2013 RECON Challenge Information

[Komissar]

2013 RECON Challenge Information

In the tradition of one of our favorite military roles, and with full respect for those who are truly some of the finest of our nations defenders; the US Special Forces. This event is a challenge for operators looking to subject themselves to a more rigorous environment, and even greater demand than other OPs can offer. This is a new approach which allows operators a greater choice of action in planning and tactics to create a more realistic style of Mil-Sim.

 

The Idea:

Do you want a true Recon team challenge? Not just another standup gunfight or conflict of arms. A challenge for those teams who can move undetected, perceive the enemy at distance, think out of the box, and overcome difficulties during an operation. Orders and delegation, planning options, execution and adaptation are all elements of the RECON Challenge.

 

You will need to be able to work with your team. Know the limitations and the strengths of your teammates, and yourself. You will need to be creative and good at solving problems while under pressure. You must analyze each situation, come up with a good solution quickly, and put that plan into determined action. You must be willing to persist when it is not easy. You will need to look out for each other because every one of you is a valuable asset.

 

The Forces:

4 independent Recon Teams.

And several Hunter/Killer Teams organized into six-man squads.

 

This event is exclusive and not open to the public. Attendance is by invitation only.

 

Location:

The 2012 RECON Challenge will be held on the Cottonwood field near Redding.

This annual event will be held at a different location every year so that previous attending operators do not have an advantage in either layout or terrain.

 

Date:

Saturday, May 25^th, 2013. This event has been posted with the understanding that interested operators need time to arrange their busy schedules.

This event will NOT be canceled due to weather.

 

Tentative Schedule: TBA

Respawn Rules:

All operators are required to have a red death rag for the daylight portion of this event. A RED glow-stick will be issued to every operator for use in the same way as a death rag during the night portion of this event.

An operator who is shot is considered DEAD and will safely go to the ground and remain motionless in that location for 2 minutes (120 seconds). During this time he will display his RED glow-stick as a sign of his death. After the 2 minutes he will put away his RED glow-stick and move to re-group with his team.

 

Dog Tags: Each operator will be issued a ‘Dog Tag’. They are individually numbered for each operator Recon and Hunter/Killer Teams. These Dog Tags can be taken from any operator who is DEAD. Once taken, they cannot be retrieved, and the Tag becomes the property of the operator who collected it. Hunter/Killer Teams will try to collect Dog Tags from Recon Teams. Recon Teams may also attempt to collect Dog Tags from HK Teams or other Recon Teams.

 

 

Your HK Team (Hunter/Killer):

HK Teams have six or more operators.

You may register as an HK operator, or together as an HK Team. If not registered as a full HK Team, operators will be assigned to an HK team on the day of the event. HK operators are not required to have matching uniforms, but must adhere to a Mil-Sim style. Each HK team will have a leader.

Each teams acting leader is responsible for the team briefing and delegation. Each team should have an RTO (Radio Telephone Operator), to communicate with OPCOM during the event. Items issued to the team by OPCOM may be delegated within the team at their discretion. HK teams do not hunt each other, and are considered to be part of the same larger force.

HK operators MAY carry flashlights as they see necessary to fulfill their mission. OPCOM will issue each HK team a map of the AO. HK operators must stay in groups of no less than six or more operators during the OP.

 

Your RECON Team:

Operators will need to form their Recon team prior to registering. Recon team operators will need to sign-up in 4-man teams. Each operator will have a particular MOS decided by the operators registering. Each team must have each of the following: Team Leader, RTO (Radio/Telephone Operator), Land Navigation Specialist, and Combat Engineer. Register with a team name which will be your team handle. All operators on your team must have matching uniforms including a cover.

 

Military Occupational Specialties (MOS):

Items issued to the team by OPCOM may be delegated within the team at their discretion. Ultimately your team must work together to complete its objectives. Win or lose, you will do it together.

 

 Team Leader: This operator will be responsible for presenting OPCOM with the teams DZ for mission start. As acting leader, he is responsible for the team briefing and delegation. The operator is responsible for tracking the time and planning the team’s task priority. Team authority may still be shared as equals for all real time effects. The team leader is responsible for keeping his team alive and completing the mission.

 

RTO (Radio/Telephone Operator):

Although all operators on the team are required to have radios, the RTO is responsible for answering SITREPs as requested and to communicate with OPCOM during the event. Good communication is vital, and a good RTO is priceless. In addition to SITREPs, the RTO will also be required to deliver an Operational Report to OPCOM at least once during the OP. Communication is his responsibility.

 

Land Navigation Specialist:

This operator will be issued maps by OPCOM which need to be detailed for mission success. He is responsible for assisting the team with navigation, and he should have a compass as well as good night time directional skills. If anyone has it easy, . . . it isn’t this guy.

 

Combat Engineer (Demolitionist):

This operator is required to have the necessary tools and equipment for his position. The list will be posted prior to the OP, and might include: electrical tape, wire cutters, wire strippers, etc. (OPCOM may at the time of briefing also provide items such as: colored wire, connectors, C4, ect.). He is responsible for assembling any devices which the team might need per individual objectives. This description is purposely being kept without detail, but you can imagine what might be lined up for this operator. Pick your best adrenaline junkie.

