ThT – Exercise Stalwart Guardian

RSVP: 23 03 30 – 19:30 (please sign-up asap though, as it makes things easier to plan)
Activity: Mission – CAP, Ground Attack
Theatre: Mariana
Modules: F/A-18C, F-14B, AJS 37, A-10C, AH-64
Prerequisites: Air-to-air refueling for CAP slots.

1 SITUATION

1.1 Overview

The US is hosting the multinational exercise “Operation Stalwart Guardian” on the island of Guam. The scenario is that an hostile force has landed on and fortified Cocos Island and is preparing to use it as a base for further attacks on Guam itself. The composition of the enemy forces on Cocos island is uknown, but artillery and Anti-ship missiles have been confirmed. Air defences are presumed.

It is not known if the opposing forces have begun landings on southern Guam, but if they have it is presumed that their lines of advance will be along the two coastal roads, along the islands western and eastern shores due to the impassability of the island’s interior jungle.

The blue forces are tasked with clearing Cocos island of hostiles and have been dividied into two packages:
Yankee – CAP, tasked with establishing and maintaining air superiority over the AO (F16, F18 & F14)
Quebec – Strike, tasked with clearing the island and any hostile forces that has made it on to Guam (AH64, A10, F18, F16, AJS)

Information about the enemies position, composition and numbers is highly limited. Target reconnaissance will be required and attack plans will have to be thought up on the spot.

A package lead will be assigned for each package. Each package lead is responsible for planning their part but involving all package flights is highly recommended. Cluster-type bombs are prohibited, else there is no limitation on weapons / sensors, and each flight lead / package lead choose the loadout to fit their planning.

Package QUEBEC will have a JTAC assigned to assist with battlespace planning & FAC.

All blue forces operate out of Andersen AFB.

1.2 Area of operations

The southernmost part of Guam Island. The terrain is mostly flat jungle with occasional rolling hills.

1.3 Time and weather

* July 07 – 2022
* 08:00 local time
* Scattered (7500′-11500′)
* Wind 320 / 10
* FORCE QNH 2992 / 1013

1.4 Air threats

J11A

MiG-21s, MiG-25s and occasional MIG-29s have been reported. Expect main threat from closest enemy air bases, located SE and N of DAMASCUS. Intel estimates that the Syrian Air Force will have routine CAP over target area and can launch 4-8 fighters in short succession from bases close to DAMASCUS. Additional fighters can reinforce from other bases after a timespan of 30 mins from first engagements.

1.5 Ground threats

Unknown, presumed mix of armoured vehicles, SPAA, SPART.

1.6 Friendly forces

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

1.7 Civilian/3rd part

N/A

2 MISSION

BLUFOR will neutralise the enemy presence on Cocos island.

3 EXECUTION

3.1 Commander’s intent

Destroy all air defences, artillery pieces, missile launchers and surface vessels. Destroy as many smaller targets as possible.

3.2 Packages

See 1.1 – Overview

3.3 Order of events

BLUFOR will start the mission with limited knowledge of the opposing forces – their general location is the only fact known for sure. Package Lead Yankee will have to use the resources available to locate and destroy the enemy. The first priority will be to establish safe air corridors for the route to Cocos island – smaller groups of hostiles may already have made it across while also neutralising any SAMs present on Cocos island. ¨

Once Southern Guam has been secured, operations on Cocos island may commence safely.

Simultaneously, Quebec Package will be preventing opposing fixed wing assets from interfering. Package lead Quebec has the final decision on how to run their CAP mission, but synchronising with AWACS beforehand is mandatory.

3.4 Rules of engagement

ROE: C
As per SPINS
Addition: Weapons free on all ground forces visually identified as hostile, or that open fire on blue forces.

3.5 Acceptable level of risk

ALR: MEDIUM
As per SPINS

3.6 Flight tasking

All flight taskings are set by respective flight leads in cooperation with their package lead.

4.3 Tankers

As per Aerial Refueling SOP

5 COMMAND AND CONTROL

5.1 Commander

* Mission commander is STINGRAY
* Mission commander deputy is TBD
* Package YANKEE lead is TBD
* Package QUEBEC lead is TBD

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
Receive clearence and instructions from Ground (ch 6). Switch to Tower (ch 7) when told to do so. Go to Check in (ch 9). Expect Tactical (ch 3) or CAP A (ch 5). Use Tower (ch 7) for recovery.

5.6 Brevity

* TANGOUNIFORM – Mission declared successful
* NIGHTFALL – Abort mission

5.7 Bullseye

N 13 32 50′ E 143 22.48′

Maps

High quality map (too large for the website) –
https://www.dropbox.com/s/6kb5yl9ji9tq550/Marianas%20High%20Detail%20Map%208M%20Guam.png?dl=0