Operation Order (OPORD) is a directive issued by a leader to subordinate units to coordinate the execution of a specific operation
. For an Army Company, it follows the standardized five-paragraph format—often remembered by the acronym
—to ensure all tactical and logistical details are covered. Rutgers University The 5 Paragraphs of a Company OPORD : Provides the context of the operational environment. Enemy Forces
: Composition, recent activities, and "most likely" vs. "most dangerous" courses of action. Friendly Forces
: Missions of the higher unit (Battalion) and adjacent units. Environment : Analysis of terrain (using OAKOC) and weather impacts. : A concise "Who, What, When, Where, and Why" statement.
“A Co, 1-502 IN, attacks to seize Objective RED NLT 0600Z to prevent enemy interference with the Battalion main effort.” : The "How" of the operation. Commander’s Intent : The desired end state. Concept of Operations : A phase-by-phase breakdown of the movement and maneuver. Scheme of Movement and Maneuver
: Specific tasks for each platoon (e.g., 1st Platoon is the Main Effort). Tasks to Subordinate Units : Detailed instructions for individual elements. Sustainment (Administration & Logistics) : How the unit will be supplied. : Water, ammunition (Class V), fuel, and rations.
: Locations of the casualty collection point (CCP) and medevac procedures. Command and Signal : The "Who’s in charge" and "How we talk" section.
: Location of the Commander/XO and the succession of command.
: Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency (PACE) plans, call signs, and passwords. Blue / Green Training Example Scenario: Platoon Raid
: Enemy squad-sized element occupying a village (Obj ALPHA).
: B Company raids Obj ALPHA at 0200Z to destroy enemy communications.
: 1st Platoon (Support) provides base of fire; 2nd Platoon (Assault) clears the objective. Sustainment : Resupply at Checkpoint 4 post-extraction. Command/Signal : CO located with 2nd Platoon; Primary freq: 34.50. For more detailed templates, you can refer to the US Army Combined Arms Center or standard training guides from organizations like Warrior Academy Blue / Green Training specific template for a particular mission type, such as a reconnaissance
OPORD & TLP Frequently Asked Questions - Blue / Green Training
It typically includes each phase of the operation (including what they start and end with), and the critical tasks for that phase. Blue / Green Training Army company opord example
Develop a comprehensive annual plan for 2022, focusing on key objectives for various business segments: * Operations * Marketing * cdn.prod.website-files.com Five Paragraph Order Planning and Execution
An Operations Order (OPORD) is a directive issued by a leader to subordinate units to coordinate the execution of a specific operation. At the company level, it follows the standard five-paragraph format (SMEAC). [CLASSIFICATION]
Copy __ of __ copiesIssuing Headquarters: [Unit Name, e.g., B Co, 1-502nd IN]Place of Issue: [Location/Grid]Date-Time Group: [Day, Month, Year, Time]Operation Plan/Order Name/Number: [e.g., OPORD 24-01 "SILENT ANVIL"] 1. SITUATION
Area of Interest: Areas outside your Area of Operations (AO) that could influence your mission.
Area of Operations: Define the boundaries (LL, RL, CL) and terrain/weather effects (OAKOC: Obstacles, Avenues of Approach, Key Terrain, Observation/Fields of Fire, Cover/Concealment).
Enemy Forces: Most Likely Course of Action (MLCOA) and Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). Identify enemy composition, disposition, and recent activities.
Friendly Forces: State the mission and intent of the higher headquarters (Battalion) and adjacent units (left, right, front, rear).
Attachments and Detachments: List any units added to or removed from the company (e.g., Fire Support Teams, Engineers). 2. MISSION A concise statement of the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, and WHY.
Example: "B Co attacks to seize Objective ALPHA (GL 1234 5678) NLT 1500Z JUN 20XX to prevent enemy interference with the Battalion's main effort." 3. EXECUTION
Commander’s Intent: The desired end state (Enemy, Friendly, Terrain).
Concept of Operations: A general "how-to" of the operation. This should be a clear, narrative "big picture" of the flow from start to finish.
Scheme of Movement and Maneuver: Details for each platoon (1st Plt: Support by Fire; 2nd Plt: Main Effort/Assault; 3rd Plt: Reserve).
Scheme of Fires: Integration of mortars, artillery, and air support.
Tasks to Subordinate Units: Specific tasks for each platoon or squad not covered in the scheme of maneuver.
