An OPORD, or Operation Order, is a five-paragraph document that outlines the who, what, when, where, and why of a military operation. It is used to communicate the commander’s intent and ensure that all personnel are aware of their roles and responsibilities.
Key Facts
- Situation:
- Provide a brief description of the current status of the unit, including the location, personnel, and any considerations that may affect the mission.
- Include information about nearby enemy and friendly forces, as well as terrain and weather conditions.
- Mission:
- Clearly state the objective that needs to be accomplished.
- Include a statement of the commander’s intent, which gives an overview of the big picture and how the mission fits into it.
- The mission statement should answer the questions of who, what, when, where, and why.
- Execution:
- This paragraph outlines the specific details of how the unit will accomplish the mission.
- Include information on movement, tasks, coordination with other units, and any subtasks that need to be assigned.
- Administration and Logistics:
- This paragraph covers the support needed to carry out the mission, such as food, transportation, and equipment.
- Command and Signal:
- Describe the communication methods and procedures to be used during the mission.
- Include instructions on what to do in case of a break in the chain of command.
Remember to keep the order clear, concise, and easy to understand. Clarity and simplicity are essential when briefing an OPORD.
Situation
The situation paragraph provides a brief overview of the current situation, including the location, personnel, and any considerations that may affect the mission. This information helps to set the stage for the rest of the order.
- Provide a brief description of the current status of the unit, including the location, personnel, and any considerations that may affect the mission.
- Include information about nearby enemy and friendly forces, as well as terrain and weather conditions.
Mission
The mission paragraph clearly states the objective that needs to be accomplished. It also includes a statement of the commander’s intent, which gives an overview of the big picture and how the mission fits into it. The mission statement should answer the questions of who, what, when, where, and why.
- Clearly state the objective that needs to be accomplished.
- Include a statement of the commander’s intent, which gives an overview of the big picture and how the mission fits into it.
- The mission statement should answer the questions of who, what, when, where, and why.
Execution
The execution paragraph outlines the specific details of how the unit will accomplish the mission. This includes information on movement, tasks, coordination with other units, and any subtasks that need to be assigned.
- This paragraph outlines the specific details of how the unit will accomplish the mission.
- Include information on movement, tasks, coordination with other units, and any subtasks that need to be assigned.
Administration and Logistics
The administration and logistics paragraph covers the support needed to carry out the mission, such as food, transportation, and equipment. This information ensures that all personnel have the resources they need to complete their tasks.
- This paragraph covers the support needed to carry out the mission, such as food, transportation, and equipment.
Command and Signal
The command and signal paragraph describes the communication methods and procedures to be used during the mission. It also includes instructions on what to do in case of a break in the chain of command. This information ensures that all personnel can communicate effectively and that the mission can be carried out as planned.
- Describe the communication methods and procedures to be used during the mission.
- Include instructions on what to do in case of a break in the chain of command.
Remember to keep the order clear, concise, and easy to understand. Clarity and simplicity are essential when briefing an OPORD.
Sources
FAQs
What is an OPORD?
An OPORD, or Operation Order, is a five-paragraph document that outlines the who, what, when, where, and why of a military operation. It is used to communicate the commander’s intent and ensure that all personnel are aware of their roles and responsibilities.
What are the five paragraphs of an OPORD?
The five paragraphs of an OPORD are:
- Situation
- Mission
- Execution
- Administration and Logistics
- Command and Signal
What information should be included in the Situation paragraph?
The Situation paragraph should include a brief overview of the current situation, including the location, personnel, and any considerations that may affect the mission. This information helps to set the stage for the rest of the order.
What information should be included in the Mission paragraph?
The Mission paragraph should clearly state the objective that needs to be accomplished. It also includes a statement of the commander’s intent, which gives an overview of the big picture and how the mission fits into it. The mission statement should answer the questions of who, what, when, where, and why.
What information should be included in the Execution paragraph?
The Execution paragraph outlines the specific details of how the unit will accomplish the mission. This includes information on movement, tasks, coordination with other units, and any subtasks that need to be assigned.
What information should be included in the Administration and Logistics paragraph?
The Administration and Logistics paragraph covers the support needed to carry out the mission, such as food, transportation, and equipment. This information ensures that all personnel have the resources they need to complete their tasks.
What information should be included in the Command and Signal paragraph?
The Command and Signal paragraph describes the communication methods and procedures to be used during the mission. It also includes instructions on what to do in case of a break in the chain of command. This information ensures that all personnel can communicate effectively and that the mission can be carried out as planned.
What are some tips for writing a clear and concise OPORD?
Some tips for writing a clear and concise OPORD include:
- Use simple language that is easy to understand.
- Avoid jargon and technical terms that may not be familiar to all personnel.
- Be specific and provide all the necessary details.
- Use headings and subheadings to organize the information.
- Proofread the order carefully before issuing it.