In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #286):

The BTR crew had the Moldovan driver (Tanase) who'd been on the New West recce, a Belorussian gunner (Petrovitch) and an Estonian commander (Pütsep). Putsep had only a fair command of English, and understood that Kelsey had been brevetted to Warrant and was 2ic (Second in Command) for the team, therefore her role in command should be relatively prominent.

"Is fine with me. Understand you are commander for vehicle."


GM Note: Kel's joke about my high school picture was funny! We're not quite there yet, the team is still at UBC and in the planning stage. Not a problem, assume the joke comes off when appropriate.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:28, Thu 31 Mar 2011.

In reply to helbent4 (msg #287):

"Thank you Putsep, I assure you I will try not to step on your toes, and will listen to you when it comes to the vehicle.  I'll want another look at the radios to make changes with my presence in mind, I will need a multichannel headset, for one."

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #288):

"Am familiar with Roentgen meter, and radio. Will be happy to assist!"

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #285):

"Hm, I see. But when we use Lougheed Hwy, then we have to pass the HA's HQ. Maybe we should use Austin Ave. Nevertheless, do you think the HAs might be suspicous when two armed vehicles drive by?"

He looked carefully on the map.

"Yes, I agree with your rally points. But I am little bit worried about the fact, that we have no idea of the raod situation. And the behavior of the HA. Do you think they will make trouble?"

Nic turned to Kel.

"Thanks Ma'am. My original idea was, that you are in command of the LAV and maybe Taras as commander for the BTR. My place is in the back of LAV. But how many dismounts do we have?"

Major, in our previous experience the Hell's Angels posture was wait and see. They are not at war with us but they are very curious about our activities and there is some talk that they may try to infiltrate us. We are moving in force and I don't think they will try something against us but I would be careful and not go over the same route twice.

The vehicles will be moving towards a contaminated area and that's why they will be measuring the radiation. I believe this information would be given to you and you'll decide about the orders to be given. So far, the routes proposed are bordering the contamination and not driving straight through.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:59, Fri 01 Apr 2011.

"Sir, we have as many or as few dismounts as you deem appropriate.  We can drive straight through to our forward ops without a dismount needed, if that is what you ask, unless there is trouble.

In reply to Nicolaus von Stahl (msg #290):

Sgt. Fox caught what Major von Stahl said about Taras, even if Taras didn't.

"Sir, to clarify I think Taras is going to be with the maritime reaction element, based out of Canada place. In other words, he's opting not to come with us, at least not directly. Maybe as far as the high school in New West, but then return to the downtown to be with the RIB (whale-watcher)."

"Taras, you asked about a machinegun for the RIB? There's a M249 5.56mm SAW available, as well as the M2HB. We have a lot more ammo available for the SAW than we do the Ma-deuce."

"Yes, you are right Mr Fox. Sorry."

"However, I think a MG would be fine. If we have trouble, the MG can give us good fire support."

"Well, I think about the dismounts we have on the mission. Beyond our forward operating base. I want dismounts as much as we can. It will be an infantry group in total, right?"

In reply to Nicolaus von Stahl (msg #294):

Sir.. I think he is talking about a machine gun for the RIB.. not for the BTR and LAV, they are already sufficiently armed.  As far as dismounts, sorry sir.. but I don't follow the logic on that, especially since this op is for radiological purposes.  Normally, we keep a sharp eye out and dismount when necessary, if we spend a lot of time dismounted, we don't travel."

In reply to Nicolaus von Stahl (msg #294):

"Aside from the M249 SAW, we'll also mount a 40mm Mk.19 auto-grenade launcher. It was pretty useful when we walked into that Stickmen ambush in Stanley Park. That should give the Whale Watcher plenty of firepower."

