BATTLEGROUND

Airsoft in the YubaCity / Marysville area.

 On August 19th, 2011 Cimmerian OP: MAIDEN STEEL was held in the mountains near Cisco Grove, California. The OP ran from Friday set-up and included night OPs. It continued Saturday, and was concluded early due to an incident involving a non-participant being shot.


Diamond Corps operators: Scramble, Kattiana, Komissar, Systema (Bill), Ziggy, Furge, Edric Spidedd, Farside, FlapJack, Just Joe, Ken, Tank, Bluewolf, and Phoenix.

A total of 31 operators attended which appears to be the most attended Cimmerian event since 2009.

This post is to report what went well, and what didn't, so that we might learn and become better solders for our battles to come. May we have many more opportunities to improve.

TEAM PREP and UNIFORM:

All operators who registered for this event took it seriously. I saw a commitment level in a large scale, for which all operators are to be commended. This dedication speaks volumes about our organization and the people who are a part of it. It makes me proud to be Diamond Corps.

Our operators were well equipped and self reliant. At set up, the camp was quickly erected with all hands assisting raise each tent, preparing the fire pit, setting a food prep area, and getting the equipment placed for the OP

 

Special thanks to the following for going above the call:

Blazed who drove and assisted in the recon of the event AO prior to operations day.

Bluewolf and Tank who transported all of the gear, and equipment for the event.

Bluewolf who brought the troops Friday night dinner. Bear stew/chilli, . . .  it was great!

Systema Bill for bringing the 'mobile kitchen'; making KP duty soooo easy.

John Jenson for generous donations of a shirt to each operator, as well as the certificate. Thank you.

Edric our combat photographer. Keep up the posts!

Scramble and FlapJack for all the assistance in field prep and construction.

And to my assistant OPCOM: Phoenix, Edric, Kattiana. Uganda!

 

Although the Cimmerian organization is experts in scale props and forestry AO's, they are less experienced in our ability to utilize complex team tactics and organizational teamwork.

We had the clear distinction of this being a US SOF team versus an LRA team. OPCOM assistance would act as a force balance in the role of Ugandan (Red Caps) as needed. Clearly defined.

The US would wear ACUs and the LRA in BDUs. The Ugandans wore BDUs with the addition of a red barret.

 

CAMP: At 1000 on Friday we arrived on site and set camp. By 1400 the AO was ready and we had a few hours to relax and have dinner.

 

NIGHT OPs: At approx. 2030, fifteen operators prepared for the night OP. Six Ugandans, three US SOF, and six LRA. The Ugandans would be in two groups; three in the Pinzgauer representing the supply convoy, and three at the Ugandan Camp Masaka, led by Bluewolf.

The Pinzgauer would drive the route between Soroti, and the river ford taking supplies to Camp Masaka. The LRA had the job of ambushing the supply truck and assaulting the Ugandan Camp in an order of their choosing. The US SOF was to recon the area and had the choice to assist in the defense of their Ugandan allies.

The Pinzgauer supply truck was ambushed all three times it made the trip. The first time it survived by accelerating through the ambush; the second it was stopped by munitions and well aimed fire, allowing the LRA to complete their objective. The LRA did not attack on the third pass.

The US SOF was involved in an ambush against the LRA at the second passing of the Pinzgauer.

At approx. 2130 the LRA began their assault on Camp Masaka killing most of the defenders in their initial attack. As a few Ugandans held the position, the US SOF arrived and began the defense of the Ugandan camp by attacking the LRA at the camp perimeter.

The night Op was completed at 2215 hours.

 

CONO's RESCUE:

At 0900 all operators were assembled for the safety meeting, historical introduction, and operations briefing before reporting to their individual team briefing. Team leaders were: Scramble for the US SOF, and FlapJack for the LRA. OPCOM was briefed by Komissar.

The LRA were transported onto the field in the Pinzgauer to the destroyed Camp Makasa. The US forces were inserted at point Moyo. Both teams began their search for the injured Sgt. Cono who was in the area north of Masindi. (Map to be added later).

The US SOF medic arrived and began first aid on the Sgt. allowing him to be moved from his hide. They escorted him to point Gulu as the LRA pursued. At point Gulu, the US force called for evac, which was later called off due to LRA forces overrunning the landing site.

Cono was then moved to helo extraction point Soroti in the SE, as the LRA forces broke contact. The LRA regrouped at Mortar Hill, and then advanced to take charge of two Ugandan prisoners at Moyo.

As the LRA began their escort of the two prisoners, the US forces moved north from Soroti to attemp a rescue.

