Panama Channel
193rd Infantry Brigade
HHC 193rd Infantry Brigade Fort Clayton (Diablo Heights, Pamana)
4/10 Inf (Light) Fort Davis (Gatun, Panama)
5/87 Inf (Light) Fort Kobbe (Pao Santo, Panama)
1/508 PIR (Abn) Fort Kobbe (Pao Santo, Panama)
193rd Support Bn Fort Clayton (Diablo Heights, Panama)
193rd Engineer Coy (Sep.) Fort Clayton (Diablo Heights, Panama)
1/228 Aviation (Assault) Fort Kobbe (Pao Santo, Panama)
Headquarters & Headquarters Company (Phantoms)
Alpha Company (Talons) with 10x UH-60A aircraft
Bravo Company (Sugarbears) with 4x CH-47D aircraft
U.S. Army Air Ambulance Detachment (Witchdoctors) with 4x UH-60A aircraft
Command & Control Detachment (Nomads) with 2x UH-60A (C2) aircraft.
Note: This order of battle was originally posted on Cris Callahan’s Twilight 2000 page which was dedicated to Twilight 2000 South America, specifically U.S. and other forces in Panama. The webpage disappeared awhile back and I have been unable to contact Cris. The order of battle is posted "as is" without editing. If anyone knows the original author, please have him send an email to
orrin_ladd@yahoo.com
Order of Battle: Allied Forces
Presented here is a (hopefully) comprehensive OOB for SOUTHCOM-allied forces in Panama. Also discussed are other assorted forces which may be encountered by the PC's.
<Picture>
NAVSPECWARGRU-2
Elements of the 2nd US Naval Special Warfare Group are present, including one SEAL Delivery Vehicle team, one Special Boat Unit, five Platoons of SEALS, and about two dozen support personnel (C2, logistics, etc.). All of these units are currently located at NAVSTAPANCANAL (Rodman).
SBU 26
•Assets: 2 Mk. V SOC, 2 PBL, 2 PBR Mk IV •Location: Rodman NS
SDV-2
Two of SDV-2's seven "Eight-Boats" (and accompanying personnel) were deployed to Rodman with the SEALs.
•Assets: 2 Mk. VIII SDV •Location: Rodman NS
SEALs
There are four SEAL platoons assigned to Rodman, though obviously their assignments take them all over the theatre. There is one squad assigned to NSGA Galeta to provide security, and one squad regularly assigned to the Firebolt.
•Manpower: 80 (5 platoons of 2 squads of 8) •Assets: No heavy assets (small arms and heavy weapons are the only indigenous firepower). •Location: NAVSTA Rodman; NSGA Galeta
HELSUPPSPECRON 5
This unit was attached to the NAVSPEWARGRU for its deployment to Panama.
•Location: Rodman NS •Assets: 3 HH-60J Jayhawk
PC-10 Firebolt
This is a Cyclone-class PC (Patrol, Coastal) vessel deployed from Norfolk to Panama to support NAVSOC missions. The ship's home port is now Rodman NS.
1st Marine Co. (Security)/ II MEF
This unit provides security for NAVSTA Rodman and the surrounding areas. Included in this unit are FAST and SRT teams.
•Manpower: 250 •Location; Rodman NS
Small Craft Co./ HQ Battalion/ 2d Marine Division
Currently located at Rodman NS. The USMC equivalent of the SBU.
•Manpower: 250 •Assets: 18 Riverine Assault Craft (RAC)
470th Military Intelligence Brigade
This unit is stationed at SOUTHCOM HQ, but actively deploys field intelligence gathering teams throughout the theatre. In addition, there is a small contingent at NSGA Galeta to help monitor equipment. The Brigade has Interrogation, EW, LRS, and CI BN. In addition, SOT-A's deploy with SOF forces when required.
•Manpower: 2300 •Assets: 1 JOV-1E Mohawk, 2 EH-60A Blackhawk/Quickfix II •Location: Ft. Clayton
JOTB
The Jungle Operations Training Brigade is stationed at the Jungle Operations Training Center (oddly enough), which is at Ft. Sherman. The JOTB, in addition to providing continuous training for both SOUTHCOM (including PPF) troops, has served as a LRRP, infantry, and SF unit when required.
•Manpower: 800 •Location: Ft. Sherman
1/228th Aviation Regiment
Provides Air-Assault capability to SOUTHCOM forces, in addition to more mundane transportation duties. Composed of three Co plus HHC.
•Manpower:1000 •Assets: 33 UH-60L (11 per Co) •Location: Ft. Clayton
D Co./3d BN/160th SOAR (Airborne)
This unit's stated mission is to provide support for USASOC forces in the Southern Area.
•Location: Ft. Sherman •Assets: 3 MH-60K Pavehawk, 1 AH-1F, 1 CH-54 Tarhe (Skycrane), 2 AH-6G Little Birds, 1 MH-47E
C Co./3d BN/7th SFG
C Co. is composed of 1 SFOD-B providing C2 for 6 SFOD-A's.