"I hope this clarifies who's available for what:"

Major von Stahl
WO (M.Cpl) Champlain (BTR-70 Cdr)

Master Sniper McRae (Sniper/Commando)
Sgt. Delaney (Infanteer)
Sgt. Tremblay (USMC/Heavy Weapons)
Sgt. Fox (Commando)
Cpl. Lee (LAV Driver/RCMP)
Pvt. Mahanandi (Comms)
Pvt. MacDonald (Scout/Medic/McRae's partner)

BTR-70 Crew

Tanase (Driver)
Petrovitch (Gunner)
Pütsep (Assistant Commander/Comms)

RIB/Maritime Detachment

Staff Sgt. Shevchenko
Pvt. Sheeler
Pvt. Droz
Const. Chau
Const. Bajorek

Unavailable:

Free Market Run

Koldan Arkadyevitch
Sgt. Hope

Clarke-Sullivan Protection Detail

Gunnery Sgt. Conklin (USMC/Sniper)
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:59, Sat 02 Apr 2011.

Yes, yes...I was suggesting the idea to embark a machine gun in the zodiac. The idea is to provide fire support from the boat if needed. My idea is to do so from the water. This time I want to be afar...like they say here...stand-off? We already had a casualty in Stanley Park beacuse an arrow. If needed the crew can also disembark. I'll be commanding the zodiac myself. Now we need the radio call signs and agree with some signalling to provide that fire support.

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #297):

"Yeah... the RIB is like a Zodiac on steroids. I guess. Bigger and more passengers."

"So you'll have the Mk.19, the PKM (which you gave the militia). Also, say, the Carl Gustav, which Private Sheeler is qualified on. Okay, let's move along."

Very well, then.

After permission was granted to proceed with the Quick Reaction Force naval element, Taras gathered Privates Sheeler (an ex-CF) and Droz (a reservist) and Constables Chau and Bojarek of the local RCMP and went to the armory. Another RCMP member was dispatched to fetch the protective suits and related equipment in the meantime.

Good Morning, Donaldson! The ukrainian saluted the militia member attending the armory. The peculiar smell pervaded the room and hallway, a vast array of weaponry was neatly stacked against the walls and orderly lined up in their respective racks. Stockpiles of wooden crates with stencilled characters revealed their deadly content.

Please prepare for us the ammunition for the Mk-19 grenade launcher. How many rounds we have in that canister? Are they all high explosive? Any tracer?While waiting for Donaldson answers Taras motioned to Private Sheeler to take care of the 40 mm ammunition.

We will get the rocket launcher, the bazooka type... Shevchenko was obviously referring to the Carl Gustav. The armorer couldn't help but smile and think:...holy shit...a bazooka says the dude... After handing out the heavy canister to Sheller, Donaldson was already preparing the Charlie Golf for delivery: ...a real workout today...

Taras indicated Droz, the reservist, to take care of the launcher.

What kind of rockets we do have for the bazooka?

Finally the ex Lt. requested the PKM that previously donated to the militia in UBC. It would serve as GPMG and he was already aware of all its intimate details. He hauled the PKM over his shoulder.

Ok here is the mission call signs. Ones are small unit or vehicle commanders. Sixes are element commanders. Questions or suggestions before I distribute?


Major von Stahl  - Lima 6
WO (M.Cpl) Champlain (BTR-70 Cdr)  Alpha 1
Master Sniper McRae (Sniper/Commando)  Lima 16
Sgt. Delaney (Infanteer)  Lima 14
Sgt. Tremblay (USMC/Heavy Weapons)  Lima 17
Sgt. Fox (Commando)  Lima 18
Cpl. Lee (LAV Driver/RCMP)  Lima 3
Pvt. Mahanandi (Comms)  Lima 1
Pvt. MacDonald (Scout/Medic/McRae's partner)  Lima 15

BTR-70 Crew
Tanase (Driver)  - Alpha 14
Petrovitch (Gunner) Alpha 3
Pütsep (Assistant Commander/Comms)  Alpha 2


RIB/Maritime Detachment
Staff Sgt. Shevchenko  Bravo 1
Pvt. Sheeler  Bravo 14
Pvt. Droz Bravo 15
Const. Chau  Bravo 16
Const. Bajorek  Bravo 17


Free Market Run
Koldan Arkadyevitch  Romeo 1
Sgt. Hope  Romeo 2


Clarke-Sullivan Protection Detail  Hotel Element
Gunnery Sgt. Conklin (USMC/Sniper)

HQ comms is Hotel 11, Clarke is 1, Conklin 14, Bellanger 6

This message was last edited by the player at 00:02, Sun 03 Apr 2011.

