Tactical Operations Orders

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Tactical Operations Orders
References FM 7-8
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What is the OPORD format used for?

• From FM 7-8 The leader briefs his OPORD
  orally from notes that follow the five paragraph
  format
• The OPORD format is a guide to help you the
  leader remember what all you should be thinking
  about and planning for. Not all sections of the
  format will apply to all operations

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OPERATIONS ORDER FORMAT

• Task Organization

Explain how the unit is organized for the
operation.

• SITUATION
• a. Enemy forces

(1) Disposition, Composition, and Strength
(2) Capabilities What the enemy is able to do
and how well can they do it
(3) Most probable course of action
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• SITUATION
• b. Friendly forces

• Mission of next higher unit
• Unit on the left mission
• Unit on the right mission
• Unit forward mission
• Mission of the reserve
• Units in support

c. Attachments/detachments
Any units attached or detached with effective
times
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2. MISSION -
Who,What, When, Where, Why (Read Twice)
Make sure you state your mission and not that
of the higher headquarters that just briefed you
You will be either a squad or platoon!
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3. EXECUTION
Commanders Intent the stated vision that
defines the purpose of the operation and
relationship among the force, the enemy, and
terrain
Why is it important?
With a full understanding of the mission and
commanders intent you should have enough
guidance to improvise and adapt in order to
complete the mission after the plan meets first
contact with the enemy.
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3. EXECUTION

• Concept of the operation
• Refer to operational overlay, concept sketch,
  terrain model

We love pictures in the Army! Remember
effects of fatigue and stress on your audience
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3. EXECUTION

• Concept of the operation

• Maneuver address all squads/teams by name
  giving them each an essential task.
• Designate main effort.
• Give mission statements for each subordinate
  element.

Again, refer to your picture or terrain
model! Look each team leader in the eye to
make sure they heard you!
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3. EXECUTION

• Concept of the operation

(2) Fires Refer to fire support overlay and
target list Describe concept of fire support
in relation to Maneuver - Priority of fires and
who controls it
b. Tasks to Maneuver units
Specify tasks, other than those listed earlier in
maneuver paragraph
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3. EXECUTION
c. Tasks to Combat Support units Usually not
applicable for squad or platoon operations
d. Coordinating Instructions Things that apply
to all

• PIR
• Time lines
• MOPP level
• Order of march
• Rules of engagement

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Summary of Execution Paragraph

• Tell it like a story from start to finish! The
  order should flow in a logical sequence

• Use your terrain model while you brief! Try to
  have your teams sit around it in the general
  location of their position on the battlefield

• You can address almost every other section of the
  OPORD while explaining your concept of maneuver
  using the overlay or terrain model
• if there is a key signal or code word to initiate
  the attack dont wait until paragraph 5 to
  explain it!

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• 4. SERVICE SUPPORT
• a. General
• b. Material and Services

1. Supply 2. Transportation 3. Services 4.
Maintenance 5. Medical evacuation
c. Personnel EPW collection
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5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL a. Command

• location of the leader and command post
• location of platoon sergeant or alternate CP
• succession of command
• location of higher unit commander

b. Signal

• methods of communication priority
• emergency signals visual signals
• code words in effect during operation
• challenge and password

Remember These details of your plan should be
covered during the concept of the operation as
well!
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• TIPS of the TRADE
• Remember to use your graphics, map, terrain
  model
• Use the specific names of your people as well as
  their team designation
• Tell squad to hold questions until you are
  finished
• Dont waste all of your preparation time for
  OPORD brief save time for Rehearsals!
• Good Rehearsals will discover unseen holes in
  your plan and help you develop good solutions
• Be dynamic, vocal, and enthusiastic!

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FRAGOs

• Used to brief changes to existing order
• Follows OPORD format
• Addresses only those elements that have changed

Fragmentary Orders
situation, no change. Mission, no change.
Execution A team will now be the main effort, B
team is in support
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FRAGOs

• Expect many FRAGOS in both tactical and garrison
  operations
• Dont get frustrated at each FRAGO
• Learn to anticipate changes
• Remember the overall mission and Intent
• Dont let subordinates get bent out of shape
  because of multiple changes
• Usually somebody elses good idea with good
  intentions but doesnt always make sense at
  ground level