Army Ranger Handbook - Operations Orders

Army Rangers Operations Orders
2-4. OPERATIONS ORDER. An operations order (OPORD) is a directive issued by a leader to his subordinates in order to effect
the coordinated execution of a specific operation. A five-paragraph format (shown below) is used to organize the briefing, to ensure
completeness, and to help subordinate leaders understand and follow the order. Use a terrain model or sketch along with a map to
explain the order. When possible, such as in the defense, give the order while observing the objective. The platoon/squad leader
briefs his OPORD orally off notes that follow the five-paragraph format. Before the issuance of the OPORD, the leader ensures that
the following resources are in place: pencil, pen, paper; RHB; map; protractor; leader’s monitor. Then he calls roll and says "Please
hold all questions till the end." Figure 2-4 shows an example OPORD format. Figure 2-5 shows an OPORD shell.
Figure 2-4. EXAMPLE OPORD FORMAT
OPERATIONS ORDER
[Plans and orders normally contain a code name and are numbered consecutively within a calendar year.]
References: [The heading of the plan or order includes a list of maps, charts, datum, or other related documents the unit will
need to understand the plan or order. The user need not reference the SOP, but may refer to it in the body of the plan or order.
He refers to a map by map series number (and country or geographic area, if required), sheet number and name, edition, and
scale, if required. "Datum" refers to the mathematical model of the earth that applies to the coordinates on a particular map. It is
used to determine coordinates. Different nations use different datum for printing coordinates on their maps. The datum is
usually referenced in the marginal information of each map.]
Time zone used throughout the order: The time zone used throughout the order (including annexes and appendixes) is the time
zone applicable to the operation. Operations across several time zones use Zulu time.
Task organization: Describe the allocation of forces to support the commander's concept. Task organization may be shown in
one of two places: preceding paragraph one, or in an annex, if the task organization is long and complicated.
*Weather and light data, and general forecast (Only discuss what will affect your patrol. Note effects on friendly and enemy
personnel and equipment.):
High
Moonrise
Sunrise
Low
Moonset
Sunset
Wind Speed
Moon Phase
BMNT
Wind Direction
Percent Illumination
EENT
*This is the information the leader received from higher's OPORD.
Terrain: Make a statement concerning the effects terrain will have on both friendly and enemy forces in the area of operation
using the OAKOC format.
1. SITUATION.
a. Enemy Forces. The enemy situation in higher headquarters’ OPORD (paragraph 1a) is the basis for this, but the
leader refines this to provide the detail required by his subordinates.
(1) Enemy’s composition, disposition, strength.
(2) Recent activities.
(3) Known/suspected locations and capabilities.
(4) Describe the enemy's most likely and most dangerous course of action on a map.
b. Friendly Forces. This information is in paragraphs 1b, 2, and 3 of higher headquarters’ OPORD.
(1) State the mission of the Higher Unit (2 levels up).
(2) State the mission of the Higher Unit (1 level up).
(3) State intent 2 levels up.
(4) State locations of units to the left, right, front, and rear. State those units’ tasks and purposes; and say how those
units will influence your unit's patrol.
(a) Show other units locations on map board.
(b) Include statements about the influence each of the above patrols will have on your mission, if any.
• Obtain this information from higher’s OPORD. It gives each leader an idea of what other units are doing
and where they are going. This information is in paragraph 3a (1) (execution, concept of the operation,
maneuver).
• Also include any information obtained when the leader conducts adjacent unit coordination.
c. Attachments and Detachments. Do not repeat information already listed under Task Organization. Try to put all
information in the Task Organization. However, when not in the Task Organization, list units that are attached or detached to
the headquarters that issues the order. State when attachment or detachment is to be effective if different from when the
OPORD is effective, such as on order, on commitment of the reserve). Use the term “remains attached” when units will be or
have been attached for some time.
2. MISSION. State the mission derived during the planning process. There are no subparagraphs in a mission statement.
Include the 5 W's: Who, What (task), Where, When, and Why (purpose).
• Make it a clear and concise statement and read it twice.
• Go to map and point out the exact location of the OBJ and point out the unit’s present location.
3. EXECUTION. State the commander’s intent.
a. Concept of Operation. The concept statement should be concise and clear. It describes how the unit will accomplish
its mission from start to finish. The number of subparagraphs, if any, is based on what the leader considers appropriate for the
level of leadership and complexity of the operation. Generally, the concept should describe the form of maneuver or defensive
technique and critical events; identify what the decisive point of the operation is and why; describe the task and purpose for the
main effort and supporting efforts; state the purpose of the warfighting functions, such as engineers, fire support, or
intelligence; define acceptable risk; and identify the desired endstate. After stating the desired endstate, leaders should talk
through the concept of the operation like a story, using a simple sketch to help them convey the information. Figure 1 shows
the six warfighting functions (WFF):
Figure 1. Warfighting functions.
