Tactical Operations Orders

References: FM 7-8

From FM 7-8: “ The leader briefs his OPORD orally from notes that follow the five paragraph format…”

• The OPORD format is a guide to help you the leader remember what all you should be thinking about and planning for. Not all sections of the format will apply to all operations

What is the OPORD format used for?

(1) Disposition, Composition, and Strength

(2) Capabilities: What the enemy is able to do and how well can they do it

(3) Most probable course of action

(4) Weather and Terrain

1. SITUATION

a. Enemy forces:

OPERATIONS ORDER FORMATTask Organization:

Explain how the unit is organized for the operation.

a. Light and Weather- Weather forecast, temperature high and low, humidity, visibility, % illumination, precipitation, BMNT, EENT and

moonrise/moonset.

b. Terrain-OCOKA

O- ObstaclesC- Cover and ConcealmentO- Observation and Fields of FireK- Key TerrainA- Avenues of Approach

(4) Weather and Terrain

c. Attachments/detachments

1. SITUATION

b. Friendly forces: (1)Mission of next higher unit(2)Unit on the left mission(3)Unit on the right mission(4)Unit forward mission(5)Mission of the reserve(6)Units in support

Any units attached or detached with effective times

2. MISSION -

Who,What, When, Where, Why

(Read Twice)

* Make sure you state your mission and not that of the higher headquarters that just briefed you:

You will be either a squad or platoon!

3. EXECUTION

Commander’s Intent: the stated vision that defines the purpose of the operation and relationship among the force, the enemy, and terrain

With a full understanding of the mission and commander’s intent you should have enough guidance to improvise and adapt in order to complete the mission after the plan meets first contact with the enemy.

Why is it important?

3. EXECUTION

a. Concept of the operation:

Phases designation, description, start and end times/events.

Refer to operational overlay, concept sketch, terrain model

Common Phases - Assembly area (AA), prep, passage of lines - Move to Objective Rally Point (ORP) - Actions on objective - Consolidation and reorganization

3. EXECUTION

a. Concept of the operation:

(1)Maneuver: address all squads/teams by name giving them each an essential task. Designate main effort. Give mission statements for each subordinate element.

* Again, refer to your picture or terrain model!* Look each team leader in the eye to make sure they heard you!

Summary of Execution Paragraph:

- Tell it like a story from start to finish! The order should flow in a logical sequence

-Use your terrain model while you brief! Try to have your teams sit around it in the general location of their position on the battlefield

-You can address almost every other section of the OPORD while explaining your concept of maneuver using the overlay or terrain model:

-if there is a key signal or code word to initiate the attack don’t wait until paragraph 5 to explain it!

3. EXECUTION

a. Concept of the operation:

(2) Fires: Refer to fire support overlay and target list Describe concept of fire support in relation to Maneuver

- Priority of fires and who controls it

b. Tasks to Maneuver units:

Specify tasks, other than those listed earlier in maneuver paragraph like Aid/Litter, EPW, Demo, Compass, Pace

3. EXECUTION

c. Tasks to Combat Support units: Usually not applicable for squad or platoon operations

d. Coordinating Instructions: Things that apply to two or more units and are not SOP

- PIR- Time lines- MOPP level- Order of march- Rules of engagement-Smoke Colors

4. SERVICE SUPPORTa. General – company trainsb. Material and Services:

1. Supply

2. Transportation

3. Services

4. Maintenance

5. Medical evacuation

c. Personnel: EPW collection

5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL

a. Command

b. Signal

- location of the leader and command post- location of platoon sergeant or alternate CP- succession of command- location of higher unit commander

- methods of communication; priority- emergency signals; visual signals- code words in effect during operation- challenge and password

Remember: These details of your plan should be covered during the concept of the operation as well!

TIPS of the TRADE:

- Remember to use your graphics, map, terrain model- Use the specific names of your people as well as their team designation- Tell squad to hold questions until you are finished- Don’t waste all of your preparation time for OPORD brief: save time for Rehearsals!- Good Rehearsals will discover unseen holes in your plan and help you develop good solutions- Be dynamic, vocal, and enthusiastic!

FRAGOs

Fragmentary Orders: - Used to brief changes to existing order- Follows OPORD format- Addresses only those elements that have changed

“ … situation, no change. Mission, no change. Execution; A team will now be the main effort, B team is in support…”

FRAGOs• Expect many FRAGOS in both tactical and garrison operations• Don’t get frustrated at each FRAGO• Learn to anticipate changes• Remember the overall mission and Intent • Don’t let subordinates get bent out of shape because of multiple changes• Usually somebody else’s good idea with good intentions but doesn’t always make sense at ground level