7TH LEGION OPERATIONS ORDER
The Verona Beachhead
- DATE / TIME
- March 30th 1999
- AREA OF OPERATIONS
- Republic of Verona
- COMMANDER
- Dizz
SITUATION
Tempest 1 successfully completed its assigned objectives during the opening phase of the Verona Intervention, severely damaging Communist command and defensive infrastructure. However, Tempest 1 suffered catastrophic casualties and was ultimately wiped out. Without sufficient forces remaining to occupy captured territory, Veronan Communist forces have begun returning to abandoned positions and reorganizing across the island. The United States must now establish a permanent foothold on Verona. Tempest 2, consisting of Tempest 2 HQ, Tempest 2-1, and Tempest 2-2, will conduct a naval assault from the offshore carrier group. Unlike the previous operation, Tempest 2's mission is not simply to raid enemy positions. Tempest 2 will seize and HOLD terrain for follow-on American forces. Veronan forces remain damaged and disorganized following Tempest 1's operations, but surviving Communist units are expected to contest any attempt to establish a permanent American presence.
MISSION
Tempest 2 will conduct a naval beach landing on Verona, establish and defend a forward operating base on the landing zone, capture the Veronan airfield, and secure two additional objectives necessary to maintain the American beachhead. Tempest 2 HQ, Tempest 2-1, and Tempest 2-2 will establish a permanent foothold from which follow-on 7th Legion forces can continue operations throughout Verona.
EXECUTION
COMMANDER'S INTENT: Tempest 1 broke Verona's defenses but could not hold the ground it captured. Tempest 2 will return in force and establish a position that the Communist government cannot easily remove. The beachhead and FOB are the priority. If the beachhead falls, the entire operation fails. PHASE I — NAVAL LANDING / FOB LEGION: Tempest 2 will conduct a naval landing at the designated beach. Tempest 2-1 and Tempest 2-2 will immediately establish security while Tempest HQ coordinates the construction of FOB LEGION. Establish defensive positions, casualty collection, ammunition and supply areas, and a secure landing zone for continued naval resupply. Enemy counterattack should be expected once the landing is detected. OBJ ALPHA — VERONA AIRFIELD: Once FOB LEGION is operational, Tempest 2 will advance against the Veronan airfield. Capture the runway, terminal and surrounding military facilities. Destroy or capture Communist forces defending the installation and prevent damage to the runway whenever possible. Once secured, the airfield will provide the United States with a second logistical route onto Verona and reduce dependence on the beachhead. OBJ BRAVO — COASTAL DEFENSE BATTERY: Veronan coastal forces continue to threaten American naval movement and the supply route supporting FOB LEGION. Tempest will locate and secure the designated coastal military position. Destroy or capture weapons capable of threatening American vessels and secure the surrounding coastline. Completion of BRAVO will allow heavier supplies and follow-on forces to approach the beachhead with reduced risk. OBJ CHARLIE — VERONAN LOGISTICS DEPOT: Intelligence indicates surviving Communist forces are using a military logistics facility to reorganize units displaced during Tempest 1's operation. Tempest will assault the depot, secure fuel and supply infrastructure where possible, destroy remaining enemy military equipment, and recover intelligence concerning surviving Veronan formations. Capturing the depot will further isolate Communist forces from the supplies required to launch a major counterattack against FOB LEGION. FINAL PHASE — HOLD THE BEACHHEAD: Following completion of assigned objectives, Tempest 2 will return forces as necessary to FOB LEGION and prepare for Communist counterattack. The FOB and airfield must remain under American control until relieved by follow-on forces. END STATE: FOB LEGION established and defensible; Verona Airfield captured intact; Communist coastal defenses neutralized; Veronan logistics depot secured; naval and air resupply routes opened; Tempest 2 maintains permanent American-held territory on Verona for follow-on operations.
SUSTAINMENT
The offshore carrier group will provide initial logistical support. Tempest 2 must land with sufficient ammunition, medical supplies, and equipment to establish FOB LEGION before additional supplies can be safely brought ashore. Naval craft will serve as the primary transportation and resupply method during the opening phase. Once Verona Airfield is secured, aviation assets may begin using the installation when authorized and operationally safe. FOB LEGION will become the primary ground casualty collection and resupply point. Tempest must maintain a reserve capable of protecting the FOB while maneuver elements conduct operations inland.
COMMAND & SIGNAL
Tempest 2 HQ retains tactical command of the operation. Tempest 2-1 and Tempest 2-2 will operate as mutually supporting maneuver elements and maintain communications with Platoon HQ whenever possible. Tempest HQ determines when FOB LEGION is sufficiently established to begin offensive operations inland. At least one element should remain capable of responding to threats against the beachhead throughout the operation. RULES OF ENGAGEMENT: Armed Veronan Communist forces demonstrating hostile intent or resisting U.S. operations are considered hostile. Civilian infrastructure and noncombatants are to be protected whenever tactically possible. Surrendering Veronan personnel will be detained. COMMANDER'S MESSAGE: Tempest 1 went ashore, completed its mission, and paid for it with everything they had. They broke the door open for us, but there was nobody left to hold it. Tempest 2 is going back. This time we are not leaving the ground behind. Take the beach. Build the FOB. Capture the airfield. When the next Legionaries arrive on Verona, they will arrive on ground already flying our flag.