• Fire support
• Movement and Maneuver
• Protection
• Command and Control
• Intelligence
• Sustainment (formerly called "CSS")
(1) Maneuver. The maneuver paragraph details the mechanics of the operations. This subparagraph specifically
addresses all subordinate units and attachments by name, giving each its mission in the form of a task and purpose. The main
effort’s mission must be supported by the subordinate unit’s missions. Actions on the objective will comprise the majority of this
paragraph and should include a detailed plan for engagement/disengagement criteria, an alternate plan in the event of
compromise or unplanned movement of enemy forces, and a withdrawal plan.
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(2) Fires. State scheme of fires to support the overall concept. This paragraph should state which maneuver unit has
priority of fires. Fires should be planned using the PLOT-CR format (purpose, location, observer, trigger, communication
method, resources). A target list worksheet and overlay are referenced here, if applicable. Specific targets are discussed and
pointed out on the terrain model (see Chapter 3, Fire Support).
(3) Casualty Evacuation.
(a) Plan. State a detailed CASEVAC plan during each phase of the operation. Include CCP locations, tentative
extraction points, and methods of extraction.
b. Tasks to Maneuver Units. Clearly state the missions or tasks for each maneuver unit that reports directly to the
headquarters issuing the order. List the units in the task organization, including reserves. Use a separate subparagraph for
each maneuver unit. Only state the tasks that are necessary for comprehension, clarity, and emphasis. Place tactical tasks that
affect two or more units in Coordinating Instructions (subparagraph 3d). Platoon leaders task their subordinate squads. Those
squads may be tasked to provide any of the following special teams: reconnaissance and security, assault, support, aid and
litter, EPW and search, clearing, and demolitions. Detailed instructions may also be given to the platoon sergeant, RTO,
compassman, and paceman.
(1) Tasks to Combat Support Units. Add subparagraphs here only as necessary. List CS units in subparagraphs
from the task organization. Use CS subparagraphs to list only those specific tasks that CS units must accomplish and that are
not specified or implied elsewhere. Include organization for combat if not clear from task organization.
c. Coordinating Instructions. This is always the last subparagraph under paragraph 3. List only the instructions that
apply to two or more units, and which are seldom covered in unit SOPs. Refer the user to an annex for more complex
instructions. The following information is required:
1. Time schedule (state time, place, uniform, and priority of rehearsals, backbriefs, inspections,
and movement).
2. Give the commander's critical information requirements (CCIR), which includes priority
intelligence requirements (PIR), essential elements of friendly information (EEFI), and friendly force
information requirements (FFIR):
a. PIR is intelligence that the commander must have for planning and decision making.
b. EEFI are critical aspects of friendly operations that, if known by the enemy, would
compromise, lead to failure, or limit success of the operation.
c. FFIR include what the commander needs to know about friendly forces available for the
operation. It can include personnel status, ammunition status, and leadership capabilities.
3. Risk reduction control measures. These are measures unique to the operation. They
supplement the unit SOP and can include mission-oriented protective posture, operational
exposure guidance, vehicle recognition signals, and fratricide prevention measures.
4. Rules of engagement (ROE).
5. Environmental considerations.
6. Force protection
7. Movement plan. Use terrain model, sketch, or both. State azimuths, directions, and grid
coordinates. Use names of real Rangers on the sketches.
a. Sketch out the order of movement, the formation, and the movement technique.
b. Sketch actions at halts (long and short).
c. Routes (use terrain model):
1) Orient the terrain model (North, South, East, and West).
2) Identify the grid lines, both North-South and East-West.
3) Brief the legend.
4) Box in the AO with distinguishable natural or man-made terrain features such as
roads, ridgelines, rivers, and streams.
5) Brief all the routes depicted on the terrain model from start to finish using specific
azimuths and distance.
a) The primary route from the start point to the ORP, from the ORP to the objective,
and from the objective to the patrol base while describing the terrain over which the squad/platoon
will travel. (Include near/far side rally points for danger areas.)
b) The alternate route from the start point to the ORP, from the ORP to the
objective, and from the objective to the patrol base while describing the terrain over which the
squad/platoon will travel. (Include near/far side rally points for danger areas.)
6) Brief the fire support plan (if not given in fires paragraph). When covering fires the
leader should cover the following (PLOT-CR):
• Purpose.
• Location and terrain feature to the targets.
• Observer.
• Trigger.
• Communication method.
• Resources.
7) State where the sterile fire support overlay is being carried.
a) Rally points and actions at all rally points (include grid location and terrain
reference, and use sketch).
b) Actions at danger areas. This is a general plan for unknown linear, small open
areas and large open areas; specific plan for all known danger areas that unit will encounter along
the route (use sketch).
c) Actions on enemy contact; battle drills (use sketch).
