| Northwest Ohio Defense Force |
| ODF 4th Battalion |
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Operation Nametaker (August 2008) (see also the "Reports" tab at NEODF's website for
another version of the AAR for Nametaker)
This was a two-day joint op between 1st, 3rd, and 4th BN's at 3rd's training area in northeast Ohio.
On the agenda: raids and dealing with Enemy Prisoners of War (EPW's).
We got started on Saturday morning with a quick bit of instruction on the characteristics and types of
raids. Members were given a handout so they could follow along with what the instructor was saying,
as well as for further review on their own time. Afterword the op order for the first raid was passed out,
gear was checked, and weapons were test fired with blanks. Then everyone moved out to the
objective. Since this was new for almost everyone, we went through a series of walkthrough
rehearsals. This took several hours, but in the end everyone had a pretty firm grasp on what they
were doing. Much improvement was seen between the first rehearsal and the final, full-speed raid.
After a break for lunch, a simulated meth lab was set up for the second raid, and participants
rehearsed the attack prior to boarding vehicles. Unlike the first raid we did, we didn't practice on the
objective itself this time.
The movement to the ORP was done, the leaders recon was done, and we stepped out on our attack.
Even though we were using blanks, we were still careful about muzzle discipline and not crossing
fields of fire. The objective was secured, the enemy driven off or killed, and the 'lab' was destroyed.
Then we pulled out back to our vehicles and went back to 'base', where we debriefed, ate, and talked
about the training thus far.
The following morning we reviewed everything and did several more rehearsals in the bivouac area
before moving on to sentry removal (both lethal and non-lethal) and EPW handling. We learned
several ways to dispose of a sentry, as well as how to actually sneak up on someone without being
detected. Then we divided up into groups of 3 for the EPW search portion of the training. Again, an
introductory class was given prior to members actually carrying out the search. After the first person
from each group was searched, the roles were rotated until everyone got a chance to be not only the
searcher, but also the prisoner and the security man. It sucks having all your gear thrown on the
ground, but it's part of the learning experience, and everyone had to do it, so it's not quite as bad as if
you get singled out for it.
After another review of the entire weekend and addressing any lingering questions, training was
secured and members were dismissed.
The general consensus is that this was a very successful training evolution. We look forward to doing
more multi-battalion training in the future.
Operation Balkan Thunder (June 2008)
The annual statewide FTX. All battalions were present for this one.
Even though most personnel arrived Friday, the exercise actually started on Saturday. We were using
blanks, and everyone was basically on the Honor System as to whether they'd been 'killed' or not. We
began by having each battalion move to their designated start points, then move to their AO's. Then
they were given a mission to complete. This proved more difficult to accomplish than anyone
originally thought.
For the evening session, we were again given a mission and sent out. 4th's task was a simulated
rocket attack. We took our shot, then quickly exited the area to avoid pursuers. We were then
supposed to link up with 5th and attack a position manned by 1st and 3rd. On the way to the
rendezvous, we ran into a team from 3rd, and a firefight quickly ensued. Each side pulled back after
ten shots or so. Afterward, we got word over the radio that 5th had been wiped out, so we had to wait
30 minutes until they were 'resurrected'. Since we were badly outnumbered, we found a good spot
and hid. When 5th was sent back into the scenario, we moved out again and tried to make the meet.
The sun went down while we were moving, and when we were just about to the point we were
supposed to meet 5th, a flare went up from not even 100 meters in front of us. So we hit the dirt. Then
we heard someone moving behind us, so we stayed in place. After probably an hour we met up with
5th, then were told to get back to the CP before 2300, which was about 10 minutes away. So we
busted thru some heavy brush to a path that was in a position that was out of the line of sight/fire of
the enemy position, then ran back. We got back with about 1 minute to spare, then cleaned our
weapons and grabbed something to drink.
Sunday was the Super Squad competition. The events were a tactical shoot and casualty carry,
SALUTE report, hand signals (both display and execution), and casualty diagnosis and treatment.