 

Team insertion - Drop Zone or DZ:

After the MOS briefings, and the team ready meeting, the team leaders will meet with OPCOM and give the grid location on the map where they would like their team inserted. Once all teams have given their request, OPCOM will escort each team to their start location. Teams don't always get dropped right where they would like, . . . expect some deviation.

 

Recon Team and Operations:

Once started, the teams would have five hours before operation end at 2300 hrs. The recon teams should have nearly two hours of daylight before darkness to use as they choose. Although it’s easier to maneuver during the day it is at an obviously much higher risk.

Your team will have a list of tasks that are available to complete. Some are harder than others, some take more time, and some are multi-stage tasks. If you used your briefing time wisely prior to choosing your teams insertion point (DZ), then you had a plan before your boots hit the ground. Either way, decisions will need to be made. Your team will decide what tasks to attempt and in what order, or whether or not even to try some of them.

 

Example of a Task:

Most all cell phones have cameras and the ability to send any picture taken via text message attachment. Task number 7 might require your team to send a picture of a device located at map grid D16. The image must then be sent to OPCOM by text message for confirmation by your RTO. Your navigator informs you that D16 is located in a field not far from your position. Remember it is likely to be dark while your team moves into position. Seeing the lights of an approaching patrol vehicle, your team disappears into the nearby brush and lets it pass. Waiting until the vehicle is safely out of sight, your team moves on toward grid D16. As you approach the open field you hear an HK force approaching. There are six of them to your four, but they don’t even know your there. Do you let them pass or set for ambush? You’re a RECON Team, this is your job, and the night has just begun.

[Brett Cox ( aka Farside)]

Looking to create or join a recon team, if all the spots are not filled up yet. Message me if there is a spot on your team. I have a radio and headset. If there is no space for me on a recon team, then have fun on the other end of my gun as I will be part of the HK team.

Komissar: How are the teams looking? How many recon teams are officially signed up so far?

[John Jensen]

Just a heads up, I will be bringing a BBQ out for cooking, feel free to bring whatever you would like to cook if you don't want to have the stag chili in a can. I should have enough briquettes but if you feel like bringing a little to pitch in it would be appreciated.

[Komissar]

OPERATORS:

All RECON team slots have been filled, with one team finalizing its team MOS.

The Hunter/Killer forces continue to grow, and Northman will again lead them in collecting dog-tags!

All operators should collect their kit, check their weapons and batteries. Be sure to have food, water, and items necessary for both day and night operations. Red-rag and red glow-stick. Be prepared.

CARPOOL: Arrange rides here and now. If you have room in your vehicle please list a time and location you are leaving from. If you need a ride, post and send messages. I will be leaving Friday afternoon and have no room.

DIRECTIONS to the AO: 2013 RECON and Torn Asunder are held near Redding. If you need directions send me a message. Consider your time and travel arrangements.

If you are attending Torn Asunder register for that event separately.

In this final week, any operators interested in attending can still register with the H/K forces!

[Komissar]

Please bring a red glow stick.

[Chris Kalish]

I have some of these in red if any one would rather use one of them than a glow stick I can provide them for $5. I got them for night ops so that I would not have to try and hide the glow stick after activating it.

[Chris Kalish]

OK, that is 4. I have 3 more if people want them. Gambler, Jensen and Tank, I will have them for you when I get up there on Saturday.

[John Jensen]

Is there any update on a recommended list of items each recon team should bring? If this is going to be emailed out or posted up shortly go ahead and ignore. Just trying to get all the gear together.

[Northman]

Anyone that would like to cooridinate a ride with me, I have 3 open seats in my truck.  I will be leaving from the yuba city marysville area saturday afternoon. I will be staying sunday for Torn Asunder.  Let me know if you want a seat.

[Komissar]

RECON Required Equipment: All operators will have a radio. All RECON team operators may consider radios with sub-channels. The RTO must have a radio with sub-channels. Eye protection, red-rag, and red glow-stick for night-OP.

 

Suggested Equipment: Warm clothing, flashlight, paracord?  Bring your food and drink for day and night, and Sunday! A watch, compass, and a pencil/pen. A knife, electrical tape, zip ties, and possibly a screwdriver. A camera?!

 

Team Leader: A watch, lighter, a compass, and a pencil/pen might be useful.

 

RTO: A quality radio with sub-channels is a must. The addition of a headset and remote PITT are a plus. A watch, compass, and a pencil/pen are also useful in tracking SITREPs and information from OPCOM. A cell phone capable of taking and sending pictures.

 

LandNav: A watch, compass, pencil/pen and a straight edge. A large zip-lock bag or map case to protect the map, and perhaps a clipboard.

 

Demo: Electrical tape, wire stripers (20 gauge), zip ties, pliers for crimping/cutting wires, and a screwdriver (either kind). A knife or cutting tool and even a small saw might be useful. Additional useful items are a lighter, and a backpack or pouches to carry items.

[Blazed]

Kalish I'll take one of your lights.
North man I'm contemplating to take my truck or not to. Do you still have room? I might just wanna drive though not sure yet let me know thanks.

[Northman]

I have room. You are the first to inquire.

[Chris Kalish]

Blazed: Got it, see you Saturday.