Operation NightHawk: Pre-Ops Recce Mission

.I received a call from one of the human recce elements in the morning about a slight delay. A few of us were already en-route to the Rendevous (RV) for a recce mission in support of Ops NightHawk 2010. It was supposed to be a pre-dawn insertion of a few early elements to look for all the passages and routes of what would be the longest distance in Ops NightHawk.

We finally set off just before first light, and headed towards PONY axis (Thomson Road). This is a major dual carriageway, with rather heavy movement of traffic. We had to keep within our boundaries on the pavements and walkways. As we passed The LongHouse, we saw a large assembly of iron ponies (bikers) getting ready for their rehearsals along PONY. With their helmets and colourful outfits, it is almost difficult to make out any familiar faces.

After about 4km, our small recce group turned towards Casuarina and then along the OUTR winding axis. We spotted friendly elements in the form of the aniMILES who gave us waves of acknowledgement as we pass one another along the winding passageway. The flora and fauna along the OUTR provided an aura of calm and coolness, and along the way, there were always action and movements by the groups of monkeys doing their rounds. We minded our own business, and focused on the mission at hand.

The MANDY axis (Mandai Rd) was a dual carriageway full of heavy mobile columns. We kept to the paved walkways over an undulating terrain. The sun was out in full force by then, but we kept to our bearings in front. When we reached the Crematorium check-point (CP), it was 13km. We RV'ed before proceeding forward to the Wildlife Reserves (zoo). By the time we reached the turning point into TIGER axis, leading to the zoo, it was already 16km. One of the recce commander turned back earlier for a shorter distance. Through the ups and downs to the Reserves, we finally made it to the water point (U-Turn) for a break and re-grouping. I took a packet of carb rations which provided the fuel for the rest of the mission.

The return along MANDY axis was more hilly, and coupled with the strong sunshine, that slowed the recce elements down. Instead of going further up MANDY, we did a turn towards HYDRO axis (Seletar Reservoir area) for extra cover and to minimize the signature. That would make for a good Main Supply Route (MSR) for the troops. The thick tree cover along HYDRO afforded the team with good shade, and that helped to cool our brains to some extent. The rear guard decided to branch off to a bypass, while the front guard proceeded into the HYDRO feature point and then had a quick CP break. From there, we proceeded on to RV with all the elements at the final CP at LPR.

After 30km of recce on foot in the heat, the recce force was rather drained. It was good that we had refuel of hydration, with some supplement of private rations. The final 4km back to start point was just one of focus, speed when not under the cover of shade and observation, and breakaway of the front guard. By then, PONY axis was choked with traffic, which made movement difficult. Knowing that the final CP was near, the recce force's morale was high as we put mind to matter, driving those tired legs forward to eventually complete the mission in 3.5hrs.

Back at the start point, we bumped into a few friendly forces who were doing their own rehearsals and training missions in the forest. We had a mini debrief with the group and all agreed that the 35km route would make for a good Night Mission during Operation NightHawk. Doing it at night would make the journey more bearable, as well as conditioning the troops for D-Day (Sundown). Overall, a very successful recce mission, and thanks to all recce elements who came. There will be a few more recce missions before the launch of NightHawk, and we will be activating the recce forces again soon. Meanwhile, we are at REDCON 3 Status. When Dusk Cometh, The NightHawks Emerge!