Training - Fire Team Leader Scenario: Break Contact

Objective

BLUFOR must disengage from an OPFOR ambush and reach a designated safe point (operating base, green zone). For this scenario, OPFOR is considered a superior-sized element, regardless of the number of people on OPFOR.

BLUFOR should be allowed to reach their objective, unless otherwise modifying scenario.

Duration

• 45 minutes gameplay / time limit (check and adjust)
• 15 minutes AAR (timebox to maximize reps)

OPFOR Rules

This scenario is designed to build up BLUFOR skillset on react to contact and breaking contact, and retreating to a safe fallback point while under pressure and stress of being pursued by OPFOR.

By design, BLUFOR should always win, unless specifically modifying for harder difficulty (e.g. after experience running this multiple times).

• MAY run full-auto, regardless of weapon platform
• SHOULD only run semi-auto unless turning pressure up or forcing BLUFOR to move if stuck

Team Size

1–4 players positioned to ambush at a choke point 5 minutes into the scenario.

Hit Rules

• TQ via buddy-aid if available, otherwise self-aid
• Must retreat and break visual contact before continuing pursuit and engagement
• Unlimited lives/respawns

Instructions

• OPFOR is allowed unlimited ammo, magazine capacity, reloads if necessary, to maintain pressure on BLUFOR
• OPFOR should pursue BLUFOR after the breaking contact has been initiated
• OPFOR should continue keeping pressure on and off while BLUFOR moves to their objective
• Ease up on pressure/contact to allow BLUFOR to successfully reach objective
• OPFOR should react to suppressing fire by BLUFOR, taking cover or retreating
• OPFOR may need to purposely avoid accuracy while keeping pressure on BLUFOR to keep them moving, while avoiding wiping them out (with default rules)
• OPFOR should push harder with fire rate and accuracy if BLUFOR seems to be stuck, not moving/reacting, frozen, not making decisions
• OPFOR should avoid killing off more than one BLUFOR per fire team
• OPFOR MAY capture up to one casualty (e.g. BLUFOR is not struggling, increase difficulty)

BLUFOR Rules

This scenario is designed for BLUFOR to be on a patrol or generally traveling towards a position, when ambushed by OPFOR. They should react to contact, break contact, and retreat to the safe zone objective point, while dealing with casualty under fire if team members are hit by OPFOR.

• BLUFOR has 20-minute time limit to reach the safe point with all of their team members (play by ear, if the mission is going well then let the time go)
• BLUFOR has limited ammo (mid-cap mags loaded with close to 30 BBs, with maximum 210 BBs per player, to simulate combat loadout and force reloads)
• Semi-Auto ONLY unless running an LMG platform specifically designed for full auto
• MUST break contact after reacting to contact. OPFOR will be instructed to switch to full-auto if BLUFOR attempts to push or assault

Hit Rules

• Casualties are revived using TQ application by medic role or buddy aid if no medic role assigned
• Single hit to arm/leg MAY be self-aid, multiple hits or torso/head must be medic or buddy aid. ALL are addressed with a TQ. If hit to arm/leg, apply TQ to hit appendage, otherwise pick a limb for other hits (e.g. a hit to right arm, TQ must be applied to right arm, but a hit to torso may have TQ applied to any limb)
• Every team member may be revived two times (by use of arm bands)

Leadership Skills Trained

• Decisiveness/Adaptability (Army: sound judgment; Marine: decisiveness): React to the ambush and choose to retreat or counterattack (always retreating in this scenario).
• Communication (Marine: keep informed; Carnegie: clear orders): Issue concise commands (e.g., “Peel left, move!”).
• Resilience (Marine: endurance; Carnegie: enthusiasm): Maintain team focus under fire.
• Tactical Competence (Army: competence; Marine: knowledge): Use cover and bounding maneuvers to disengage.
• Avoiding "Mexican Standoff", team leader needs to make a decision and not just keep the team static exchanging rounds with OPFOR

BLUEFOR Execution

• The leader briefs the team on the route and assigns roles (point, rear guard).
• OPFOR ambushes (e.g., 2 players for moderate difficulty) with suppressive fire.
• The leader directs a peel or bounding retreat, ensuring the supply reaches the safe point.
• Scalability: 1 OPFOR for easy training (less pressure), 4 for intense chaos requiring quick decisions.
• AAR: Discuss reaction speed, communication clarity, and team coordination.

ENDEX

Once BLUFOR reaches the objective point, with time left on the click, radio in all participants to rally up at the objective point for the 5-minute AAR.