Narrator: Review the operational flow of COA 2. You'll evaluate COA 2 using the commander's evaluation criteria which would also be used to compare the COAs. Don’t forget, proceeding each method narrative with a purpose statement is also a good technique to increase COA understanding.
COA Evaluation
COA 2, PHASE III STAGE A: PRE D-DAY
DEEP OPERATIONS: ACE (main effort) focuses on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. MEF coordinates all IO efforts with CJTF.
CLOSE OPERATIONS: 1AD and 2MARDIV/ Tunisian brigade ground units (supporting efforts) defend along the DMZ to safeguard further Libyan penetration into Tunisia. MEF commences planning with NAVFOR's amphib MEB for pending offensive amphib operations.
REAR OPERATIONS: MLG (supporting effort) secures LOCs, pre-stages all classes of supply and establishes EPW/IDP facilities IVO SFAX.
END STATE: ample combat power postured to commence shaping ops.
COA 2, PHASE III STAGE B: SHAPING OPERATIONS
DEEP OPERATIONS: ACE (main effort) neutralizes C2, arty, and WOG concentrations north of PL BLUE (34 deg 30 min latitude).
CLOSE OPERATIONS: 1AD and @MARDIV/ Tunisian brigades (supporting effort) prepare to attack in zone. Concurrently, amphib MEB (supporting effort) prepares to conduct an amphibious assault IVO Gabes to establish a blocking position oriented north.
REAR OPERATIONS: MLG (supporting effort) continues to secure LOCs. MLG postures to support MEF attack. Mobile logistic combat units prepare to provide direct support to maneuver elements. TCF is a mechanized BN.
END STATE: WOG frontline units severely attritted and C2 disrupted. MEF postured for attack south.
COA 2, PHASE III STAGE C: DECISIVE OPERATIONS
DEEP OPERATIONS: ACE (supporting effort) defeats C2, ADA, armor, troop concentrations and conducts armed recce along LOCs.
CLOSE OPERATIONS: 1AD (main effort) attacks south in zone to secure MEF Objective 1 (Mezounna Oilfields) and continues to PL BLUE. 2MARDIV and Tunisian brigades (supporting effort) follow in support, clear bypassed forces, and prepare to conduct FPOL with the ME at PL BLUE. Concurrently, 2MEB (supporting effort) conducts an amphibious assault IVO Gabes and establishes blocking position oriented north in order to prevent the WOG 1ST Echelon movement south.
REAR OPERATIONS: MLG (supporting effort) secures LOCs and conducts resupply IVO PL BLUE. TCF is a mechanized BN.
END STATE: Mezounna Oilfields secure, 2MARDIV prepared to conduct FPOL through 1AD and continue attack south. WOG 1ST Echelon requested by CG, II MEF to surrender (possible operational pause to allow surrender). MEF prepared for possible chemical attack during Stage C.
COA 2, PHASE III STAGE D: FORWARD PASSAGE OF LINES
DEEP OPERATIONS: ACE (supporting effort) defeats C2, ADA, and interdicts withdrawal of enemy forces along LOCs.
CLOSE OPERATIONS: 2MARDIV (main effort) conducts a FPOL with 1AD and then continues to attack south in zone, defeating enemy forces IVO MEF OBJs 2, 3, 4, and advances to the Libyan border IOT re-establish Tunisian border. 1AD (supporting effort) conducts resupply IVO Gabes and follows in support to Libyan border. 2MED consolidates IVO Gabes. All forces BPT continue attack into Libya.
REAR OPERATIONS: MLG establishes FLB IVO Gabes and continues security of LOCs.
END STATE: Border re-established; all forces prepared to continue attack into Libya.