Since 4th is the newest battalion, and we'd only been training together for six months (counting
Balkan Thunder), we went into this hoping only to not embarrass ourselves. So imagine our surprise
when the competition was over and it was announced that we won!
This means we're going to have to work even harder this year, in order to defend the title at next year's
competition.
______________________________________
Operation Barghest (November 2007)
1. Situation
a. Enemy Forces Elements of the Gendermerie Nationale, the French military police. Enemy forces
have been patrolling the area and setting up checkpoints in hope of catching friendly forces or
sympathizers moving food, fuel, ammunition, and medical supplies. Patrols are typically 4-8
personnel with small arms. Checkpoints are manned by 4 enemy personnel with small arms and a
medium machinegun.
b. Friendly Forces ODF’s 1st, 3rd, and 5th Battalions will be operating in the area (notional) in their
assigned grids. Their mission is the same as ours.
2. Mission
Clear the area of any enemy patrols. If a checkpoint has been set up, eliminate it.
3. Execution
a. Concept of Operations aggressively patrol our area of operations, making security halts and
setting up ambushes of opportunity. If a checkpoint has been set up, we will take it under fire and
then assault, killing all enemy personnel and capturing any weapons, equipment, and ammunition
we can.
b. Do NOT engage patrols numbering more than 8 enemy personnel.
4. Administration and Logistics
a. Each member will carry a basic load-out of ammunition consisting of not less than two magazines
for their rifle.
b. Each member will carry a minimum of ONE meal.
c. Casualties will be treated and left in place to be collected by the Casualty Collection Team from
HQ.
d. No prisoners.
5. Command and Signal
a. Hand and arm signals will be utilized within the unit during the patrol. If an assault takes place, the
patrol leader will signal the beginning of the assault by firing the first shot. All cease-fires will be
signaled verbally.
**********
This was the Op Order for this month's training session.
This was our first independent training session. It was conducted at the training area in Zanesville.
The day was brisk, rather than truly cold (that's next month), with intermittent sunshine.
Upon our arrival, we prepared and placed some targets, then checked our gear, filled our water, and
stepped out on a patrol. We covered a good portion of the perimeter of the training area, making
numerous security halts and just listening to the surrounding area. We also checked out several
possible enemy positions, including the area that was used for the defensive position for the night
attack during the statewide FTX. After making it almost completely around the perimeter, the point
man sighted the targets we had placed (the 'enemy checkpoint'). We moved as close as we thought
we could probably pull off against a live enemy, crawling the last 50 meters on our bellies, then
opened up on the targets, continuing to advance by fire and movement. After a cease-fire was called,
we carefully moved up to the enemy position, keeping the enemy covered in case any of them still
had some fight left. After securing the position, we resumed our patrol back to our secure area (HQ).
Afterward we measured off some distances for future events such as runs and hikes, as well as
checking out a few areas for possible training courses (such as an infiltration course and a room
clearing course).
What Went Right
Dispersion between members of the patrol was good, as was communication with hand signals and
muzzle discipline. No one got hurt, which is always a good thing, but especially so during live-fire
events. We moved into our attack positions smoothly, and put rapid yet controlled fire on the enemy
position. No mindless spray and pray here. Movement to the objective after the cease-fire was
smooth, and we kept the enemy covered with our muzzles. When the patrol was resumed, we went
tactical again, instead of just lollygagging back to our secure area (after an attack is one of the most
dangerous times for the attackers).
What Needs Improvement
We need to patrol more often. We haven't done this in a while, and we were out of practice. We made
too much noise walking through the dry leaves and brush. This could be remedied by moving slower
and more carefully.
Each member of a patrol should have a small set of binoculars in their gear. Even a relatively weak
set would come in handy.
Two magazines per man isn't enough to keep up a good volume of fire. We were attempting to
reduce ammunition consumption. This will not be repeated. Wolf ammo is still fairly cheap (in
comparison to Lake City, Lapua, S&B, or other new production, and most surplus), there is no reason
to skimp on training in an effort to save a couple bucks.
Overall
Overall, this was a good training session. We worked well together, we learned, we honed our skills,
we enjoyed ourselves, and no one got hurt.
