Operation Overlord is a tactical war game utilizing an extreme “Capture the Flag” concept. The event is comprised of three independent sectors of operation with separate engagements. Within each sector, each opponent will have three flags (6 total per sector) randomly placed which they will have to locate, protect, and capture. Each opponent is also responsible for accomplishing the objective they are assigned within their sector.
At the start of the war game, each opponent is prohibited from touching, moving or concealing their own flags – only the opposing force can touch or displace a flag if or when they capture it. When an opposing force captures a flag, the individual who physically obtains the flag is responsible for it until they take a hit. That person cannot hand it off to someone else, hide it or withdraw to the rear with it. They must maintain physical possession of the flag and remain with their unit. NOTE: If an opponent is able to secure their flag and prevent it from being captured, it is technically in their possession and they have positive control of it.
If or when the individual who captured the flag takes a hit, they must place the flag where they were hit. This is within reason of course – i.e. if the individual is crossing a road the flag will be placed at the side of the road. When placing a flag, every effort should be made to plant it firmly in the ground vertically and be visible – again, within reason. Flags will not be laid on the ground horizontally or concealed in surrounding vegetation. NOTE: Though the individual who captured the flag is hit and must relinquish it, the flag is still technically in possession of the opposing force that captured it.
At this point, the opposing force who captured the flag is prohibited from touching, moving or concealing it. The flag can only be touched or moved by the force it belongs to, providing them the opportunity to reclaim their flag. The same rules then apply to the force recapturing their flag. The individual who physically obtains the flag is responsible for it, when that person is hit they plant the flag where they were hit, and that force is again prohibited from touching, moving or concealing the flag. NOTE: When a flag is recaptured, it DOES NOT have to be returned to its original starting point.
This process allows each opponent the opportunity to capture and/or recapture flags. It keeps engagements self-propelling, because each opponent is either maneuvering to capture a flag, prevent the capture of a flag, trying to recapture a flag or prevent the recapture of a flag. All the while, opponents are still responsible for completing their assigned objectives. It requires each opponent to make tactically sound decisions about the means in which they accomplish this.
To track who has possession of each flag and its location, units must report status information and/or changes in status to their Sector Commander, who then reports it to the overall Axis or Allied Commander. At the end of the war game when leaving the training areas, flags will be secured by those who have possession and positive control of them. When conducting personnel accountability, whichever opponent possesses the most flags and accomplished their assigned objective is declared the winner. NOTE: The winner of each sector will be identified, as well as the overall winning side – Axis or Allied.
Within each sector, both Allied and Axis forces will have an individual appointed to serve as Flag Officer. The individual can be either officer or enlisted rank; the term “Flag Officer” is the title bestowed to the individual appointed to said position. The role and responsibility of the Flag Officer will be to ensure participants are adhering to the rules of the war game and have the authority to settle any disputes that may arise. Flag Officers can be identified by the white armband worn on their left sleeve. The event staff understands there is a degree of trust shared by every participant, but feel confident everyone will perform honorably and do their part to ensure a safe and fun event.