•Manpower: 300 •Location: Ft. Sherman (HQ)
193d Infantry BDE (Light)
The only American infantry unit currently in Panama.
•Manpower: 2300 •Location: Ft. Clayton •Assets: No heavy assets
536th Combat Engineer Battalion
The engineers build and maintain all military structures in the Southern Area. In addition, their duties include sanitation engineering, combat engineering, demolition, and just about any other engineering task one can think of. The biggest challenge for the 536th is currently the nation-building campaign designed to secure the confidence of the Panamanian populace. There is a small detachment at the Colon FTZ, maintaining the refinery.
•Location: Ft. Clayton •Manpower: 500, plus up to 500 Panamanian laborers and construction workers •Assets: 2 M9 ACE; Local construction equipment.
106th Signals BDE
This unit is responsible for installing and maintaining all military and government communication lines in the Southern Area. In addition, there is a small contingent at NSGA Galeta to constantly maintain the equipment there.
•Manpower: 400 •Location: Ft. Clayton
720th Military Police BN/89th MP BDE
Composed of four companies (64th,401st,410th,411th) which are responsible for the security of all US Army posts in Panama and SOUTHCOM Headquarters, as well as conducting LE and CT operations. There are detachments at NSGA Galeta and at the Colon refinery.
SOWT/10th Combat Weather Squadron
Several SOWT Teams was deployed to Panama to support SOCSOUTH.
•Manpower: 20 •Location: Howard AFB
Detachment 1/ 16th SOW
Detachment 1 of the USAF 16th Special Operations Wing is currently located at Howard AFB. This unit's mission is to provide support for SOCOM units in the Southern Area.
•Location: Howard AFB •Assets: 3 MH-53J Pave Low IIIE, 1 HH-60D Nighthawk, 1 AC-130H Spectre, 1 MC-130P Combat Shadow
310th Airlift Squadron
This unit contains elements of the 310th SQDN, the 24th Logistics, the 24th Maintenance, the 24th Weather, and the 630th Radar SQDN. This composite squadron is currently located at Howard AFB.
•Location: Howard AFB •Assets: 3 C-27A Spartan, 1 C-21A
Coronet-Nighthawk
Rotating detachments of ANG F-15 and F-16 aircraft which rotate through Howard AFB. Four to Six aircraft were deployed at one time, and the ANG units had to supply their own logistics and maintenance people.
•Manpower: 200 •Assets: 4 F-16 •Location: Howard AFB
Coronet-Oak
Rotating detachment of transport / logistics ANG units. These units had to supply their own maintenance and logistics people. The C-141 which is present currently spends more time in the maintenance hanger than in the air.
•Manpower: 200 •Assets: 1 C-141B •Location: Howard AFB
SOUTHCOM HQ BN
The CINCSOUTH has appropriated the two USCG HH-65A Dolphins which were present. In addition, SOUTHCOM has commandeered several (formerly) private civilian aircraft for "official government use". The Headquarters BN consists of about 700 people (mostly administrative), and includes representatives from the DIA, NSA, and USCG.
•Location: Ft. Clayton •Assets: 2 OH-58D, 2 HH-65A, 1 H-76 Eagle, 1 Boeing-Vertol 107, 1 Hughes 530 MG, 1 Bell 206L
CMAP
The CIA has its own air force (or remnants thereof) located at Panama City Airport (PAC), which is 27 km NE of Panama City. The actual CivGov HQ is in Panama City itself, and includes the State Department, DEA, and Customs Service personnel which were originally assigned to SOUTHCOM before the split.
•Assets: 1 UH-1, 2 Transall C-160, 2 HH-2C
CLET
The DEA Clandestine Lab Enforcement Teams provide personal security for CIA Station Chief Tucker, internal security for CivGov, and lead CIA covert operations throughout Latin America. The CLET teams are typically armed with SiG P-226 and Beretta 92F pistols; HK MP-5SF carbines and Colt 9mm SMG's.
•Manpower: 100 •Assets: 1 HH-60 Nighthawk •Location: Panama City
CONASEPUDEN
The Panamanian Public Security and National Defence Council. The operational arm is the "Presidential Protection Service". It is unclear why it requires 900 men with heavy weapons just to protect the President. The Service has a wide variety of infantry weapons, including: M16 and GALIL rifles, Uzi and MAC-10 SMG's, M60 MG's, M72 and RPG-18 RL's, and hand grenades.
PPF
The Public Protection Force was formed as an internal security force after Operation Just Cause concluded in 1991. Panama's constitution was changed to prohibit a standing army (like Costa Rica), but this amendment was discarded in 1998 in response to the changing world situation. The PPF then officially became the Panamanian armed forces. The PPF troops are primarily organized into infantry units, although there are some small coastal patrol units. There are about 20,000 soldiers stationed around Panama. They are equipped with M16A1/M16A2's, and possess only a handful of heavy weapons. PPF is under the control of SOUTHCOM, and many of the units are led by members of the US Army 5/87th Infantry, which was disbanded and dispersed throughout the PPF in an effort to improve the overall quality of the fighting force.
