Soldier's Story Mission #1: Infiltration
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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in our disclaimer.
See the Suggested Parking waypoint at bottom of listing. As a
youth, I played “Army” with friends along the
Illinois-Michigan Canal. The area became a war zone where
we’d have to complete missions. Now that war-zone is a cache
series!
Due to risk of danger or suspicious-like or illegal activity
(ahem), I couldn’t include some of those play-missions, but
there are “classic” missions and others created for
this series. Some may not seem too real, but: Use your imagination,
think like a 12-year old boy, and play along!
RATINGS:
Be sure to check the ratings on all caches. Some are difficult due
to their length in distance, time, and/or physical and terrain
requirements.
PRE-MISSION DISCLAIMERS:
Series is approximately a 7-mile, generally round-trip hike. It
involves some bushwhacking, climbing, crawling, ducking, jumping,
and you’ll probably at least get your boots wet. Be
physically prepared and wear appropriate clothing. ASSUME YOUR
OWN RISKS! Not to be dramatic, but safety is essential. See
disclaimers in each cache listing, and review the “Limiting
Factors” section below. Email me if you have trouble or if
you’re uncomfortable completing any stage.
MISSION TIDBITS:
- Read ALL of the information contained in each cache message; some
helpful clues are hidden within!
- ‘Execution’ and ‘Support’ sections
provide the cache type, stages, and further instructions for
completing a mission.
- Bonus cache: There is a bonus cache somewhere along in the
series, but it’ll be difficult to find. While it is NOT
necessary to find the bonus cache, it may make things easier for
you!
- Spoilers: Please don't spoil the series (verbally, on-line
logs/notes, plain text or encrypted) and that’s an
order!
OPERATIONS ORDER:
Welcome to the Republic of Iyandemland, Lieutenant… and
welcome to war.
Situation:
You are to lead a squad of 12 US Forces (USFOR) troops with mixed
specialties in both tactical & strategic missions. There are a
variety of objectives that you need to accomplish.
Mission:
Locate, assault, and secure the enemy’s tactical base, AND
secure classified enemy war-plan documents located there. Achieving
these objectives will eliminate the enemy’s ability to
control its forces, thus rendering its war-plan useless.
Notes:
The base’s exact location is unknown and intelligence reports
have produced limited information. Therefore, gather intelligence
during your missions, analyze the data, and act upon the results to
complete the final objective.
Enemy:
Consists of Iyandemian Army (IA) regulars and Resistance
Brigade (RB) (terrorist group). Enemy forces have been
decimated by USFOR, but chance of enemy contact is moderate; engage
them only at clear opportunity. Take no prisoners; should you
encounter enemy forces in a non-combatant state, collect
information only and disengage swiftly.
Friendlies:
Local Nationals (LN’s): Receptive to USFOR and may be
high-value sources of information, as long as you follow their
local customs. “Cacheic” is the local language.
Canal Viper (CV): A pro-US, well-organized militia operating
in the area. CV consists of oppressed LN’s fighting the
Iyandemian Army and Resistance Brigade. CV is also receptive to
USFOR, however, they are never forthcoming in providing direct
information to assist USFOR. They desire to “take the law
into their own hands” to defeat the common enemy.
Agent Coyote: A low-key US operative who is currently active
in the area. He will provide mission-specific details and guidance
at various points of your route, as well as tactical and strategic
suggestions. He will only provide information that he feels you
need to know. Acknowledge receipt of Agent Coyote’s
information by logging your mark where required.
Limiting Factors:
- Begin this mission as early as practical if you wish to
accomplish the objectives by sundown.
- Proper force & equipment utilization is essential. Carry the
required amounts of insect repellant, first aid equipment, and
other field conveniences.
- Do not expect re-supply of perishables or (pretend) ammunition;
press on with adequate supplies of water &
rations.
- It is imperative that you complete this mission in sequence (#1,
#2, #3, etc.). Do NOT circumvent the planning or orders you
receive.
Required Equipment Listing:
Cache listings
GPSr & batteries
Compass
Paper
Writing utensil
Water & rations
Recommended Equipment Listing:
First Aid kit
Cell Phone
Flashlight
Other “field conveniences”
You have your orders, Lieutenant. Gear up, lock
& load. Be ready to roll within one-zero minutes!
MISSION #1: INFILTRATION
SITUATION: Infiltrate enemy lines; intelligence states that
Agent Coyote has covertly indicated where you can contact
him.
MISSION: Navigate “Route Rail Trail” (dirt
trail) to infiltration point at N41°44.512 / W087°51.991;
subsequently contact Agent Coyote & receive instructions.
EXECUTION: Multi-cache, 3 stages. Final cache is a black
lock-and-lock.
SUPPORT: This cache listing’s coordinates place you at
Stage 1 (dirt trailhead). Stage 2 (infiltration point) contains
coordinates to Stage 3 (Agent Coyote/final). At Stage 2, look for
the coordinates written at upper left in black marker, about
halfway in.
DISCLAIMER: STAGE 2 WARRANTS THE 4-STAR
RATING FOR THIS MISSION. YOU MUST ENTER
AND EXIT VIA THE NORTH SIDE! YOU WILL ALSO BE IN A TIGHT SPACE; IF
YOU DON’T LIKE CLOSED/TIGHT SPACES, YOU MAY NOT WANT TO
ATTEMPT THIS MISSION. ASSUME YOUR OWN RISKS!!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[Stage two]: haqretebhaq-oevat yvtug
[Final]: haqregerrsnyy-uvture fvqr bs fybcr