 

NON-PARTICIPANT INVOLVEMENT:

At approximately 1130 an operator fired his AEG putting one shot into the head of a non-participant. The circumstances around this need to be discussed, so we as responsible adults have an understanding of this incident, and are vigilant for possible future accidents.

I would like to hear from every operator who was present at the time of the occurrence. I would like your personal description of the details involved. There is no blame.

Here are some realities of the event:

The non-participant was not from forestry, but a camper.

He was wearing khaki/tan overalls, and no shirt or hat.

He was understandably angry, and apologies were given.

Here are unconfirmed reports:

He was crouching in bushes when first spotted.

The operator who fired reported to his team that he could see someone ahead.

Only a portion of the non-participant could be seen at the time he was shot.

The non-participant spoke into a radio before he left.

Only one round was fired striking the non-participant in the head.

Here are some questions I have:

Was the non-participant crouching/hiding when first discovered?

Did he remain hidden until shot? After he was shot?

Was he wearing sunglasses?

Did he have a radio? Did he use it?

What was said between the non-participant and any operators?

How many shots were fired?

What was the distance between the non-participant and the operator?

Is there any clue as to what the non-participant was doing? Resting? Hiding? Bathroom?

Who was present?

Who came forward to take charge of the incident?

Who spoke to the non-participant?

Please give as much detail as you can. Report only what you have seen or heard. Thank you.

 

DEBRIEF:
This OP sent a US SOF team to gain intel in hostile LRA controlled Ugandan territory. They needed to work with the indigenous Ugandan Army forces to continue allied future cooperation, as well as secure their own interests.
 
On the night of the 19th, the US forces `SOF 553' patrolled the wooded hills and roads in the area around Ugandan Camp Masaka. They were able to counter a group of LRA forces who had been ambushing supply vehicles along the MSR, and kept needed supplies flowing to the Ugandan Camp throughout the night.
Later that night, the LRA staged a mass attack on Camp Masaka itself. The Ugandans stationed there held on for most of the night assisted by SOF 553, before being overrun in the early morning hours.
At dawn on the 20th, the UCC sent detachment 554 to recover 553's 1st Sgt Cono who sustained injuries during the previous nights fighting. They were inserted by HELO and proceeded to locate Cono by radio transmission, and previous DoT. 554's team medic stabilized a leg wound before the team escorted Cono to extraction point GULU. LRA forces were quick to arrive at point GULU forcing 554 to move Cono further to the SE where he was finally extracted at point SOROTI.
Team 554 then tracked LRA forces in an attempt at recovering captured Ugandan troops. The Ugandans were witnessed being taken across the Sudan border, where 554 was ordered to stand down.
US SOF 554 having acted heroically in its efforts, and having recovered 1st Sgt Cono was extracted at 1200 hours on the 20th.

AREA of OPERATION: Cisco Grove/ near Woodchuck Camp.

WEATHER: Cloudless, consistent 70 degree daytime temperatures, and near 40 at night. Snow patches remain from unusually late winter, creating damp ground and green flora. Tall canopy obscured the mostly full moon resulting in obscure conditions.

US SOF Operations Included:
- Night Maneuvers
- Search and Recover
- Pursue enemy/Rescue

LRA Force Operations Included:
- Night Assault
- Search and Capture
- Prisoner Escort

-Komissar

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that is a great AAR and a great op i felt the realism of it thank you chris
Thank you Tank! I hope the operators who attended will help add to this report any pieces they were involved in. I would love to hear about the action from their perspective. The guys must have some great stories!
well from my perspective being on the us forces for the night op and  being sgt. Kono it was great Kono i really acted up the part of being injured in the leg that was lots o' fun. and on the night op operating with furgie and seth it really felt like we were the us Special Forces due to the way we moved through the forest and how we sat and waited for the enemy LRA patrol to walk right over us and how we took out the first two in the tail end of the patrol silently. Then when the LRA started firing we moved in on them using their firefight as cover noise we shot as they shot so we would not be discovered too quickly.

