WARNO
Date:
2/28
Time:
0530 Local – Early Morning transitioning into Dawn
Weather:
Windy conditions with a 75% chance of rain. Visibility may be reduced. Wet terrain and reduced flight stability should be expected.
Situation:
3rd Marines have established defensive positions in and around the town of Tanouka in order to prevent enemy forces from seizing the town and disrupting regional operations. Defensive lines have been established to the south (CL Cheeks), west (DL Yams), and north (DL Cakes) of Tanouka.
17th Ranger Battalion has been tasked with establishing a forward defensive blocking position east of Tanouka at the village of Vagalala. This defensive line, designated DL Buns, serves as the primary eastern shield preventing enemy forces from reaching Tanouka and threatening Marine defensive positions.
Enemy Forces:
OPFOR:
Enemy mechanized infantry elements are expected to advance from the east utilizing road networks and jungle terrain for concealment. Enemy forces are expected to include light armored vehicles, technicals, and dismounted infantry. Enemy reconnaissance elements may attempt probing attacks prior to committing to a larger assault. Indirect fire support is possible once contact is established.
Friendly Forces:
BLUFOR:
3rd Marines are currently holding defensive lines around Tanouka at CL Cheeks (South), DL Yams (West), and DL Cakes (North). 17th Ranger Battalion is positioned forward at Vagalala along DL Buns and will serve as the primary blocking force preventing enemy advancement into Tanouka.
Alpha Company will serve as the main defensive effort establishing and holding defensive positions along DL Buns. Echo Ground will support Alpha by reinforcing defensive positions and maintaining quick reaction capability. Echo Air will provide aerial reconnaissance, CASEVAC support, and sling-load resupply operations delivering critical supplies to both Vagalala and Tanouka.
Civilian Considerations:
Civilian presence in Vagalala and surrounding areas is possible. PID must be confirmed before engagement. Collateral damage to civilian structures should be minimized when possible.
Mission:
17th Ranger Battalion will establish defensive positions at Vagalala along DL Buns NLT 0600 and prevent enemy forces from advancing west toward Tanouka. The battalion will block, disrupt, and destroy enemy forces attempting to penetrate the eastern defensive sector.
Execution:
Alpha Company will establish primary defensive fighting positions oriented east and cover all eastern avenues of approach including MSRs and jungle access routes. Echo Ground will reinforce defensive positions, emplace support weapons, and maintain a quick reaction force capable of responding to enemy breakthroughs or reinforcing weakened sectors.
Echo Air will conduct reconnaissance of eastern approach routes prior to enemy contact and will conduct sling-load resupply operations delivering ammunition, medical supplies, and critical equipment to both Tanouka and forward Ranger positions. Echo Air will remain on standby for CASEVAC operations.
Priority of fires will be enemy armored vehicles, vehicle-mounted weapons, and squad-level leadership elements.
Mission AO & Relevant Imagery:
Village of Vagalala serves as the forward defensive line designated DL Buns. This position serves as the primary eastern blocking position preventing enemy advancement toward Tanouka.
Tanouka serves as the primary defensive objective currently held by 3rd Marines. Defensive lines CL Cheeks, DL Yams, and DL Cakes form the Marine defensive perimeter.
Eastern jungle and MSR approach routes represent the most likely enemy axis of advance into Vagalala.
Objectives:
Primary Objective:
Hold defensive positions at DL Buns and prevent enemy breakthrough.
Secondary Objective:
Destroy enemy forces attempting to advance from the east.
Tertiary Objective:
Maintain operational effectiveness and ensure continued defense of Tanouka.
Available Assets:
Ground:
Alpha Company – Main defensive force
Echo Ground – Support and reinforcement element
Anti-armor and crew-served weapon systems
Air:
Echo Air rotary wing assets
Reconnaissance support
CASEVAC capability
Sling-load resupply capability
Changes or additional assets can be requested by command.
