OPERATIONS ORDER
Cold War Theatre (1946-1991), Operation CERBERUS

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Situation

Background Information
The Cold War, now in its fourth decade, has evolved into a tense standoff between East and West, defined by covert operations and advanced technology. Both sides, avoiding direct conflict due to the threat of nuclear war, have focused on intelligence gathering, with the UK and US developing cutting-edge high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The most advanced of these, the RAF’s “Spectre,” was designed to track Soviet military movements undetected. However, 22 hours ago, Spectre was shot down over the Vinjesvingen valley in the Dzyarzhynskaya Hara mountains, a remote Soviet-controlled region in Belarus. This area, annexed by the Soviets in 1948 and transformed into a restricted military zone, is of critical strategic importance. The loss of Spectre poses a severe threat, as it carried sensitive data and advanced technology. Western intelligence is unsure whether new Soviet missile systems or experimental weapons were used to bring it down, but the consequences are clear: should the wreckage fall into Soviet hands, it could tip the balance of the Cold War. In response, a UK recovery team was quickly assembled and designated the 43 (UNITAF) Special Recovery Squadron. This unit is tasked with infiltrating the hostile territory, locating the crash site, and either recovering or destroying the aircraft’s remains and confirming the death or rescuing the pilot. Time is critical, as intercepted communications suggest that Soviet forces are already mobilising to secure the site. This is not an officially sanctioned operation and the UK government will deny all knowledge and blame it on a rogue military unit if friendly forces are captured. The region is known for its harsh terrain, unpredictable weather, and fortified Soviet installations. With tensions high and the potential for an international incident looming, the recovery team must act swiftly, knowing that failure could shift the Cold War’s delicate balance and provoke a global crisis.

Five-Star Rating System

Combat Intensity: ☆☆☆☆ Roleplay Emphasis: ☆☆ Difficulty: ☆☆☆☆

Friendly Forces
Dog Platoon consisting of: 3x Rifle Section

Supporting Assets
There is no support on this mission. The UK Government will deny all knowledge if the mission becomes compromised.

Enemy Forces
- The Armed Forces of the USSR, Green and white combat fatigues, green helmet - Mix of Soviet Small arms and armoured vehicles - Recent activities: Unknown but intercepted radio traffic suggests that that they are moving to secure the crash site - Most likely Course of Action: Initially unprepared but likely to get organised and send out patrols to harass friendly forces

Mission

Tasking
Main Effort FIND the Crash Site The plane must be confirmed as completely destroyed to prevent the Soviets from reverse engineering the technology. EXFILTRATE the Pilot and the Platoon The pilot knows intricate details of the RAF’s newest aircraft; he must be rescued or confirmed dead. 1up has stated that every effort should be made to keep him alive. The Chinook that transported the platoon to the area will linger until the mission is complete. Suggested Shaping Operations CAPTURE the Soviet Supply Base This will allow the RAF Chinook that dropped you off to land and drop off supplies of ammunition. There will be no other resupply available for this operation. DESTROY one of the Jammer Arrays The Pilot had a tracking device built into his helmet but we aren’t getting a signal. Photos from previous spy plane sortees have revealed several jammers in the area and Intelligence has made estimates on their effective range which has been marked on your map. Destroying one of these should reveal the location of the pilot on your map if he is located within its range. It is unlikely that you will find the pilot without destroying at least one jammer. Additional: Noise and Fire Discipline should be observed until you begin the attack on the FOB if possible to avoid alerting enemy forces to our infill direction.

End-state
Wreck destroyed, pilot and platoon withdrawn from AO.

Execution

Administration/Logistics

Resupply
In accordance with SOP

Medical
In accordance with SOP

Rules of Engagement
In accordance with SOP

Fire Support Plan
In accordance with SOP

Close Air Support
In accordance with SOP

Command/Signal

Communications Plan

Callsign	Primary Frequency	Superior Frequency	ACTUAL
DOG 9	45mHz	37mHz	SFC Johnson Platoon Commander (≤45)
DOG 1	250mHz	40mHz	Sgt Jeb Saur Squad Leader (≤15)
DOG 2	260mHz	40mHz	SP1 Minipily Squad Leader (≤15)
DOG 3	270mHz	40mHz	SP3 Jochem Squad Leader (≤15)

Considerations
In accordance with SOP