I was the one who shot the non participant so I'll answer what I can about the questions (Operators Ziggy, and someone else were present as well if they wish to give their accounts). But the non participant (from my vision) wasn't crouching, but was behind a tight group of trees so that only his silhouette could be seen. Operator Ziggy also swears that on of the Ugandans was within ten feet of the non operators location about 45 seconds before the incident (adding to the confusion). After Ziggy and another team mate yelling 'enemy ahead' i ran 30 feet forward behind a rock and followed the silhouette as it moved. The second it moved from cover i pulled the trigger twice and one shot happened to be a 200 ft head shot. Keep in mind before this we fired approximately 20 rounds at the silhouette with no opposing cry or signal to stop firing. After I pulled the trigger twice I heard him yell something, at this point somebody yelled civilian and I stood up out of the rock to move the brush out of my vision to see what exactly he was wearing. He cussed (understandably) and was noticeably upset. He walked over and myself and many operators including John apologized to him. After that it seemed he was simply frustrated, rather then mad. It basically was apologies, and John explaining what we were doing to him and that we would give him a wide birth. He deliberately walked through the middle of all the operators then went on his way.

I am unsure of what exactly he was doing at the time, perhaps somebody who had a better view then me can answer that. It basically was everyone apologizing though, with John and one other person (i forget now) seeming to take full initiative of calming and explaining things to him, which they did very well (I apologized, but am not very good with words or people so I didn't talk to him much more then that).

Basically it was a series of coincidental unlucky events that led to it. It was a coordinated team effort, where we fired shots on the target, moved into position and quickly fired again.

 

I hope that helped explain a bit, Ziggy, JJ, and a couple other operators were around there so hopefully they come up to recount as well. If you have any other questions etc ill do my best to recount/answer them.

 

I'd also like to say thanks again for a great OP! Unfortunately it was cut short, which i apologize for greatly, i was enjoying it very much, as well as everyone else. Very well organized and fun, while still feeling quite realistic. I don't think I'll be able to attend again, but I'll look forward to similar things at Diamond Corps or any other fields! Thank you

As for actually seeing the "Ugandan/Hunter" I did not actually see him till everything was done but he seemed to calm down and go back to his camp, however it was a little bizarre how he decided to walk straight towards us as if trying to start confrontation. But everything was handled to our ability for clearing up the situation. It is unfortunate that we had to stop gameplay but understandable if the Cimmerian operators felt it was best to do so. They seem to be very professional about their games and it was a fun game to go to.

 

As for the night play it went good, I still cant believe that Seth was able to get the jump on all of us but it was nice to be able to get the jump on Tank and Furgie before I was unexpectedly killed by Seth.

 

I enjoyed the storyline that Chris had set up for us and thought it was well planned out and the gameplay area was well scouted to make it seem a little more realistic.

 

All I have to say to complete my post, stupid Bow season.....:)

thorough AAR man. man i cant wait to be on the west coast and play with you guys...

 

(This is Komissar on Kattiana's log-in)

Great reports! Thanks for the clear input. I hope to get more reports from those who attended and were at the incident.

Does anyone know if 'he' had sunglasses, hat or a radio? Can anyone recall who spoke to him, or any of the words that were exchanged.

Thank you all again for the compliments on the OP, and I understand why the Cimmerians leadership decided to conclude the OP early. I believe Spidedds shots were made with proper caution and reasonable judgment. I am not uncertain that I myself wouldn't have made the same shot. My goal is to have any improper rumors and conjecture concerning Spidedd's action removed, and I will make every effort that the truth of the situation is known. Having this post gives all operators the opportunity to give their first hand account of what transpired. Thank you for your honesty and courage.

-Komissar

I can tell you what I saw, as I think I am the only one who actually spoke to the "he." I can confirm that there were no sunglasses, no hat, and as far as I could tell no radio. He was wearing boots, brown Carhart Overalls and no shirt. I heard some people saying they saw him on a radio but I did not personally see one on him and he went the complete opposite direction we did. I directed him to keep on his path and we would stay going the direction we were which should have put some ground between us quickly. He appered to be fine and assured us he was and told us to "stop appolagizing" which in my mind would have meant he was over it since he was not injured.
I was busy shadowing at the time this happened so I dont have any details, but I wanted to let Spidedd know that I dont blame him for his actions, I probably would have made the shot in his stance and it was still an awesome op. Thank you Chris!
As I have told Colin, and I know Bill agrees with me and most probably would that it could have happened to anyone. Just unfortunate.
Aaron called me over as a representative of OP COM. I did not engage the civilian in conversation, nor do I remember seeing any sunglasses or radio. I do remember him smoking what appeared to be a hand rolled cigarette, wearing a white shirt and tan carhart coveralls. At the time, he appeared to frustrated, but understanding. He indicated that he was ok, but just "tired of the apologies." I saw Chris coming to asses the situation. From what I observed, the situation had been handled appropriately and thoroughly. I gave Chris the thumps up to indicate as such. I then observed the civilian walking off to my left. I was standing to my back to the stream.

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