Fox stopped Taras before he lit out, if only to make sure they were all on the same page. He addressed von Stahl and the rest of the team.

"Major: I think we're about done, then we can release Taras. But you must "sign off" on the plan so we may proceed further. We also need something of a timeline and exact route. We've been granted considerable leeway in these details so I'll attempt to fill in these details, so far as I can, with your permission."

"Before I get into that, Kelsy: the Main Force will be primarily operating together, so that combined element will be Alpha. As well, Captain Bezhov's our "mission specialist", he's not on the list. Not that necessarily everyone needs a call-sign, I guess.

"Communications will be difficult due to the terrain, mainly due to Burnaby Mountain and the high ridge between Coquitlam (basically a plateau) and Port Moody. To solve this, New Westminster agress to provide retransmission services between Alpha and Hotel, while Harbour Centre will provide retrans between Bravo and Hotel. At some point the high ground will cut off direct comms between Alpha and New West; then Bravo will provide retrans from out in the water to the downtown.

"Good news everyone: we have enough bunny suits to go around for both Bravo and all of Alpha. Also, Major von Stahl and Koldan have moved down part of our route and made it through alive. This is the part of Lougheed Highway/Highway 7 from Coquitlam Centre mall to New West, directly past the HA clubhouse."

GM Note: von Stahl noted on his way down Lougheed Highway that there were relatively few abandoned vehicles, only 1 or 2 every 100m. All had been pulled off to the shoulder or farther, if possible. Highway 7 was designated a "Disaster Response Route" so obviously it had been cleared by the authorities prior to evacuating the lower mainland. Otherwise, the road was in good condition with only a few rough spots (potholes and breaks) in the pavement. He remembers the stretch they will be traveling to have wooded high ground to the west. There was  little development except for a major hospital of some kind sandwiched (Riverdale) against the hillside, and a few "big box" stores on the flats by the river.

"Major, I'm also assuming reasonable caution in route travel using "traveling overwatch". I'd put the BTR (Alpha) first with the LAV III Kodiak (Lima) after. Bravo has a plow blade to push aside obstructions, and Lima can use its thermal vision for on-move recce (reconnaissance) over top of the smaller BTR. Normal separation 20-50m in clear terrain, closer in restricted terrain.

"Also, Major, you can observe the thermal sight from the passenger compartment using the LCD screen but I assume you'll be in the command position in the Kodiak's turret? In the CF, normal mechanised doctrine is the section leader is in the turret command position and also commands the dismounts, leaving the gunner in command of the vehicle."

"So if it's okay with you, I'll put you as commander, Lee as driver and Tremblay as gunner, who will also command the vehicle if you dismount."

He spread a 1:50,000 map on the table, and aside from his notes wrote the following on the white-board:

LAV-III Kodiak (Lima)

Crew:

Major von Stahl  - Lima 6
Sgt. Tremblay (USMC/Heavy Weapons)  Lima 17
Cpl. Lee (LAV Driver/RCMP)  Lima 3

Dismounts:

Master Sniper McRae (Sniper/Commando)  Lima 16
Pvt. MacDonald (Scout/Medic/McRae's partner)  Lima 15
Sgt. Delaney (Infanteer)  Lima 14
Sgt. Fox (Commando)  Lima 18

Specialists:

Pvt. Mahanandi (Comms)  Lima 1
Cpt. Bezhov (Mission Specialist) Lima 2

BTR-70 (Alpha)

Crew

WO (M.Cpl) Champlain (BTR-70 Cdr)  Alpha 1
Contractor Tanase (Driver)  - Alpha 14
Contractor Petrovitch (Gunner) Alpha 3
Contractor Pütsep (Assistant Commander/Comms)  Alpha 2


RIB/Maritime Detachment (Bravo)

Staff Sgt. Shevchenko  Bravo 1
Pvt. Sheeler  Bravo 14
Pvt. Droz Bravo 15
Const. Chau  Bravo 16
Const. Bajorek  Bravo 17
Troy DeFazio (Comms) Bravo 18
(Troy is part of the Comms detachment and a Naval cadet)

- Mk. 19, PKM, Carl Gustav Mk. 3.

