Operation Orders
Operation orders express
decisions by commanders that will be implemented in order to accomplish
the mission.
Operation orders set forth the situation, mission, decision, plan
of action, and method of execution. They convert the commander’s decision into
a plan of action and gives direction to the efforts of the command.
The operation order sets forth the who, what, when, and where of
the commander’s decision, along with enough of the how and why to ensure
intelligent compliance. Operation orders may be written or oral.
Fragmentation Orders
Fragmentation orders are issued when the time element
precludes issuance of a complete order. The commander uses the
fragmentation order extensively in fast moving situations.
Fragmentation orders are supplemented by visits, messages, and other
fragmentation orders until the action is completed or a complete order
is issued
Fragmentation orders ensure continuous action as a situation
develops or as decisions are made. Fragmentation orders omit elements found in
a complete order that have not changed since the order was given or the order is
unavailable or incomplete at the time of issuance.
Fragmentation orders follow the sequence of the related standard
order. At a minimum, they contain the mission statement and execution statement
paragraphs from the five paragraph order format.
2. FIVE
PARAGRAPH ORDER FORMAT -
orders generally adhere to the five paragraph format,
though each will differ due to time and information available or required. The
purpose of the five-paragraph order is to issue an order in a clear and concise
manner by a thorough orientation of the area of operations. A five-paragraph
order gives subordinates the essential information needed to carry out the
operation. The order converts the leader’s plan into action, gives direction to
the efforts of his unit, and provides specific instructions to subordinate
elements.
SMEAC -
acronym used to help remember the five-paragraph order
format:
Situation -
the situation paragraph contains information on the
overall status and disposition of both friendly and enemy forces. The
situation paragraph contains three subparagraphs.
Enemy Forces -
this subparagraph contains essential information concerning the enemy’s
composition, disposition, and strength based on its size, activity,
location, unit, time, and equipment. While focusing on enemy forces there
are two acronyms that will assist you with the information you must recall.
SALUTE -
this acronym is an established method to remember how and
what to report about the enemy. The purpose of SALUTE is to focus your
thinking on identifying and locating enemy weaknesses that can be exploited:
Size -
enemy squad, platoon, etc.
Activity -
enemy digging in, bivouacking
Location -
six-digit grid if possible
Unit -
type and designation
Time -
when the enemy was last observed
Equipment -
equipment they possess
DRAW-D -
this acronym is used to assist the leader in determining
the enemy’s capabilities and limitations:
Defend
Reinforce
Attack
Withdraw
Delay
Friendly Forces -
this subparagraph contains essential information
concerning the mission of the next higher unit, location and mission of adjacent
units, and mission of non-organic supporting units. Information in this
subparagraph can be remembered with the acronym HAS - Higher, Adjacent,
Supporting.
Attachments and Detachments -
units attached or detached from a squad by higher
headquarters, including the effective time of attachment or detachment.
Mission -
provides a clear and concise statement of what the unit
must accomplish. The mission statement is the heart of the order, and
should provide information on the who, what, when, where, and why of the
order.
Execution -
contains the information on how to conduct the
operation. The paragraph is divided into three subparagraphs.
Concept of Operations -
this is a general explanation of the tactical plan. It
includes a brief scheme of the maneuver from start to finish, type of
attack, and fire support plan.
Tasks -
the specific mission to be accomplished by each
subordinate element of the unit will be listed in a separate numbered
subparagraph. It is the subordinate’s unit mission statement.
Coordinating Instructions -
the specific instructions and tasks that apply to two or more units. This
includes order of movement, planned combat formations, tactical and fire
control measures (ie. phase lines and checkpoints), and any other tasks that
pertain to the mission.
Administration and Logistics -
this paragraph contains information or instructions
pertaining to rations and ammunition, location of the distribution point,
corpsman, aid station, handling of prisoners of war, other administrative
and supply matters. This is also known as the four B’s - Beans, Bullets,
Band-aids, and Bad guys.
Command and Signal -
this paragraph contains instructions and information
relating to command and communication functions. It contains two
subparagraphs.
Signal -
gives signal instructions for the operation such as
frequencies, call signs, pyrotechnics, emergency signals, radio procedures,
brevity codes, challenges, and passwords.
Command -
identifies the chain of command and their location
before, during, and after the operation.
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ACRONYMS
BEGIN
PLANNING
PLAN
USE OF AVAILABLE TIME
INITIAL
ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION
MISSION
ENEMY
SIZE DEFEND
ACTIVITY REINFORCE
LOCATION ATTACK
UNIT WIITHDRAW
TIME DELAY
EQUIPMENT
TERRAIN
AND WEATHER: KEY TERRAIN
OBSERVATION AND FIELDS
OF FIRE
COVER AND CONCEALMENT
OBSTACLES
AVENUES OF APPROACH
TROOPS
AND FIRE SUPPORT AVAILABLE
PRELIMINARY PLAN
DECIDE
POINT
OF
MAIN
EFFORT
ARRANGE
FOR
MAKE
RECONNAISSANCE AND COORDINATION
COMPLETE
PLAN
ISSUE
ORDER
ORIENTATION
SITUATION
A. GENERAL
B. ENEMY FORCES (SALUTE/DRAWD)
C. FRIENDLY FORCE: Higher
ADJACENT
SUPPORTING
D. ATTACHMENTS AND DETACHMENTS
E. ASSUMPTIONS
MISSION:
WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY
EXECUTION:
GIVE TASKS AND POINT OF MAIN EFFORT
ADMINISTRATION
AND LOGISTICS:
BEANS, BULLETS, BANDAGES, BAD GUYS
COMMAND
AND SIGNAL
SUPERVISE |
OPERATION ORDER
1. SITUATION
a. Enemy Forces:
Situation, capabilities, Indications
b. Friendly Forces:
Mission and location of higher, adjacent and supporting units. State the
higher units POME
c. Mission of units in
direct support
d. Attachments and
Detachments: Units attached to or detached from your unit by higher
headquarters, and effective time
2. MISSION
Simply state the
mission
3. EXECUTION
In the first
subparagraph give general summary of the tactical plan or operational
concept
In succeeding
subparagraph assign missions to each organic and attached unit
In the next to last
subparagraph designate and assign missions to reserve (not normally used
at platoon level)
Assign a POME
4.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOGISTICS
Supply, evacuation,
transportation, service, personnel and miscellaneous
5.
COMMAND AND SIGNALS
a. Signal Instructions
and information
b. Command posts,
location of commander
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REFERENCES
