NGP85 "81: Better Dead than Red v1.1"

[JDR Dragoon]

FROM COMCENTAG

TO COM4ATAF, COMVCorps, COM VII Corps, COM Territorialkommando Süd.


110100ZMay1981
FRAGO

SITUATION:

A: Enemy Forces.

1: Enemy composition, strenght and disposition.
Two enemy armies, comprising a Soviet army (1st GTA) and an East German army (3rd Army), with at least 9 divisions between them (the Soviet 6th GTD, 7th GTD, 79th GTD, 9th TD, 27th GMRD and the East German 4. MRD and 7. PD being positively identified here) is attacking the two divisions of the US VII Corps. In addition, an enemy airborne division has landed at Schweinfurt immediately behind the frontline, threatening the seam between the GE 12th Panzer Div. and the US 3rd Inf. Div.

2: Enemy Capabilities and Limitations.
NIL

3: Enemys most likely and most dangerous course of action.
Enemy most likely course of action is continued attacks in order to open up the Meiningen Gap for further advances. Enemy most dangerous course of action is to use the newly landed airborne to push into the seam between the GE 12. Panzer Division and the US 3rd ID, thus splitting the US VII Corps in two, possibly pocketing one of the divisions, which will lead to its destruction.


B: Friendly Forces.

1: Higher HQs mission and intent.
In order to stop the WAPA ground offensive COMAFCENT has authorized the assignment of further strikemissions from 4ATAF.

2: Adjacent Units.
NIL

3: Supporting.
Due to the nature of the current tactical and operational situation, 4ATAF will switch fighter-bomber assets from their current air-superiority and counter-air missions, and make them available for the CENTAG tactical commanders on the ground. This will take effect from first light at 110400Z May1981



C: Attachments/Detachments.
As of 102300Z May1981 The following detachments and attachments will take place:
-The 4th Brigade/4th Infantry Division/US V Corps will come under COCOM of VII Corps. The entirety of the 4th Infantry Div. will thus be committed to the VII Corps sector. The sole Corps reserve of the US V Corps will thus be the 11th ACR once it has been withdrawn from its screening tasks.

-IV Heimatschutzkommando(-) will come under TACOM of US VII Corps. IV HSK comprises the following units:
--54. Heimatschutzbrigade
--64. Heimatschutzbrigade
--Pionierbrigade 114
--Artilleriebrigade 104.



MISSION:
VII Corps will hold its ground to the extent possible and will only fall back to phaselines further west if no other options are available or if major subunits are faced with encirclement and/or annihilation.


EXECUTION:

A: Commanders Intent.

VII Corps is currently outnumbered 4:1 (10 WAPA divisions to 2.5 NATO ones). It is thus vitally important that further actions be taken before NATO forces in this area collapses.


B: Concept of Operations.

1: Scheme of Maneuver.
As of 110100Z May1981 US VII Corps will take command of the additional forces as outlined above. The W-German Territorialheer units will primarily focus on combating the airborne incursion, while the additional 4th Brigade/4th ID will slide in behind the 12. Panzer Div. in order to backstop it and prevent a breakthrough.

2: Fire Support Plan.
US VII Corps will have priority with regard to 4ATAF strike assets.

C: Tasks.
NIL

D: Coordinating Instructions.
NIL

LOGISTICS:
The 4th Infantry Div. will now draw its supply entirely through VII Corps COSCOM. Wehrbereichskommando IV will draw its supply through its national supply network.


Signals:

A: Signals.
Wehrberiechskommando IV will establish communications with the US VII Corps HQ and subordinate Div. HQs.

B: Command.
NIL