Schedule:

Today

1200 - 1600 Hours:

- Alpha (Team Main Body) preparations to move to New West. Practice reaction drills, check out on equipment (Geiger counters, bunny suits/NBC gear, etc.). At UBC/Jericho Militia base.

- Bravo (under OIC Taras) goes to Militia armoury at Jericho, gets Mk.19, PKM, Carl Gustav Mk. 3. Proceeds to Royal Yacht Club and gets Zodiac RIB (whale-watcher) ready, practices on NBC gear. 5km bound. (10-15 min. plus practice time.)

1600 - 1700 Hours:

- Alpha moves from UBC to forward base in New West, Cariboo Hill Secondary (FBC). 31km bound (45-60 min.) using secured MSR Mike Whiskey (Marine Way).

- Bravo reaction element moves to Canada Place (downtown) by Harbour Centre. 10km bound over water. (30 min approx.)

1700 Hours and later:

- Alpha meets with New West Police/Militia at FBC. Sets up Forward Base Cariboo (FBC) in gymnasium. Electricity, water, etc. Retransmission will be via New Westminster to relay comms between Bravo, Alpha and Hotel. Second retrans point already set up at Harbour Centre. Time: 2-4 hours, approx.

Baselines:

- Ground distance from FBC to Ioco: 20km (direct)

- Water distance from Canada Place (CP) to Ioco: 20km

Tomorrow

Civil Twilight 0439, Dawn 0509.

0400 Hours:

- Moving before first light gives us night-vision advantage and easier en-route thermal detection.

- Bravo makes water bound to Rally/Rendezvous Point (RP) located at Rocky Point Park (RPP).  20km bound: 60 min. approx. Extra time needed for avoiding obstacles, navigating bridge debris, testing, etc.

0430 Hours:

- Alpha makes first bound to WP at "Cape Horn Interchange" (CHI) located midway along Main Supply Route Highway 7/Lougheed Highway (MSR Lima Hotel). Next bound is along MSR Lima Hotel to Coquitlam Centre mall (CCM). Third bound is along  from CCM to RPP. Total route distance: 17km, approximately 30 minutes.

- Rocky Point Park (RPP): waterside park with pier and large boat ramp. Clear LOS across water to entire northern shore from Objective Ioco Refinery (OIR) to eastern end of east end of Burrard Inlet.

0500 Hours:

- Bravo and Alpha RV (Rendez-Vous) at RPP. Lima uses thermal to survey bound to Objective Ioco Refinery (OIR) across the water. Alpha suits up (NBC/Bunny Suits).

0530 Hours:

- Alpha makes final bound to OIR. 6km: 10 min.

0545 Hours:

- Mission Specialist (Captain Bezhov) takes samples, surveys area, etc. Approx 30-60 minutes.

0645 Hours:

- On-site decontamination: 30 minutes.

0715 Hours:

- Alpha makes return bound to RPP, RV with Bravo. 6km: 10 min.

0730 Hours:

- Bravo makes return bound to CP via water. 20km: 60 min.

- Alpha return bound is via alternative route: Alternate Supply Route (ASR) Mariner Way. First Bound is along ASR Dewdney Trunk Rd. to ASR Austin Ave., ASR Austin to ASR Blue Mountain, then back to ASR Brunette Ave. 17km: 30 minutes.

0830 Hours:

- Alpha returns to FBC.

0900 Hours:

- Bravo returns to CP.

- Operation is concluded.

"Now, the map. Dark blue is the ground route to Rocky Point Park, then to Ioco. Light blue is the return ground route. Pink line is the water route for Bravo. Green circles are Waypoints/Rally Points. Red circles are known nuke hits, approximately 300 kiloton yield."



This message was last edited by the GM at 07:51, Sun 10 Apr 2011.

In reply to Robert Duncan Fox (msg #301):

"Roger, that all looks good, but not much detail on the NBC ops.  What is our procudure, I know we plan in using geiger to detect, but how about sweeps of us and the vehicles, and decon plans and procedures?"