4. SERVICE SUPPORT. Address service support in the areas shown below as needed to clarify the service support concept.
Subparagraphs can include:
a. General. Refer to the SOPs that govern the sustainment operations of the unit. Provide current and proposed
company trains locations, casualty, and damaged equipment collection points and routes.
b. Materiel and Services.
(1) Supply.
Class I--Rations plan.
Class III--Petroleum.
Class V--Ammunition.
Class VII--Major end items.
Class VIII--Medical.
Class IX--Repair parts.
Distribution Methods.
(2) Transportation.
(3) Services. (Laundry and showers.)
(4) Maintenance. (Weapons and equipment.)
(a) Medical Evacuation and Hospitalization. Method of evacuating dead and wounded, friendly and enemy
personnel. Include priorities and location of CCP.
(b) Personnel Support. Method of handling EPWs and designation of the EPW collection point.
5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL.
This paragraph states where command and control facilities and key leaders are located during the operation. Use the OPORD
shell to save time and organize your thoughts while preparing an OPORD.
a. Command.
• Location of the higher unit commander and CP.
• Location of key personnel and CP during each phase of the operation.
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• Succession of command.
• Adjustments to the patrol SOP.
b. Signal.
• SOI index in effect.
• Methods of communication in priority.
• Pyrotechnics and signals, to include arm and hand signals (demonstrate).
• Code words such as OPSKEDs.
• Challenge and password (use behind friendly lines).
• Number combination (use forward of friendly lines).
• Running password.
• Recognition signals (near/far and day/night).
c. Special Instructions to RTOs.
d. Actions after Issuance of OPORD--
(1) Issue annexes.
(2) Give time hack.
(3) ASK for questions.
Figure 2-5. OPORD SHELL
OPORD
DTG:
REFERENCE:
TASK ORGANIZATION:
1ST
PLT
2ND
PLT
TM
CONTROL:
1. SITUATION.
BMNT: SR: SS: EENT: MR: MS: HI: LO: ILLUM:
a. Enemy.
Terrain
(1) Higher mission:
Cdr's intent:
Terrain
End state
(2) Units to N, S, E, W.
End state
2. MISSION:
3. EXECUTION:
Cdr's intent:
a. Concept of Operations.
(ME):
T:
P:
(SE1):
T:
P:
(SE2):
T:
P:
(SE3):
T:
P:
(SE4):
T:
P:
(SE5):
T:
P:
b. Maneuver
PHASE 1:
ME:
SE1:
SE2:
SE3:
SE4:
SE5:
FIRES:
MTRS:
C2:
PHASE 2:
ME:
SE1:
SE2:
SE3:
SE4:
SE5:
FIRES:
MTRS:
C2:
PHASE 3:
ME:
SE1:
SE2:
SE3:
SE4:
SE5:
FIRES:
MTRS:
C2:
PHASE 4:
ME:
SE1:
SE2:
SE3:
SE4:
SE5:
FIRES:
MTRS:
C2:
c. Tasks to Maneuver Units.
(1) Risk-reduction control measures.
Rules of engagement.
(2) Environmental considerations.
(3) Non-Airborne personnel.
(ME): (SE1): (SE2):
(SE3): (SE4): (SE5):
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d. Tasks to Subordinate Units
Mortars
Coordinating instructions:
PIR:
EEFI:
FFIR:
Timeline.
Coordinating Instructions.
WHEN WHO WHAT WHERE
4. SERVICE SUPPORT.
a. General.
b. Material and Services.
(1) Supply:
Class I.
Class III:
Class V:
Class VIII:
Class IX:
(2) LOGSTAT.
(3) The chain of command is responsible to ensure that
ammo lasts between resupplies.
c. Medical Evacuation.
(1) Air MEDEVAC is on call through [this] frequency.
JP capable; use standard 9-line, 24-hr coverage.
(2) Establish friendly CCPs in AAs. Adjust CCPs as
mission progresses.
(3) Troop medical clinic located vic [this location].
(4) Precedence for evacuation of WIA is US military,
host nation military, host nation civilian, and enemy military.
(5) Precedence for evacuation of KIA is same.
Evacuation of KIA will be as per mission constraints.
d. Personnel.
(1) Method of handling EPWs:
5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL.
a. Command.
(1) TF CP:
(2) Succession of Command:
b. Signal.
(1) Challenge and Password:
(2) Number Combination:
(3) Running Password:
(4) Recognition:
(a) Far:
(b) Near:
(7) Code word:
(8) OPSKED:
(9) Reports. SALUTE to higher on
enemy contact.
ANNEXES: