SITUATION:
Area of Operations: Markham Park Nature Trail and Conservation Levee Greenway extending 1.5-miles to the West.
Terrain: Begins with unpaved nature trail then transitions to unpaved road atop Levee, consisting of hard packed limestone fill. Some loose rock and minor tripping hazards will be present. Moderate downgrade is present on both sides of levee, terminating in wetlands / drainage canal. Due to close proximity to wetlands, some insect activity is expected.
Weather: High ~84/Low ~69, Mostly Sunny
Sunrise: 0721
Higher Mission/Intent:
Mission: The mission of the American Battle Buddies (ABB) is to provide public service to the nation by encouraging physical fitness and organization for patriotic Americans throughout the country.
Intent: The purpose of these hikes is to establish the Florida ABB network. These groups will meet in various cities across the state to develop a functional network. Events have already been scheduled in Tampa, Jacksonville, the Panhandle, and Orlando. Miami ABB will support this endeavor by completing one initial ruck march in preparation for more intensive events.
MISSION: Miami ABB conducts 3-mile ruck march at 0930, 22 MAR 2020 on the Conservation Levee Greenway in order to establish the local ABB network. An additional 3-mile ruck is available if interest supports it.
EXECUTION:
Intent: My purpose is to establish local ABB groups in the Miami area in conjunction with groups in other areas of the state. Our key tasks are to
1) Meet others in our area, and
2) Conduct an initial ruck march. Desired end state is a 3-mile hike in less than one hour with no injuries.
Concept of Operation: Members will arrive at the Markham Park Nature Trailhead at 0900. Group will conduct safety brief, prep gear, wait for latecomers/stragglers, etc. until step-off at 0930. Packs will be weighed for qualification upon request. Group will hike Westbound along the Nature Trail & Conservation Levee Greenway for a distance of 1.5 miles, then return via the same route. Upon completion of the event, group will make coordination for the next event and conduct AAR.
Scheme of Maneuver: Group will move in a column through the trail, allowing traffic to pass as necessary. Packs are optional. Pace will be minimum 19:00/hr according to ABB SOP.
Coordinating Instructions: ABB standards are here:
https://americanpioneercorps.org/guidelines/. Members are encouraged but not required to use a pack weighing a minimum of 35lb (excluding drinking water).
Timeline:
0900 - Arrival
0930 - Step Off
1030 - March Complete
1045 - Depart Area
Risk Reduction
Accountability: A headcount will be performed at the following points: Step-off, upon crossing the bridge onto the levee, and at the turnaround point. The headcounts will occur at the same locations on the return leg.
Lost Person Plan: If any hiker becomes lost during the movement, they will hold in place for 15 minutes. After this time, the individual will orient themselves to place the canal on their right side, and proceed along the top of the levee. Upon reaching the bridge, they will proceed across and follow the trail to the left, then proceed through the woods to the trailhead.
Uniform/Packing List:
Required: Athletic/outdoor clothes, boots or athletic shoes. Motivation.
Recommended: Rucksack (frame highly recommended) with minimum 35lbs. Straps secured and packed tight. Bug spray/sunscreen/allergy meds as needed. Garbage bags for trash collected along trail.
SUSTAINMENT:
Logistics: Restroom facilities are available in the park. No open-carry firearms are permitted on the trail. The trail is used extensively by FWC, birders, bikers, hikers and hippies. Dress accordingly.
Class I (food/water): Limited running water is available on site (hose bibs). Water will be staged at the vehicles for topping off. Recommend bringing at minimum one 32oz bottle of water. Energy bars/gels are recommended.
Class VIII (medical): Bring allergy meds/personal prescriptions as needed.
Medical: If a medical emergency occurs on the trail, members will call 911 and move casualty to the bridge or trailhead, if able. If unable to move the casualty, at least one hiker will remain with the victim. Other hikers will proceed to the nearest vehicle access point to guide EMS.
In the event of a routine casualty, not threatening life or limb, we will help/carry the injured individual to the trailhead. We will then self-transport the injured party to Cleveland Clinic ER (3100 Weston Rd, Weston, FL 33331)
Minor medical issues may be treated onsite if within the skill set of first aid and basic medical supplies (i.e., blisters, cuts, etc.)
COMMAND AND SIGNAL:
Command Posts: Main gather point is the Markham Park Nature Trail Parking Area
Identification: Gather point will be identified by a Florida HTF BFL.
Signal: Arfcom thread is the primary communication until step-off; OP will be active on the thread until step-off at 0930.