Tactical Decision Game #06–4
Mountain Village Redoubt
by Maj Douglas J. MacIntyre
Situation
You are the Commanding Officer, Company K, 3d Battalion (Minus), 3d Marines (Co K, 3/3), currently operating in the mountainous central region of Alpizo. (See overview map inset.) Approximately 10 hours ago, 3/1, minus a detachment from weapons company, launched a night attack against an estimated Alpizan platoon (reinforced) to seize the villages of Vilpedia (Battalion Objective A (BnObj A)), Jukka (BnObj B), and Vladtuvos (BnObj C) in order to open the main road along a ridge between the coast to the west and the larger cities to the east. Once these objectives are secured and the road is opened, Regimental Combat Team 3 (RCT–3) will be able to continue its push eastward with mechanized and motorized assets.
Due to the difficult terrain, the lead company in the battalion formation, Co L, took most of the night to move to its assault position located on a bluff 500 meters south of Vilpedia (BnObj A) and surrounded by steep, rocky cliffs. During 15 minutes of artillery and mortar suppressive fires, Co L attacked directly north to occupy Vilpedia against no resistance, with Co K following as battalion reserve and Co I negotiating a shallow river to the west en route to Jukka (BnObj B). By first light initial reports indicated that Vilpedia was cleared and had been abandoned by the enemy.
As Co L consolidated and the remainder of the battalion moved toward BnObjs B (Jukka) and C (Vladtuvos), Alpizan forces counterattacked from the cemetery north of the town to retake Vilpedia. The enemy’s use of medium machineguns and 82mm mortars in support of the counterattack proved decisive, and this action forced a disorganized withdrawal by Co L from the town. As the Alpizan forces counterattacked, Co K had just reached the bluff to the south of Vilpedia, and Co I began to cross the river southeast of Jukka.
It is now 0815. Co I has made it across the river, and you have established a hasty defensive perimeter with Co K. The battalion commander issues the following order via the battalion tactical net: “Co K, assume Co L’s mission as the main effort. At H-hour (1400) attack to seize BnObj A in order to open the east-west main supply route and allow for passage of lines of RCT–3. Priority of fires from a 155mm artillery battery and 81mm platoon are available, but weather over the next 12 hours remains poor for any air support.
“Co I, continue with your original mission and secure BnObj B no later than H-30. Deny any further enemy reinforcement to or withdrawal from BnObj A and be prepared to support Co K with fires. I want to see careful coordination between both commanders (Co I and Co K) for the attacks.
“Co L, you are redesignated as the battalion reserve. Consolidate in the vicinity of your original attack position and be prepared to reinforce Co K if needed. On order attack and seize Vladtuvos (BnObj C) and prepare for RCT passage of lines.”
As this transmission is relayed, a lost squad from Co L is brought to your location. The squad leader states that they became separated when the enemy counterattacked, and they had followed a ridgeline trail to the southwest of Vilpedia until they saw friendly units nearby. They had encountered no enemy along their route.
Requirement
In a time limit of 20 minutes, make an estimate of the situation, decide what you will do, and prepare appropriate orders, as well as any requests, coordination, and reports that you would submit. Provide a sketch and an explanation of your plan.