"I made the call signs to confuse, hopefully some.. please do not refer to the element on the net as the Alpha-lima element.

"That is good point."

He spoke with a thick Russian accent, and he had a "Ukrainian" inflection made fashionable with many Russians after Kruschev and Gorbachev. Primarily, his "v"s sounded like "w"s.

"Safe distance is depending of course on radiation level wersus degree of protection. Intact warhead wery safe, can approach very close even without protection. Biggest danger from inhalation of particular matter and not from rays like... ah... Gamma.

"We are having suits and sealed vehicles, are not wery wulnerable.

"Would suggest as appproach objective we are monitoring radiation from inside vehicles, triangulate position of contamination to high degree.

"Let us approach to perhaps 100m in wehicles. Deploy then people in suits. Will proceed, uh, I will proceed alone, taking samples and Roentgen readings. Inwestigate warhead.

"After, if we are bringing water and detergent in BTR, we can decontaminate by washing suits or wehicles. Take off suits and put them on outside of wehicles, depart, then decontaminate suits and wehicles after meeting Taras again in Rocky Point park."

"Ah, that's a good idea!

"Seeings how the vehicles are intended to operate in tandem, we refer to the whole detachment as "Alpha"? If the BTR is independently detached, we can then refer to Lima or Alpha as necessary. That should be opaque enough for outsiders but clear for our purpose."

In reply to Taras Vladimirovich Shevchenko (msg #299):

Given that Taras had no questions or comment on the plan, he proceeded to the Militia armoury newly located at Jericho.

Donaldson returned the salute, smiling. "Hello, Taras!"

He listened to the requests for ammunition and weapons.

The Mk. 19 used belts of 48 in ammo cans. There were four cans of ammunition, one for the weapon with three spare. Sheeler wheeled up a Dolly to take the weapon and ammo cans out to Taras' UAV "jeep".

"That should do you pretty good!"

The Carl Gustav M2 had 8 HEAT rounds and 4 illumination rounds. Taras had also fired a couple practice rounds, so he was reasonably proficient in the weapon but not an expert. Droz took the weapon, although Sheeler was probably more qualified.

"How many of these rounds are you taking? All of them?"

Donaldson handed over the PKM, which had three cans with belted ammunition. "There you go, you brung it so we're glad to lend it back."

In reply to Robert Duncan Fox (msg #304):

"Refer to the Element as Alpha, such as Alpha Element.  When you are referring to a person, you use the call sign, so for instance you would say 'Alpha Element is at.. x coordinate' or 'Alpha-one, watch the left', make sense?"

She smiles to the expert and moves to shake his hand "Good to have you onboard, I knew radiological decon was simple, but we need to be prepared for it, I will make sure we are stocked up.  I want a backup on the Spoonful, too, just in case we lose the BTR"

We'll take 2 canisters for the Mk-19. One to go and one spare. I guess 96 rounds is enough. We are taking all the rockets for the Carloff and 2 cans for the PKM.

After packing everything in the jeep, Taras, explained how the arrangement for the weaponry in the zodiac:

The automatic grenade launcher is mounted at the back, Sheeler will man the station. I'll take care of the PKM at the from and Droz: You'll get the bazooka to shoot for any side. Mind the backblast!

In reply to Kelsey Sarah Champlain (msg #306):

"Okay, I get it. The combined detachment is Alpha, then. Simple enough. If the BTR is detached, it becomes Lima. Something along those lines."

Belanger was taking some notes.

"I'll have two barrels of detergent/water for decontamination, and two spray attachments. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes to have someone check you out on the equipment."

It was a simple matter to transfer the weapons to the jeep. The Mk. 19, Carlie G., PKM and assorted ammunition cans.



Pvt. Droz shook her head. "I don't know how to use the Carl Gustav. I'm not trained on it."

"Hey, I'm qualified on the "Carlo". Want me to handle it?" Sheeler offered.

In reply to Alain Belanger (msg #309):

"That's good sir, and we'll want a wash point for the vehicles too, just in case.. but that can wait, but it has to be done."