presents:

Operation Lionclaws XII
Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26, 2013

This year, we commemorate the 20th anniversary of Operation: GOTHIC SERPENT, better known to some as the Battle of the Black Sea or Black Hawk Down. In an effort to honor the brave men of Task Force Ranger, OPLC XII will revolve around mission goals similar to what the men of TF: Ranger had during their operation.

Make no mistake, this is not a historical reenactment! Instead, we are looking at the historical battles, mission objectives, and political goals and we are asking ourselves: What would happen if this ocurred in 2013? The similarities between 1993 and 2013 are startling: we have a Commander in Chief who is adverse to utilizing a boots on the ground force. Our military is fresh out of a major conflict, and due to down-sizing relies increasingly on SOCOM personnel to accomplish any kind of in country goal. Cases of terrorism related to religious extremists are on the rise.

With these modern similarities in mind, we ask ourselves the question: If a modern warlord like Mohammed Farah Aidid were to rise to power in Somalia, how would he accomplish his goals and establish a power base? How would the events of the Arab Spring, including the fall of Ghaddafi and Mubarak, combined with the rise to prominence of the Muslim Brotherhood, affect the day to day operations of a Somali group like al-Shabab?

This Memorial Day Weekend, Task Force Ranger will be given tasks against entrenched Somali fighters loyal to a new Somali power.

Background

In an effort to restore some semblance of normalcy to the people of Somalia, the US government has formed Task Force Ranger. This is a group of Special Operations personnel, led by COL Danny McKnight. Composed of Rangers and a hand selected team of Delta Force operators, led my MSG Howard "Mad Max" Mullen, this force has been tasked with a dubious mission: dismantle the various Somali militia groups, bring stability to the region, and deny access to the various terrorist organizations who wish to utilize Somalia as a safe haven.

But the Somalis will not take another foreign invasion lying down. A leader has stepped forward, siezed the reins of power, and has not only consolidated many of the militia groups but also has modernized them. This leader, whose real identity is still unknown, has reformed the Somalia National Alliance. Under this banner, he has consolidated many of the old militias into a single, military entity. Infused by foreign money, this leader has provided his SNA army with modern equipment, uniforms, and training. In addition, he has brought in former Soviet Paratrooper, SGT Igor Dobroff, to lead his army in pushing the Americans back into the sea.

While the SNA army is composed of the various militia factions from around Somalia, our mysterious leader has also insulated one militia as his praetorian guard. Under the leadership of SFC Mike "Bubba" Moore, the Habr Gidr militia wages battle against the Americans, protecting the SNA organizational, financial, and power structure. They wage an asymmetric war, blending in with the civilian population, striking quickly, and melting back into the backdrop before the Americans can counter. They are, without a doubt, the biggest threat the American effort in Somalia faces.

On Memorial Day Weekend 2013, this historic battle will be joined, and only one group will emerge victorious! Will Task Force Ranger be able to wrest control from the Somali National Alliance, or will Somalia become united under the SNA banner as a hotbed for terrorist and criminal activity worldwide?

Each Memorial Day Weekend we pay tribute to all fallen service men and women. Honor them by upholding YOUR HONOR.