ODA 1211, A Co, 2nd Btn, 1st Special Forces Group
In the Special Forces world, “Operational Detachments-A” (ODA), popularly known as “A-Teams,” are the primary operating group for the Green Berets. Each team is designed to be the “swiss army knife” of special forces units. Composed of twelve soldiers and trained to operate under extreme conditions, the Green Berets are masters of “unconventional warfare.”
As the commander of ODA 1211, Captain Peters was used to going where he wasn’t wanted and doing things the locals didn’t want him to do. Two tours in Afghanistan had taught him how to operate in enemy territory. However, a full-scale war with China wasn’t something he had ever expected to be involved in. Until today.
“Operation Long Snap? Are they out of their fucking minds?”
“Out of their fucking minds, sir.”
“Dammit Paul, I’m serious.”
Major Lee could understand Peters’ concern. A mission like this should take months, not three weeks. While the lack of formality would have shocked a regular army Major, Lee treasured the fact that Captain Peters felt like he could speak his mind in private. He needed the trust of his officers to do the impossible tasks he often asked them to do.
“Lance, I know it’s nuts. But what alternative do we have? There are sixteen armored brigades heading north on D-Day. Are you saying you don’t want to be there when they roll?”
“Hell no! I’m saying give me time to do it properly.”
“There’s the right way, the wrong way and then there is the Army way, Lance.” Lee clapped Captain Peters on the shoulder. “This is our mission, get it done.”
“I hear ya. My men are ready to bounce. I just hope our agency friends have the asset lined up as promised.”
“What is your insertion plan?”
“We go for option A, HAHO.” A High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) parachute insertion had become a favorite of US Special Forces. The high altitude allowed the operators to glide for up to thirty miles, placing them well away from the flight path of the aircraft which inserted them. In this case, it would allow them to clear the DMZ and have a chance of hooking up with the locals which the CIA had been assiduously grooming for over thirty years, anticipating just this type of operation.
“Do what you need to do. No holding back on this one.”
“It will be messy.”
“Understood.” As Major Lee left, Peters took a couple of deep breaths before he walked into the team’s ready room. Chief Warrant Officer Smith had his feet up on a battered table, smoking a cigar. The rest of the team were scattered around the room. Each man was checking their various bits of gear from personal weapons to communications devices. “Chief, we have the go. Get the team moving.”
“What’s our wheels up time?”
“Wheels up 2100.”
“OK ladies, let’s get this show on the road.”
Without haste or any undue emotion, the twelve men of ODA 1211 began preparations for the most critical mission of their careers.