Operation Iron Phantom: Classified After-Action Report

Operation Iron Phantom: Classified After-Action Report
A U.S. Marine with Charlie Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division requests for a medical evacuation during a raid as part of a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE).

Classification Level: TOP SECRET (SI/TK) Mission Date: [REDACTED] Location: Southeastern Europe, [REDACTED] Unit Involved: Force Reconnaissance Company, Detachment Bravo


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Force Recon Detachment Bravo conducted a direct-action raid and reconnaissance operation in southeastern Europe against the [REDACTED] militia group suspected of trafficking advanced weapons systems into NATO territory. The operation, codenamed Iron Phantom, was initiated after actionable intelligence identified a high-value target (HVT) coordinating logistics at a fortified safe house near the [REDACTED] mountain range. The mission was successfully executed with minimal collateral damage and no friendly casualties.


MISSION OBJECTIVES

  1. Primary Objective:
    • Capture or neutralize the HVT, identified as [REDACTED], a known facilitator of illicit arms deals.
  2. Secondary Objectives:
    • Recover intelligence related to the arms trafficking network.
    • Deny the enemy access to advanced weapons systems stored on-site.

MISSION OVERVIEW

Operational Timeline:

H-6: Intelligence Prep of the Battlefield (IPB): SIGINT and HUMINT assets confirmed the presence of [REDACTED] at the safe house. Satellite imagery revealed the facility to be heavily guarded, with multiple defensive positions and a QRF (Quick Reaction Force) stationed less than 10 kilometers away.

H-2: Insertion: Detachment Bravo infiltrated the AO (Area of Operations) via low-visibility HALO (High Altitude, Low Opening) jump, landing within 2 kilometers of the target. The team utilized stealth and terrain masking to approach the objective undetected.

H-1: Target Reconnaissance: Overwatch teams provided real-time ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) using drones and FLIR-equipped optics. A four-man element conducted close reconnaissance, identifying weak points in the enemy’s perimeter security.

H-Hour: Direct Action: At 0200 local time, Detachment Bravo breached the compound’s outer defenses using synchronized explosives. Simultaneously, precision sniper fire neutralized key sentries and overwatch positions. The assault team engaged and subdued the enemy force in a swift and coordinated assault, securing the HVT within 12 minutes of initial contact.

H+30: Exfiltration: With the HVT secured and sensitive material recovered, the team initiated exfiltration. A pre-arranged CAS (Close Air Support) strike, delivered by a Marine F/A-18D, obliterated the weapons cache to prevent its recovery by enemy forces. Detachment Bravo exfiltrated via extraction zone Whiskey using MH-47 Chinooks provided by the 160th SOAR.


RESULTS

Enemy KIA: 18 confirmed. Friendly KIA/WIA: 0. HVT Status: Captured, currently detained at [REDACTED]. Recovered Intel:

  • Detailed schematics for advanced SAM systems.
  • Transaction logs implicating multiple non-state actors.
  • Secure digital devices undergoing forensic analysis.

POST-MISSION ANALYSIS

Lessons Learned:

  • Coordination between SIGINT and ISR assets proved critical in maintaining the element of surprise.
  • The integration of advanced breaching techniques minimized the time spent in open conflict, reducing operational risk.
  • The destruction of enemy assets via CAS was highly effective in ensuring mission success but highlighted the need for enhanced coordination to prevent fratricide risk in dynamic environments.

Recommendations:

  • Increase joint training exercises with SOAR aviation elements to streamline exfiltration under fire.
  • Expand capabilities for real-time electronic warfare to counter enemy drone assets.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Operation Iron Phantom showcased the precision and effectiveness of Force Reconnaissance Company in high-stakes, denied environments. The intelligence gathered during this mission is expected to significantly disrupt [REDACTED]’s arms trafficking operations and bolster NATO’s regional security efforts.


Prepared By: [REDACTED]
Reviewed By: [REDACTED]
Approved By: [REDACTED]

End of Report

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