CONFIDENTIAL: Contingency Plan 07 FRONTWARD – Readiness Protocol Activation

TO: All Unit Commanders, Air/Land/Rotary Assets DATE: 10 February 1997 SUBJECT: Enhanced Readiness Status and Forward Protocol Activation (Early Engagement Planning) Situation Overview: Confirmed penetration in Sector Gamma by a Russian armored probe spearheaded by the T-80U and supported by BMP-2M units. G-2 intelligence assesses a high probability of finding limited numbers of the new T-90A Main Battle Tank integrated into the lead formations, representing a critical new threat. We are moving immediately to Enhanced Readiness Status (Level Bravo) under Contingency Plan 07 FRONTWARD. This phase focuses on preparation, simulation, and high-alert status. I. Land Forces Readiness (Armor & Mechanized) The armor threat requires a strict prioritization protocol to prevent the most advanced units from gaining traction. • Vehicle Training Focus (T-90 Priority): All Leopard 2A5 and reserve M1A2 Abrams crews will immediately commence Advanced Target Recognition Drills (ATRD). The hierarchy of engagement is now explicitly defined: T-90A tanks must be engaged first if identified in the area, using the most accurate fire available to target the hull and track skirts. If the T-90 is not present, the focus immediately shifts to the T-80U formations. Crews must be trained to recognize the distinct profile of the T-90A, particularly its advanced fire control optics and countermeasure systems. • Contingency Training: Mechanized Infantry (IFV) crews (M2A2 Bradley) will run Flank Ambush Simulation to counter expected BMP-2M maneuvers. Crews must practice rapid deployment of TOW missiles and coordinated fire with their 25mm cannons. • Fuel & Munitions: All primary combat vehicles must be topped off on fuel, and ammunition racks for 120mm APFSDS and HEAT rounds must be replenished to 100%. II. Air Operations Readiness (Fixed-Wing Assets) Air superiority is non-negotiable, and we are now committing our premier fighter assets to the high-alert status. • Pilot Alert Status: All pilots for the F-16C Block 50 and supporting Tornado IDS squadrons are immediately placed on 5-Minute Scramble Alert. Furthermore, F-15C Eagle support squadrons are now placed on 10-Minute Scramble Alert at forward bases. The F-15s will focus exclusively on maintaining a deep Combat Air Patrol (CAP) boundary to prevent Russian Su-27SK fighters from breaching the tactical zone. • Air Combat Training: Virtual training pods will run continuous Su-27SK and MiG-29SMT engagement simulations. Focus on defensive maneuvers against R-27/R-77 missile threats and energy management in sustained turns, specifically practicing coordinated radar lock-on between F-15 and F-16 assets. • CAS Pre-Briefing: A-10A Late pilots are required to run detailed terrain analysis and entry corridors for known choke points in Sector Gamma. No ordnance is to be loaded yet, but all ordnance kits must be pre-staged for rapid arming. III. Rotary-Wing Readiness (Attack Helicopters) Helicopter teams must be prepared for immediate low-level interdiction missions, particularly exploiting any confusion caused by the T-90's sudden appearance. • Crew Rest and Briefing: AH-64D Apache and EC-665 Tiger UHT crews will maintain a split alert roster. All available time is to be spent reviewing satellite imagery and terrain-masking routes adjacent to Sector Gamma. • Anti-Helicopter Drills: Training will focus on rapid lock-on and firing protocols against known rotary threats, specifically the Ka-50 Black Shark (due to its unusual co-axial rotor system and high-speed threat profile) and the heavy Mi-28N. • Fuel/Armament: All attack helicopters are to be fully fueled and armed with a standard mixed loadout of Hellfire/PARS 3 LR ATGMs and air-to-air missiles. Action Required: Unit commanders are to confirm immediate implementation of these readiness protocols. Any equipment or personnel shortfalls must be reported to J-3 Operations within the hour. We are on the clock. (This is the NATO briefing for a user Cold War gone hot fictional combined arms event I am working , on discord in the comments stay tuned )