___________________________________________________________
another version of the AAR for Nametaker)
This was a two-day joint op between 1st, 3rd, and 4th BN's at 3rd's training area in northeast Ohio.
On the agenda: raids and dealing with Enemy Prisoners of War (EPW's).
We got started on Saturday morning with a quick bit of instruction on the characteristics and types of
raids. Members were given a handout so they could follow along with what the instructor was saying,
as well as for further review on their own time. Afterword the op order for the first raid was passed out,
gear was checked, and weapons were test fired with blanks. Then everyone moved out to the
objective. Since this was new for almost everyone, we went through a series of walkthrough
rehearsals. This took several hours, but in the end everyone had a pretty firm grasp on what they
were doing. Much improvement was seen between the first rehearsal and the final, full-speed raid.
After a break for lunch, a simulated meth lab was set up for the second raid, and participants
rehearsed the attack prior to boarding vehicles. Unlike the first raid we did, we didn't practice on the
objective itself this time.
The movement to the ORP was done, the leaders recon was done, and we stepped out on our attack.
Even though we were using blanks, we were still careful about muzzle discipline and not crossing
fields of fire. The objective was secured, the enemy driven off or killed, and the 'lab' was destroyed.
Then we pulled out back to our vehicles and went back to 'base', where we debriefed, ate, and talked
about the training thus far.
The following morning we reviewed everything and did several more rehearsals in the bivouac area
before moving on to sentry removal (both lethal and non-lethal) and EPW handling. We learned
several ways to dispose of a sentry, as well as how to actually sneak up on someone without being
detected. Then we divided up into groups of 3 for the EPW search portion of the training. Again, an
introductory class was given prior to members actually carrying out the search. After the first person
from each group was searched, the roles were rotated until everyone got a chance to be not only the
searcher, but also the prisoner and the security man. It sucks having all your gear thrown on the
ground, but it's part of the learning experience, and everyone had to do it, so it's not quite as bad as if
you get singled out for it.
After another review of the entire weekend and addressing any lingering questions, training was
secured and members were dismissed.
The general consensus is that this was a very successful training evolution. We look forward to doing
more multi-battalion training in the future.
Operation Balkan Thunder (June 2008)
The annual statewide FTX. All battalions were present for this one.
Even though most personnel arrived Friday, the exercise actually started on Saturday. We were using
blanks, and everyone was basically on the Honor System as to whether they'd been 'killed' or not. We
began by having each battalion move to their designated start points, then move to their AO's. Then
they were given a mission to complete. This proved more difficult to accomplish than anyone
originally thought.
For the evening session, we were again given a mission and sent out. 4th's task was a simulated
rocket attack. We took our shot, then quickly exited the area to avoid pursuers. We were then
supposed to link up with 5th and attack a position manned by 1st and 3rd. On the way to the
rendezvous, we ran into a team from 3rd, and a firefight quickly ensued. Each side pulled back after
ten shots or so. Afterward, we got word over the radio that 5th had been wiped out, so we had to wait
30 minutes until they were 'resurrected'. Since we were badly outnumbered, we found a good spot
and hid. When 5th was sent back into the scenario, we moved out again and tried to make the meet.
The sun went down while we were moving, and when we were just about to the point we were
supposed to meet 5th, a flare went up from not even 100 meters in front of us. So we hit the dirt. Then
we heard someone moving behind us, so we stayed in place. After probably an hour we met up with
5th, then were told to get back to the CP before 2300, which was about 10 minutes away. So we
busted thru some heavy brush to a path that was in a position that was out of the line of sight/fire of
the enemy position, then ran back. We got back with about 1 minute to spare, then cleaned our
weapons and grabbed something to drink.
Sunday was the Super Squad competition. The events were a tactical shoot and casualty carry,
SALUTE report, hand signals (both display and execution), and casualty diagnosis and treatment.
Since 4th is the newest battalion, and we'd only been training together for six months (counting
Balkan Thunder), we went into this hoping only to not embarrass ourselves. So imagine our surprise
when the competition was over and it was announced that we won!
