Airborne Forces
Airborne forces are dropped by fixed wing aircraft. The OPFOR attempt to complete air drops before
dawn. The mission of the force is to seize key terrain, and river-crossing sites to destroy nuclear
delivery means, or exploit weak areas. These forces can be expected to carry out tactical assaults up
to 100 km from FEBA; operational assaults up to 300 km from FEBA; and strategic assaults up to 1,000
km from FEBA.
Amphibious Operations
Amphibious operations are conducted by the OPFOR naval infantry (we would refer to them as
marines). Amphibious landings are one means of achieving the objective, to disrupt the stability and
cohesion of the defense, by inserting these forces into the enemy's rear area.
The OPFOR prefers to conduct smaller-scale landings due to the limited and subordinate role played
by amphibious assaults in OPFOR thinking. The OPFOR uses its naval infantry only to secure a
beachhead (and, perhaps, to raid inland). Any build-up of effort will be by ordinary motorized rifle units,
with supporting artillery and staying power. The OPFOR withdraws the naval infantry from combat as
soon as possible to keep it available to ensure the success of subsequent assaults.
Naval infantry units constitute the first echelon of any operational-level amphibious operation. They
have responsibility for seizing a beachhead and securing the approaches of the main force to the
landing area. Once ashore, they employ standard OPFOR tactics as they fight their way forward to link
up with supporting air-landed troops.
Recent developments indicate a seaborne threat against critical enemy rear area posts and facilities.
The OPFOR naval infantry can conduct tactical landings with highly mobile forces, air cushioned
vehicles, and high speed landing ships. They categorize these operations by landings:
o Strategic landing. Multidivision landing with naval and air support to open or expand a military
operation.
o Operational landing. Regiment- or division-sized landing to seize an island, base, or coastal
facility.
o Tactical landing. Battalion-sized or larger landing against enemy coastline or facilities. This
may be in support of an inland ground force operation.
o Recon and sabotage landing. Landing by a battalion, company, or platoon against coastal
facilities (see Figure 1-15).
MP2010
1-20
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