Thunder Reign

RSVP: 25 03 06 – 19:29 (please sign-up asap though, as it makes things easier to plan)
Activity: Mission – CAS, SEAD/DEAD, Air Interdiction, STRIKE
Theatre: Syria
Modules: F/A-18C, F15E, A-10C, AH-64, OH-58D, F-16C, CH-47F, AJS-37, Combined Arms (JTAC)
Prerequisites: Good knowledge of module

1 SITUATION

1.1 Overview

Northern Syria, August 2012

The security situation in the region has deteriorated rapidly. Extremist groups have taken advantage of the ongoing conflict, establishing fortified positions, training camps, and supply depots in remote areas. Over recent months, intelligence reports indicate increased movement of weapons and personnel, suggesting an imminent escalation.

Militant forces have grown bolder, launching coordinated attacks on convoys and outposts. Their tactics have evolved, and their arsenal now includes advanced anti-armor and air-defense systems, making them a more serious threat.

Coalition forces have monitored the situation carefully, avoiding direct engagement to prevent further destabilization. However, with the enemy gaining ground and regional stability at risk, military intervention may soon be inevitable.

The tension is reaching a breaking point. Something is about to happen.

1.2 Area of operations

The operation takes place in northern Syria, characterized by rugged mountains, arid deserts, and scattered settlements, providing both natural defensive positions and challenging terrain for air and ground forces alike.

1.3 Time and weather

* August 11 – 2012
* 18:30 local time
* Scattered (18 000′)
* Wind 100 / 6
* FORCE QNH 29.80 / 1009

1.4 Air threats

1.5 Ground threats

Intelligence suggests enemy forces may have taken control of a Syrian SA-6, but confirmation is pending. Previous operations indicate possible SA-9 and SA-13 presence, though their status remains unknown. MANPADS are highly likely, posing a threat at low altitude. Expect additional ZU-23 technicals and AAA emplacements near enemy positions. A drone will recon the area and provide a confirmed threat picture before additional flights are cleared for takeoff. Stay alert and use sensors to identify threats.

1.6 Friendly forces

U.S. forces are operating in the region, including elements of the 115th Airborne, conducting patrols around Aleppo. Additional coalition assets are stationed at key locations, maintaining presence and readiness. Routine aerial reconnaissance and ISR operations are ongoing. Friendly units are maintaining defensive positions and conducting security operations in the area.

1.7 Civilian/3rd part

Civilian air traffic is still active in some parts of Syria.

2 MISSION

A U.S. unit has come under attack and requires immediate CAS support. A single F-16 flight is tasked with responding first, coordinating with JTAC on the ground to engage enemy forces. Additional assets are on high alert and will be deployed based on further intelligence. Enemy strength and composition are not fully known, and new threats may emerge. Maintain situational awareness and be prepared to adapt to changing conditions. Further tasking will be assigned in-flight.

3 EXECUTION

3.1 Commander’s intent

NA

3.2 Packages

NA

3.3 Order of events

NA

3.4 Rules of engagement

ROE: A
As per SPINS
Weapons Hold until positive identification (PID) is established.

3.5 Acceptable level of risk

ALR: LOW
As per SPINS

3.6 Flight tasking

Jester1 Alert 5, QRF P120-117, V3: 4xGBU-12, 300Rds/20mm, LITENING
Hawg8Alert 5, Golf loop P26-29, W5: 2xGBU-12, 4xAGM-65D, 42xM151, 1150rsd CM, AN/AAQ-28, AN/ALQ-184
Indy9 Alert 15, Gold loop P01-04, V3: 4xGBU-12, 300Rds/20mm, LITENING
Venom4 Alert 15, Gold loop P05-08, V3: 4xGBU-12, 300Rds/20mm, LITENING
Pig7Alert 15, Hotel loop P33-34 P38-39, W5: 2xGBU-12, 4xAGM-65D, 42xM151, 1150rsd CM, AN/AAQ-28, AN/ALQ-184
Fenris6 Alert 15, Charlie Apron P100-103, XT, 2 x Rb75T, 2x AKAN, 2x Rb24J
Grim7 Alert 15, Charlie Apron P104-107, XT, 2 x Rb75T, 2x AKAN, 2x Rb24J
HITMAN3 Alert 15, Bravo Apron P89-92, S2: 12xMk-82, 500 Rds/20mm, AN/AAQ-13, AN/AAQ-14

ARCTIC1 Alert 15, CVN, 4xGBU-12, 500Rds/20mm, ATFLIR
BENDER2 Alert 15, CVN, 4xGBU-12, 500Rds/20mm, ATFLIR
CRIMSON3 Alert 15, CVN, 4xGBU-12, 500Rds/20mm, ATFLIR

4 ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

Due to logistical issues no gps guided weapons are available.
No cluster amunition on built up areas.

4.1 Airfield operations

Fixed wing depart incirlik. Navy depart CVN and heli depart Minakh FOB

* Incirlik
* TCN: 21X
* Active runway: 05
* Departure via
* Approach via VRF

*Minakh
*TCN
*Active runway:

4.2 Carrier operations

* CASE 1 departure CASE 3 arrival
* BRC: 136 FH: 127
* Departure time:
* Departure sequence:
* Marshal time: 20:30

As per Carrier Ops SPINS

4.3 Tankers

As per Aerial Refueling SOP
ARCO 01 and TEXACO 02 on station.

5 COMMAND AND CONTROL

5.1 Commander

* Mission commander is STINGRAY
* Mission deputy is

5.2 Frequencies

As per Comms SOP

5.3 Authentication

RAMROD: COMPLEXITY
As per Authentication SOP

5.4 Freq flow (Airfield flights)

13, 6, 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)

13, 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

* TANGOUNIFORM – Mission declared successful
* NIGHTFALL – Abort mission

5.7 Bullseye

6 ANNEXES

Maps