A military operation order (OPORD) is a meticulously crafted plan designed to provide clear instructions and information to subordinate units regarding the mission they are tasked to undertake or support. This document serves as a vital tool for ensuring effective communication, coordination, and synchronization of efforts among different units involved in a military operation.
Key Facts
- Purpose: The operation order (OPORD) is designed to provide clear instructions and information to subordinate units regarding the mission they are tasked to undertake or support.
- Format: The OPORD typically follows a standardized five-paragraph format, which includes the following sections:
a. Situation: Describes the area of interest, area of operations, enemy forces, friendly forces, attachments and detachments, and civilian considerations.
b. Mission: Provides a concise statement that includes the who, what, where, when, and why of the operation.
c. Execution: Includes the commander’s intent, concept of operations, scheme of movement and maneuver, scheme of fires, casualty evacuation, tasks to subordinate units, and coordinating instructions.
d. Service and Support: Covers logistics, personnel services support, and army health system support.
e. Command and Control: Addresses command, control, and signal aspects of the operation. - Variations: In addition to the OPORD, there are other types of orders that may be issued for a mission, such as warning orders (WARNORD) and fragmentary orders (FRAGORD).
- Development: The OPORD is typically generated at higher headquarters and disseminated to assigned or attached units. Subordinate unit leadership then develops orders specific to their role within the operation, borrowing information from the base order.
- Importance: The OPORD is crucial for ensuring effective communication, coordination, and synchronization of efforts among different units involved in a military operation.
Format and Structure
The OPORD typically follows a standardized five-paragraph format, which includes the following sections:
Situation
- Area of Interest: Defines the geographical region relevant to the operation.
- Area of Operations: Specifies the specific area where the operation will take place.
- Enemy Forces: Provides information on enemy composition, disposition, strength, recent activities, locations, and capabilities.
- Friendly Forces: Outlines the mission and intent of higher headquarters and the missions of adjacent units.
- Attachments and Detachments: Lists any units attached to or detached from the issuing headquarters.
- Civilian Considerations: Addresses any relevant civilian factors that may impact the operation.
Mission
- Provides a concise statement that includes the who, what, where, when, and why of the operation.
- Clearly defines the task to be accomplished, the purpose of the operation, and the desired end state.
Execution
- Commander’s Intent: Articulates the commander’s vision for the operation, including the desired outcome and the overall approach to achieve it.
- Concept of Operations: Outlines how the operation will be executed, often organized by battlefield operating system (BOS).
- Scheme of Movement and Maneuver: Details the movement and positioning of forces to achieve the mission.
- Scheme of Fires: Specifies the allocation and coordination of火力支援to support the operation.
- Casualty Evacuation: Establishes procedures for the evacuation and treatment of casualties.
- Tasks to Subordinate Units: Assigns specific tasks and responsibilities to subordinate units.
- Coordinating Instructions: Provides instructions that apply to two or more subordinate units, such as phase lines, release points, and rules of engagement.
Service and Support
- Logistics: Covers the plan for the supply of all classes of supply, including sustainment, maintenance, transportation, and field services.
- Personnel Services Support: Addresses the handling of prisoners of war (EPWs), religious services, and other personnel-related matters.
- Army Health System Support: Outlines medical command and control, medical treatment, medical evacuation, and preventive medicine measures.
Command and Control
- Command: Specifies the location of the commander and the succession of command in case of incapacitation.
- Control: Establishes command posts, reporting procedures, and signal instructions.
- Signal: Details the communication methods, including frequencies, call signs, and security measures.
Variations and Development
In addition to the OPORD, there are other types of orders that may be issued for a mission. Warning orders (WARNORD) provide advance notice of an impending operation, allowing subordinate leaders time to prepare. Fragmentary orders (FRAGORD) are used to modify or update an existing OPORD due to changes in the situation or mission.
The OPORD is typically generated at higher headquarters and disseminated to assigned or attached units. Subordinate unit leadership then develops orders specific to their role within the operation, borrowing information from the base order. This process ensures that all units have a clear understanding of their tasks and responsibilities, contributing to the overall success of the operation.
Importance and Conclusion
The OPORD plays a crucial role in ensuring effective communication, coordination, and synchronization of efforts among different units involved in a military operation. By providing a comprehensive plan and clear instructions, the OPORD facilitates the successful execution of missions and the achievement of strategic objectives.
Sources
- https://www.jmu.edu/rotc/_files/operationorder.pptx
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operations_order
- https://irp.fas.org/doddir/army/mioac/opord.htm
FAQs
What is a military operation order (OPORD)?
- An OPORD is a plan designed to provide clear instructions and information to subordinate units regarding a mission they are tasked to undertake or support.
What is the purpose of an OPORD?
- The purpose of an OPORD is to ensure effective communication, coordination, and synchronization of efforts among different units involved in a military operation.
What are the key elements of an OPORD?
- The key elements of an OPORD typically include the situation, mission, execution, service and support, and command and control.
Who generates an OPORD?
- An OPORD is typically generated at higher headquarters and disseminated to assigned or attached units.
How is an OPORD developed?
- Subordinate unit leadership develops orders specific to their role within the operation, borrowing information from the base OPORD.
What are the different types of orders related to an OPORD?
- In addition to the OPORD, there are warning orders (WARNORD) and fragmentary orders (FRAGORD).
What is the importance of an OPORD?
- An OPORD is crucial for ensuring effective communication, coordination, and synchronization of efforts among different units involved in a military operation.
How does an OPORD contribute to mission success?
- By providing a comprehensive plan and clear instructions, the OPORD facilitates the successful execution of missions and the achievement of strategic objectives.