| Step | Action | |------|--------| | 1 | Update enemy and friendly CPs (use SALUTE report) | | 2 | Write a clear 1-sentence mission (5 Ws) | | 3 | Phases – how will you shape, breach, assault, consolidate? | | 4 | Assign tasks to each squad/platoon (don’t clutter with obvious) | | 5 | Add risk, MEDEVAC, fire support, CAS, PACE plan | | 6 | Warn order to subordinates | | 7 | Brief and issue (per FM 6-0) |
Key tools: FM 5-0 (Army Planning), FM 3-21.10 (Infantry Rifle Company), and DRAWDOWN mnemonic for enemy situation.
Would you like a printable OPORD template or a battalion-level OPORD example next?
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
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.
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.
A standard U.S. Army Operation Order (OPORD) uses the 5-paragraph SMEAC format—Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment, and Command & Signal—to guide tactical missions. An Infantry Company Movement to Contact example details actions on the objective, including task organization, commander’s intent, and subordinate tasks. For complete templates, visit Warrior Academy or BattlePro Online. Five Paragraph Order Planning and Execution
a. Commander’s Intent.
b. Concept of Operations (CONOPS). Phases:
c. Scheme of Maneuver (By Priority).
d. Scheme of Fires.
e. Tasks to Subordinate Units.
f. Coordinating Instructions.
a. Logistics (Class I, III, V).
b. Personnel.
c. Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC).
d. Maintenance.
By studying this army company OPORD example, you can structure your own operations with clarity and tactical precision. Remember: A fuzzy OPORD leads to a bloody after-action review (AAR). Be clear, be concise, and be five steps ahead.
— Ready and Relevant.
Here’s a ready-to-use post for a military education or leadership blog, social media page, or unit training page.
Title: OPORD Writing Made Simple: Army Company-Level Example
Post:
Whether you’re a new Platoon Leader, a seasoned Company Commander, or an NCO helping to plan the next field exercise, writing a clear, concise Operations Order (OPORD) is a critical skill. At the company level, your OPORD bridges the gap between battalion’s “big picture” and the squad-level “boots on the ground.”
To help you visualize the format, here’s a condensed example of a company OPORD for a movement to contact mission.
COPY OF OPORD 01 – (UNIT NAME) References: Map Sheet 1234, Edition 01 Time Zone Used Throughout Order: ZULU
1. SITUATION
2. MISSION Not later than (NLT) 050700Z JAN 25, C Company conducts a movement to contact along MSR HAWK to PL FOXTROT, destroys enemy forces vicinity OBJ EAGLE, and establishes hasty defense NLT 051600Z JAN 25.
3. EXECUTION
4. SUSTAINMENT
5. COMMAND & SIGNAL
Key Takeaways for Company Leaders:
👉 Need a blank OPORD template? Drop a comment below or DM me – I’ll send you the editable Word/PDF version.
Train like you fight. Write like you fight.
#ArmyTraining #OPORD #MissionCommand #CompanyCommand #MilitaryLeader army company opord example
An Army Company Operations Order (OPORD) follows the standard five-paragraph format, often remembered by the acronym SMEAC: Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment, and Command and Signal.
Below is an example of the content structure for a Company-level OPORD. Header & Task Organization Copy Number: (e.g., Copy 1 of 10) Issuing Headquarters: (e.g., A Co, 1-502nd IN) Place of Issue: (e.g., Grid 1234 5678) Date-Time Group: (e.g., 180930ZAPR26)
Task Organization: Describes how the company is organized for the mission, identifying the main effort and supporting efforts (e.g., 1st PLT: Main Effort; 2nd PLT: Support). 1. Situation Provides the operational context for the unit.
Enemy Forces: Composition, disposition, and most likely/dangerous courses of action.
Friendly Forces: Mission and intent of the higher headquarters (Battalion and Brigade).
Attachments/Detachments: Any units added to or removed from the company's control. 2. Mission
A clear, concise statement of what the unit is to accomplish and why (the 5 Ws: Who, What, When, Where, Why).
Example: "A Co attacks to seize OBJ BRAVO NLT 181200ZAPR26 to prevent enemy interference with the BN main effort." 3. Execution
Details how the commander intends to accomplish the mission.
Commander’s Intent: The desired end state (e.g., "Enemy destroyed, 1st PLT established on high ground").
Concept of Operations: The "big picture" of the fight, broken into phases.
Scheme of Movement/Maneuver: How squads and platoons will move and engage.
Tasks to Subordinate Units: Specific assignments for each platoon (e.g., "1st PLT: Seize OBJ BRAVO").
Coordinating Instructions: Details applicable to two or more units, such as timelines, order of movement, and Rules of Engagement (ROE). 4. Sustainment Outlines the logistics and support required.
Logistics: Supply (food, water, ammo), maintenance, and transportation. Personnel: EPW (Enemy Prisoner of War) handling and mail.
Health System Support: Casualty collection points (CCP) and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) procedures. 5. Command and Signal
Specifies how the unit will communicate and who is in charge.
Command: Location of the Commander and Executive Officer (XO), and the succession of command. Control: Command Post (CP) locations.
Signal: Frequencies, call signs, passwords (primary/alternate/contingency/emergency), and pyrotechnic signals.
For more detailed templates, you can refer to the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center or the Army Study Guide for specific infantry or logistics variants.
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.
An Army Operations Order (OPORD) is the standard five-paragraph format used to communicate a mission to a unit, ensuring every soldier understands the objective, the method of execution, and the criteria for success The Five Paragraph Structure
Each section follows a specific logical flow to cover all aspects of the operation:
: Describes the operating environment, including terrain, weather (OAKOC), enemy forces (disposition and strength), and friendly forces.
: A concise, one-sentence statement using the "5 Ws" (Who, What, When, Where, and Why) that clearly defines the unit's primary task and purpose.
: The most detailed section, outlining the Commander's intent, the concept of the operation (phases), specific tasks for subordinate units, and coordinating instructions that apply to two or more units. Sustainment
: Covers the logistical and administrative support needed, such as supplies (Class I-IX), transportation, maintenance, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) plans. Command and Signal
: Defines the chain of command, succession, and communication methods, including call signs, frequencies, and passwords. Operations Order OPORD Paragraph 1 Situation 24 Mar 2021 —
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. | Step | Action | |------|--------| | 1