In a real Army company, this OPORD will also include the following annexes (not printed for brevity here but planned):
By: Tactical Leadership Staff
For a U.S. Army company commander, the Operations Order (OPORD) is the fundamental tool for translating the commander’s intent into actionable tasks. Whether you are a cadet at LDAC, a newly appointed executive officer, or a seasoned first sergeant, writing and receiving a combat-effective OPORD is a perishable skill.
This article provides a complete, realistic OPORD example for a mechanized infantry company (M2A4 Bradley) conducting a Movement to Contact in a Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) environment. We will break down the five-paragraph field order, the coordination instructions, and the command and signal annexes.
An Army Operation Order (OPORD) is a standardized five-paragraph directive used to coordinate mission execution. At the company level, it serves as the bridge between high-level battalion strategy and the tactical execution of platoons and squads. The Five-Paragraph Structure (SMEAC)
The most useful feature of an OPORD is its consistent structure, which allows leaders to quickly find critical information under pressure.
Situation: Describes the environment, including terrain (OAKOC), weather, enemy forces (composition, disposition, strength), and friendly force locations.
Mission: A concise "Who, What, When, Where, Why" statement, typically stated twice for clarity.
Execution: The most detailed section. It includes the Commander’s Intent, the overall concept of the operation, specific tasks for subordinate units, and coordinating instructions like timelines.
Sustainment: Outlines logistics, including supply (ammo/water), transportation, and medical support (Casualty Collection Points).
Command and Signal: Details the chain of command, succession, and communication plans (radio frequencies, call signs, passwords). Key Useful Features for Company Leaders Operations Order OPORD Paragraph 1 Situation
An Army Operation Order (OPORD) at the company level is a directive issued by a commander to subordinate leaders to coordinate the execution of a specific mission. It follows a standardized five-paragraph format—Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment, and Command and Signal—often referred to by the acronym SMESC. Example Outline for a Company OPORD
Below is a breakdown of what a Company Commander would typically include in each section, based on standard U.S. Army doctrine: Situation army company opord example
Enemy Forces: Latest intel on enemy composition, disposition (where they are), and "most likely" vs. "most dangerous" courses of action.
Friendly Forces: The mission and intent of the higher headquarters (Battalion) and the locations of neighboring units.
Environment: Details on terrain (using OAKOC: Obstacles, Avenues of Approach, Key Terrain, Observation/Fields of Fire, Cover/Concealment) and weather impacts. Mission
A concise Mission Statement covering the Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
Example: "On order, Bravo Company attacks to seize Objective Fox (GL 1234 5678) to destroy enemy remnants and allow the Battalion to continue movement North." Execution
Commander’s Intent: The "end state"—what the battlefield should look like when the mission is over.
Concept of Operations: The "big picture" of how the company will move from start to finish.
Scheme of Maneuver: Specific instructions for each platoon (e.g., 1st Platoon is the base of fire, 2nd Platoon is the maneuver element).
Tasks to Subordinate Units: Specific tactical tasks assigned to each element. Sustainment
Logistics: Plans for resupply (food, water, ammo), maintenance, and transportation.
Personnel: Location of the Company Casualty Collection Point (CCP) and medical evacuation procedures. Command and Signal
Command: The location of key leaders (Commander, XO, First Sergeant) during the fight and the succession of command. In a real Army company, this OPORD will
Signal: Radio frequencies, call signs, passwords, and Primary/Alternate/Contingency/Emergency (PACE) plans for communication. Key Resources for Templates
Official Manuals: Reference ADP 5-0 (The Operations Process) for the doctrinal foundation of planning.
Study Guides: Sites like ArmyStudyGuide.com provide simplified breakdowns and "cheat sheets" for cadet or junior officer training.
Standardized Formats: Most units use a Warning Order (WARNORD) to give a heads-up before the full OPORD is ready, as seen in these preliminary notice formats.
OPERATION ORDER
OPERATION NAME: Operation Iron Eagle
DATE: 2023-02-20
TIME: 0600 hours
COMPANY HQ: 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
TASK ORGANIZATION:
SITUATION:
MISSION:
COMMANDER'S INTENT:
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS (CONOPS):
TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
COORDINATION:
ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS:
COMMAND AND CONTROL:
SIGNAL:
SECURITY:
COORDINATION WITH CIVILIAN AUTHORITIES:
This sample OPORD provides a general outline of a company-level operation. The actual content and details will vary based on the specific mission, task organization, and operational requirements.
a. Logistics (Class I, III, V).
b. Personnel.
c. Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC).
d. Maintenance.