24 January - Troops in contact - QRF training

[Flyco]

I should be available to fly on Monday evening. Will there be an A-10 with weapons and a route, or are you playing it by ear?

[Wee Neal 0414]

Hi Alan,

3 x A10’s cold start at larnaca. They have waypoints entered, but no weapons as I thought you would choose on the evening once we agree the plan of attack. My initial thoughts were laser rockets and mavs but possibly with CBU as well. Targets are BTR and BMP 2’s. The inf will be down to the gunship and slicks

[Flyco]

Load out sounds about right. 80% fuel. Any known AD units?

[Wee Neal 0414]

There are no AD weapons. Phew!

[Wee Neal 0414]

Hi Alan

I have attached the mission if you would like to have a little familiarisation fly? It will also ensure that all the 'mods' work for you. I think I have only used standard RAFAir mods so should be ok?

The actual targets are marked on as waypoints for the A10's CAS, CAS-1 and CAS-2. If Geoff or others of 97Sqn would like to join the party then there are spare!

Toodle Pip

Neal

[Richard Rodgers]

I may be able to help out Alan. Will know for definite about lunch time

[Wee Neal 0414]

Hi Alan: Ref Migraine Relief.
I hope this will alleviate the early cause of your Migraine!
Situation, General outline. The Enemy are operating in the area of AO and they are conducting operations to dominate the area through a series of patrol bases ranging from Company strength down to Platoon. The enemy are equipped with:
a. Company strength – BTR 80’s (up to 6 pairs) , dismounted infantry and BMP2’s (3). We understand that the BMP’s are operating as fixed fire support bases around the Company locations.
b. Platoon strength – BTR 80 (2) and an unspecified number of pickups mounted with machine guns and dismounted infantry.
Mission– Our mission is for 60Sqn and attached 97 Sqn to mount a deliberate assault on the platoon location and destroy the enemy.
Execution
a. All – 1930(ish) Zulu - Receive briefing on the assault plan and discuss route and timings with all.
b. 60Sqn – 1945(ish) zulu – The Sqn prepare a route and prepare the helicopters, including loading the relevant troops. The Gunship(s) will play a key role as they will be the vanguard for the Heli team and they will be undertaking Recce on the Platoon location.
c. 97 Sqn – 1945(ish) zulu – Prepare AC for the assault phase and make your way to holding waypoint, this to be at your best safe speed. You will receive confirmation timings from Wee Neal as 60Sqn timings become clear.
d. 97 Sqn and Gunships – Conduct close up (A10 TGP) recce of the enemy location and prepare an attack plan. This will be coordinated with Wee Neal.
e. 97 Sqn H Hour; Commence destruction of Company mechanised assets.
f. Gunships H Hour + 5mins; Commence destruction of Platoon mechanised assets.
g. Slicks H Hour + 5 mins; deploy mortar teams for indirect fire tasks against Platoon location.
h. 60 Sqn – H Hour +10; deploy infantry fire base.
i. 60 Sqn – H Hour + 13 deploy assault infantry.
Clarification points:
a. I will adjust WP timings factoring in the 15mins prep
b. I will relabel target WP to be clear as Coy and Pl locations.
c. Red Carrier will be ROE hold fire for this exercise!
This is a trial mission for joint ops so I expect lots of learning points! I am approaching this from an Infantry commander perspective (might be a flawed approach) and 60Sqn and 97Sqn to work out plan from that? I hope that is enough paracetamol to relieve the onset.

Neal

[Richard Rodgers]

Will be OK for tonight

[Wee Neal 0414]

That's great. Speak to you later!

[Flyco]

Glad to see it Richard. We can hold each others hands - metaphorically speaking - of course!