND AND CONTROL

5.1 Commander

* Mission commander is STINGRAY

5.2 Frequencies

As per Comms SOP

5.3 Authentication

RAMROD: GRANDSLICE
As per Authentication SOP

5.4 Freq flow (Airfield flights)

7, 9, 3/5, 7
Remain on Tower (ch 7) during startup and departure. Go to Check in (ch 9). Expect Tactical (ch 3) or CAP A (ch 5). Use Tower (ch 7) for recovery.

5.5 Freq flow (Carrier flights)

1, 9, 3/5, 16, 1
Remain on Tower (ch 1) during startup and departure. Go to Check in (ch 9). Expect Tactical (ch 3) or CAP A (ch 5). Use Marshal (ch 16) and Tower (ch 1) for recovery.

5.6 Brevity

Mission Backtrack
* GOODNIGHT – SA-6 sites neutralized, push for ground strike
* NIGHTMARE – Failed to neutralize SA-6 sites

Mission Bullshit
* PIGGYBACK – Pilot retrieved (RTB)
* TIDY – Area of rescue clear of enemy activity. Rescue inbound.
* BACON – Pilot not retrieved (mission failed)

5.7 Bullseye

N 33 20.00′ E 35 46.00′

6 ANNEXES

Overview

BACKTRACK Target Area
Target 1 (WP4) – Building
Target 2 (WP5) – Long building (heading ~157/337)
Target 3 (WP6) – 4x Large fuel tanks (in a square-pattern)
Target 4 & 5 (WP7, 8) – Reinforced hangar

 

Image from vKontakte geolocated outside target 4.

BULLSHIT Overview