A warning order (WARNORD) is a preliminary notice of an order or action to follow. It is less detailed than a complete operation order (OPORD) but aids in parallel planning. Leaders issue WARNORDs to their subordinates as soon as possible after receiving new missions to enable them to begin their own planning and preparation.
Key Facts
- Format: The warning order follows the five-paragraph OPORD format. It includes the following items, at a minimum:
a. Situation: Highlight any significant information that contributed to your assignment, such as enemy movements or friendly forces operations.
b. Mission: Provide a clear mission statement that explains what needs to be done and why.
c. Execution: Keep the execution limited, focusing on your intent and what will define success.
d. Service and Support: Include known information and needed information for service and support, such as medivac details and resupply points.
e. Command and Signal: List details, such as callsigns and frequencies, to ensure effective command and control. - Provide Advance Notice: A warning order gives subordinates advance notice of an upcoming operation, allowing them time to prepare. Make sure to share as much information as possible, as quickly as possible.
- Be Brief but Complete: While a warning order should be brief, it should also be complete. Include all necessary information for subordinates to begin contributing to the plan.
- Use Clear and Concise Language: Use clear and concise language to ensure that the message is easily understood by all recipients.
Format
The WARNORD follows the five-paragraph OPORD format and includes the following items, at a minimum:
- SituationHighlight any significant information that contributed to your assignment, such as enemy movements or friendly forces operations.
- MissionProvide a clear mission statement that explains what needs to be done and why.
- ExecutionKeep the execution limited, focusing on your intent and what will define success.
- Service and SupportInclude known information and needed information for service and support, such as medivac details and resupply points.
- Command and SignalList details, such as callsigns and frequencies, to ensure effective command and control.
Provide Advance Notice
A warning order gives subordinates advance notice of an upcoming operation, allowing them time to prepare. Make sure to share as much information as possible, as quickly as possible.
Be Brief but Complete
While a warning order should be brief, it should also be complete. Include all necessary information for subordinates to begin contributing to the plan.
Use Clear and Concise Language
Use clear and concise language to ensure that the message is easily understood by all recipients.
Sources
FAQs
What is a warning order (WARNORD)?
A WARNORD is a preliminary notice of an order or action to follow. It is less detailed than a complete operation order (OPORD) but aids in parallel planning.
When should a WARNORD be issued?
A WARNORD should be issued as soon as possible after receiving new missions to enable subordinates to begin their own planning and preparation.
What information should be included in a WARNORD?
A WARNORD should include the following information, at a minimum:
- Situation
- Mission
- Execution
- Service and Support
- Command and Signal
How should a WARNORD be written?
A WARNORD should be written in clear and concise language, using the five-paragraph OPORD format.
What is the purpose of a WARNORD?
The purpose of a WARNORD is to provide subordinates with advance notice of an upcoming operation, allowing them time to prepare.
Who issues a WARNORD?
WARNORDs are issued by leaders to their subordinates.
What is the difference between a WARNORD and an OPORD?
A WARNORD is a preliminary notice of an order or action to follow, while an OPORD is a complete and detailed order that provides all the information necessary to execute a mission.
How can I make sure that my WARNORD is effective?
To ensure that your WARNORD is effective, make sure to:
- Provide clear and concise instructions.
- Use simple and easy-to-understand language.
- Issue the WARNORD as early as possible.
- Keep the WARNORD brief and to the point.