This means we're going to have to work even harder this year, in order to defend the title at next year's
competition.
______________________________________
Operation Barghest (November 2007)
1. Situation
a. Enemy Forces Elements of the Gendermerie Nationale, the French military police. Enemy forces
have been patrolling the area and setting up checkpoints in hope of catching friendly forces or
sympathizers moving food, fuel, ammunition, and medical supplies. Patrols are typically 4-8
personnel with small arms. Checkpoints are manned by 4 enemy personnel with small arms and a
medium machinegun.
b. Friendly Forces ODF’s 1st, 3rd, and 5th Battalions will be operating in the area (notional) in their
assigned grids. Their mission is the same as ours.
2. Mission
Clear the area of any enemy patrols. If a checkpoint has been set up, eliminate it.
3. Execution
a. Concept of Operations aggressively patrol our area of operations, making security halts and
setting up ambushes of opportunity. If a checkpoint has been set up, we will take it under fire and
then assault, killing all enemy personnel and capturing any weapons, equipment, and ammunition
we can.
b. Do NOT engage patrols numbering more than 8 enemy personnel.
4. Administration and Logistics
a. Each member will carry a basic load-out of ammunition consisting of not less than two magazines
for their rifle.
b. Each member will carry a minimum of ONE meal.
c. Casualties will be treated and left in place to be collected by the Casualty Collection Team from
HQ.
d. No prisoners.
5. Command and Signal
a. Hand and arm signals will be utilized within the unit during the patrol. If an assault takes place, the
patrol leader will signal the beginning of the assault by firing the first shot. All cease-fires will be
signaled verbally.
**********
This was the Op Order for this month's training session.
This was our first independent training session. It was conducted at the training area in Zanesville.
The day was brisk, rather than truly cold (that's next month), with intermittent sunshine.
Upon our arrival, we prepared and placed some targets, then checked our gear, filled our water, and
stepped out on a patrol. We covered a good portion of the perimeter of the training area, making
numerous security halts and just listening to the surrounding area. We also checked out several
possible enemy positions, including the area that was used for the defensive position for the night
attack during the statewide FTX. After making it almost completely around the perimeter, the point
man sighted the targets we had placed (the 'enemy checkpoint'). We moved as close as we thought
we could probably pull off against a live enemy, crawling the last 50 meters on our bellies, then
opened up on the targets, continuing to advance by fire and movement. After a cease-fire was called,
we carefully moved up to the enemy position, keeping the enemy covered in case any of them still
had some fight left. After securing the position, we resumed our patrol back to our secure area (HQ).
Afterward we measured off some distances for future events such as runs and hikes, as well as
checking out a few areas for possible training courses (such as an infiltration course and a room
clearing course).
What Went Right
Dispersion between members of the patrol was good, as was communication with hand signals and
muzzle discipline. No one got hurt, which is always a good thing, but especially so during live-fire
events. We moved into our attack positions smoothly, and put rapid yet controlled fire on the enemy
position. No mindless spray and pray here. Movement to the objective after the cease-fire was
smooth, and we kept the enemy covered with our muzzles. When the patrol was resumed, we went
tactical again, instead of just lollygagging back to our secure area (after an attack is one of the most
dangerous times for the attackers).
What Needs Improvement
We need to patrol more often. We haven't done this in a while, and we were out of practice. We made
too much noise walking through the dry leaves and brush. This could be remedied by moving slower
and more carefully.
Each member of a patrol should have a small set of binoculars in their gear. Even a relatively weak
set would come in handy.
Two magazines per man isn't enough to keep up a good volume of fire. We were attempting to
reduce ammunition consumption. This will not be repeated. Wolf ammo is still fairly cheap (in
comparison to Lake City, Lapua, S&B, or other new production, and most surplus), there is no reason
to skimp on training in an effort to save a couple bucks.
Overall
Overall, this was a good training session. We worked well together, we learned, we honed our skills,
we enjoyed ourselves, and no one got hurt.
___________________________________________________________