•Manpower: 20,000 •Assets: 1 Puma, 3 UH-1 (Albrook AFB); CG V-150, V-300 (common); 2 coastal patrol boats (typically surveilling the Colombian coast)
TJP
The Technical Judicial Police are assisting local police in providing internal security for Panama. They are armed with pistols, and a few SMG's / AR's. The TJP currently numbers about 5000 nationwide.
Order of Battle: Opposition Forces
Presented here is a (hopefully) comprehensive OOB for Opposition Forces in the Panama area. Also discussed are other assorted forces which may be encountered by the PC's.
<Picture>
Colombian Army
A good portion of the remaining Colombian Army is under the control of the Drug Cartels. The majority, however, just don't care, and are more concerned with surviving than fighting. In the West, the cartels control 4 BDE, but they are moving over reinforcements from the East. The soldiers are armed with M14 and G3 rifles. In addition, they are in possession of several M20 and M40A1 RR, and a few M101 105mm howitzers.
•Manpower: 10,000 at present •Assets: 4 EE-3, 10 EE-9, 12 EE-11; 4 UH-60 •Location: Turbo, Santa Fé de Antioquia, MedellÃÂ*n
ELN
The National Liberation Army of Panama. This terrorist group is composed of people with a mixture of ideologies. Their common goal, however, is to drive the Americans out of Panama. The group is lightly armed (a few assault rifles, some pistols), but they are making increasing use of bombs. The devices they have produced so far have been crude and low-powered, but have been effective psychologically.
FARC
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. This narcoguerrilla group is backed by the Colombian Cartels. The group is well armed, with military small arms and a few heavy weapons. FARC has teams operating in Eastern Panama. The group is increasingly dangerous. There are an estimated 2000-3000 members of this group. Some of these troops are conducting SO in Panama, some are fulfilling internal security roles inside Colombia.
FEAU
The Fuerzas Especiales Anti-Terroristas Urbanas (Urban Counter-Terrrorist Special Forces). This unit was formed with elements from the Colombian Army, Air Force, Marines, and National Police. The FEAU is now controlled by the Colombian Cartels (as they control the national government), and is known to be conducting guerrilla operations in Panama's Darien Province. A wide variety of weapons are employed, including: the AR-15, M16A2, GALIL (7.62mm), and M40 rifles; the Remington M870 SG; the HK MP-5 SMG; the M60 MG; the Beretta M92 and Browning HP pistols; and the M79 GL.
FSLN
The Sandinistas have recently become much more aggressive, and are again a full-fledged guerrilla group. They are trying to form an alliance with the Costa Rican guerrillas, and are going to attempt to mount a full-scale revolution in Nicaragua (again). They are armed with AKM rifles, but their ammunition supply is limited.
•Manpower: 10,000 •Location: Throughout Nicaragua
GRU
The GRU maintains a SIGINT installation at Lourdes, Cuba. Given the fact that the US is a common enemy, it is not surprising that the GRU has been known to provide the cartels with intelligence from time to time. There are a half-dozen Soviet advisors in Colombia training FARC personnel; they occassionally lead FARC raids into Panama.
Immediate Reaction Battalion
Old veterans of this COIN unit (originally formed to protect Costa Rica against Nicaraguan incursions during the Contra period), along with some other militia members, have begun to reform, gaining strength in the refugee camps along the borders. Though they are lightly armed (mostly small arms; a few RR's) , they are gaining support among the refugees because of the perception they are "doing something" about the current situation. The "something" they are doing is staging cross-border raids to steal food, supplies, weapons, and whatever loot they can haul away. Their motivations are more demagogic than altruistic, and they keep the lion's share of the food (and all of the loot) for themselves. The group began in the camps along the Panamanian border, but their activities have inspired like-minded individuals in the Nicaraguan camps. These groups enjoy the sympathy of the Costa Rican people. These marauding groups have recently formed a tribunal which meets in San José.
•Manpower: unknown, but increasing •Current Location: Any refugee camps; San José •Assets: 2 M113
MLN-29
National Liberation Movement-29. This Marxist Panamanian terrorist group is lightly armed and poorly organized. There are perhaps a few hundred members scattered throughout the countryside in Darien Province. Their weapons range from sporting rifles to a handful of assault rifles. Though the Colombian Cartels' motivations certainly do not coincide with their own, MLN-29 is more likely to attack allied forces, as they are seen as invaders.
the "Nazca Warriors"
A mercenary army currently in the employ of the Colombians. They don't particularly care for whom they work, as long as its the highest bidder (and the job isn't too outlandish). This group has been operating in South America for several years. The core of the "army" is a group of South African expatriates, each with several years service in the SADF. They have "gone native", and most now speak fluent Spanish, as well as (collectively) a half-dozen indian languages. This core has been augmented by indigenous mercenary-types from all over Latin America. The group took it's name from an ancient tribe of headhunters.
•Manpower: 400 men •Current Location: unknown; headquarters and supply depots in Cali, Bogotá •Assets: 1 S-58 (CH-34) Choctaw, 1 Westland Scout; 1 Scorpion, 1 CG Commando, 1 M101 105mm