Action Coa Statement Ahurastan (Ah)

¶ … Action

COA Statement

Ahurastan (AH) appears likely to attack Azerbaijan before coalition forces have completed their deployment in the area. IOT prevent AH and forces from disrupting the mobility corridor (MSR X-RAY) in AO3, 4ID has been tasked with defending AA LION and AO4, while the 16th AZ MECH INI BDE will secure AO3 (less AA LION). 1-25SBCT is assisting 4ID in the defense of AA LION and AO4 IOT block AH Operational Strategic Command-East (OSC-E) from disrupting CFLCC's movement through AA LION. 2 MEB is assigned to AO5 between PL WHITE and PL BLACK. 1-25SCBT's mission is to defend AO4 between PL WHITE and PL BLACK IOT prevent enemy interdiction of CFLCC along MSR X-RAY.

The most dangerous ECOA indicates that OSC-E will attack AO4 at PL BLACK with the 77th MID, with indirect fires from Integrated Fires Command-East (IFC-E). The COA has been developed to respond to this likely ECOA, and will prevent OSC-E from interdicting MSR X-RAY by holding the 77th MID at PL BROWN.

Intent:

The operation's purpose is to block 77th MID's movement through AO4 IOT prevent OSC-E from disrupting the mobility corridor in AA LION. At the endstate, the 77th MID has been defeated and blocked south of PL WHITE. Coalition forces are preparing to transition to offense, and 1-25BCT has pushed any AH forces south of PL BLACK. Civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure has been kept to a minimum.

Decisive Operation:

The decisive operation will accomplish the mission by diminishing 77th MID to the point that the ECOA becomes unfeasible. IAW the BCT fire and ISR plans, the decisive operation will be the assembling of the 1-25 BCT at PL BROWN into a complete line of defense following shaping operations and initial fire plans. Shaping operations and initial fire plans will degrade 77th MID fire and ISR capabilities, and the decisive operation will block the rest of 77th MID that remains, seizing the initiative and beginning the domination phase of the operation.

Shaping Operations:

Shaping operations begin immediately IOT degrade OSC-E ISR capabilities in AO4 prior to the expected attack. 1-25 BCT will be divided into two columns. One coluimn will deploy along the western border of AO4, massing at PL BLACK IOT be in place for BHO. The second column will deploy along the eastern border of AO4, massing near the juncture of PL BLACK and the KURA RVR. A smaller force will be psotioned at PL BROWN and will form the center of the line connecting eastern and western columns during decisive operation. A reserve force will be positioned south of PL WHITE IOT reinforce the line should 77th MID push BCT past PL BROWN. Heavier fighting is expected along eastern column, as two key avenues of approach enter AO4 near eastern border.

Sustaining Operations:

After BHO, sustaining operations will be minimal until decisive operation, particularly for the western column located in mountainous areas. Furthermore, while eastern column is located in more accessible territory, fighting will also be heavier, as the COA depends upon channeling 77th MID into KURA RVR valley. IAW the COA, the decisive operation will occur shortly after initial AH attack, and thus substantial sustaining operations beyond initial BHO and AZ passage behind lines will not be necessary or available.

BCT Fires:

Fire assets located near KURA RVR will attack AH forces using two main avenues of approach. Fire assets located in western column will prevent 77th MID from moving westward, channeling AH forces towards decisive operation at the middle of PL BROWN. Western column priority target is enemy SA-15s, and will rely on indirect fire capabilities and TUAS. Eastern priority targets include enemy G5s, WM-80s, BM-21, and T-72, rely on direct fire capabilities.

BCT ISR concept:

PL BLACK is the initial ISR LOA for ground assets, and PL RED is ISR LOA for aerial assets before and after BHO. Intelligence indicates that elements of an AH commando brigade are operating in AO4 providing reconnaissance and targeting information to OSC-E. Identifying and locating these OSC-E ISR capabilities in AO4 is first priority. Disrupting OSC-E ISR capabilities will degrade enemy's fire and counter-fire abilities, and prevent AH commandos from crossing PL WHITE IOT interdict MSR X-RAY. Second priority is identifying HVT in 77th MID's advance, providing targeting information for indirect fire assets located in western column.