the five paragraph operations order

8/4/2019 The Five Paragraph Operations Order

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THE FIVE PARAGRAPH

OPERATIONS ORDERSSG BOONE


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INTRODUCTION

Cavalry units, just like any other unitneed to write orders. Too often units justexecute without going through the tactical

decision making process. Leaders mustbe familiar with the Operation Orderformat in order to write them effectively,

and soldiers must understand them inorder to carry the mission out correctly.


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TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE(TLO):

Learn the format for a 5 ParagraphOperations Order.


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CONDITIONS

Given a hypothetical mission, unit, andmaterial assets; plan and write a 5

Paragraph Operation Order


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PURPOSE

The purpose of this class is to familiarizecurrent and future leaders with the

OPORD format and the information itshould contain.


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PROCEDURE

During this class we will discuss thedevelopment of the 5 Paragraph OPORD.

Ask questions at any time. Periodically I

will ask you questions to see how well youare following the material.


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PARAGRAPH ONE

a. Paragraph one is the SITUATIONparagraph. It contains information onweather, terrain, enemy, and friendly

situation. In subparagraph a we coverhow weather and terrain will effect theability to conduct the mission. Include

effects on EW operation, light data,trafficability, line of sight, andmaneuverability.


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Subparagraph b. deals with threatsparticular to the operating unit. Includethe big picture enemy threat, rear area

threats, and the threat of enemy airattach.


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Subparagraph c. covers the friendlysituation. Include in this section the

brigade mission and the Commanders

intent. In this section, list the adjacentunits and any other relevant friendly unit

data.


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Subparagraph d. is attachments anddetachments. If the unit has receivedassets from a higher headquarters, list

them and their relationship.


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PARAGRAPH TWO

Paragraph two is the restated missionstatement. After mission analysis, thecommander will issue his mission

statement. It must include the type andpurchase of the operation (task.) It mustalso have a list of all mission essential

tasks. (METL)


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The next section of paragraph two is theCommanders intent. This section contains the

what and why of the operation. The intent

should include purpose, defeat mechanism,definition of success, risk, endstate, and linkage

to future missions. The Commanders intentshould be sufficiently clear and precise enough

to enable your subordinates to take the rightactions even in the absence of further orders

from the Commander.


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PARAGRAPH THREE

Paragraph three is the EXECUTION portion.Subparagraph a. is concept of the operation. It is

composed of scheme of maneuver and theconcept of fires.

Subparagraph b. is instructions to sub-units.Subparagraph c. covers coordinating instructions.

It contains tasks that apply to two or more sub-units. It includes information such as passage

of lines and rally points, routes, rehearsals,inspections, debriefings, MOPP status, sitecoordination, and CCIR. Accurate graphicsshould be included as well.


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PARAGRAPH 4

Paragraph 4 is the SERVICE AND SUPPORTparagraph. It contains information onlogistics and service/support that will

ensure that the unit can accomplish itsmission. It should contain information onCASEVAC, classes of supply, convoys, and

maintenance. The units readiness statusis normally posted on a resource statusreport (RSR.)


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PARAGRAPH 5

This paragraph contains command andsignal instructions. The command sectionshows the chain of command and location

of CPs.

The signal section details signal proceduresand commo nets, including radio

frequencies and pyrotechnics. It shouldalso covers reports and cryto data.

the five paragraph operations order

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