Coordinating Instructions: Timeline, CCIR (Commander’s Critical Information Requirements), Rules of Engagement (ROE), and MOPP levels. 4. SUSTAINMENT
Logistics: Classes of supply (Class I: Food/Water; Class V: Ammo), maintenance, and transportation. Personnel: EPW (Enemy Prisoner of War) handling and mail.
Health System Support: Casualty Collection Points (CCP), Medevac procedures, and Aid Station locations. 5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL
Command: Location of the Commander and Executive Officer during the operation; Succession of Command. Control: Location of Command Posts (CP).
Signal: Frequencies, Call Signs, Pace Plan (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency), and Challenge/Password. Resources for Templates and Examples
To see a fully populated example or download a fillable template, you can visit these professional military resources:
The Army Publishing Directorate for official doctrine (ADP 5-0).
The Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) for tactical examples and "gold standard" orders.
The Junior Officer (JO) Forum often hosts peer-reviewed templates for company-grade officers.
An Army Company Operations Order (OPORD) is a standardized directive used to execute tactical operations, traditionally following a strict five-paragraph format known as SMEAC . At the company level, this order translates a Battalion-level mission into specific, actionable tasks for subordinate platoons . The Five-Paragraph OPORD Structure 1. Situation Provides context on the operational environment . army company opord example
Area of Interest & Operations: Analysis of terrain using OAKOC (Obstacles, Avenues of Approach, Key Terrain, Observation/Fields of Fire, Cover and Concealment) .
Enemy Forces: Details on enemy composition, disposition, strength, and their most likely and deadliest courses of action (COA) .
Friendly Forces: Higher headquarters' mission and intent, plus the missions of adjacent units .
Attachments/Detachments: Any units temporarily joined to or removed from the company . 2. Mission
A concise "Who, What, When, Where, and Why" statement (the five W's) . It is read twice to ensure absolute clarity .
Example: "Alpha Company attacks to seize Objective Fox NLT 0500 20APR26 in order to allow the Battalion to continue the assault." 3. Execution
The core of the order, detailing how the mission will be accomplished .
Commander’s Intent: The expanded purpose, key tasks, and desired end state .
Concept of Operations: A broad overview of the mission phases .
Scheme of Movement and Maneuver: Specific tactical movements, formations, and techniques .
Tasks to Subordinate Units: Clear instructions for each platoon (e.g., 1st Platoon is the Main Effort) .
Coordinating Instructions: Timeline, rules of engagement (ROE), and priority intelligence requirements (PIR) . 4. Sustainment
Logistics and support requirements needed to keep the unit operational . The Operation Order - OPORD - Warrior Academy
In the Army, a Company Operations Order (OPORD) 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 & Signal —to ensure nothing critical is omitted.
Below is a detailed example of a Company OPORD for a tactical offensive mission. [CO NAME] OPERATIONS ORDER [ORDER #] (NAME OF OPERATION) References: Map Sheet [Series, Number, Edition], [Higher Unit] OPORD Time Zone: [e.g., Romeo] Task Organization: 1st Platoon: Main Effort (ME) 2nd Platoon: Supporting Effort 1 (SE1) 3rd Platoon: Supporting Effort 2 (SE2) Attachments: 1x Forward Observer (FO) Team, 1x Combat Medic Team 1. SITUATION Enemy Forces: Composition/Disposition/Strength:
Identify the enemy unit (e.g., motorized infantry squad), their equipment (SALUTE report), and their current locations (known or suspected). Course of Action (COA): Detail their Most Likely COA (e.g., defend from current positions) and Most Dangerous COA (e.g., counter-attack with armor support). Friendly Forces: Higher Missions:
State the mission and intent of the units one and two levels up (Battalion and Brigade). Adjacent Units:
List the tasks of units to your left, right, front, and rear (e.g., "A Co is flanking to the West"). Environment: Analyze terrain using
(Obstacles, Avenues of Approach, Key Terrain, Observation/Fields of Fire, Cover/Concealment) and include weather impacts like visibility or precipitation. 2. MISSION Statement:
A clear, concise "5 Ws" statement (Who, What, When, Where, Why).
"B Co, 1-502nd IN attacks NLT 0400R 12 APR 26 to seize Objective Alpha (Grid 123 456) in order to prevent enemy interference with the Battalion main effort." Always state the mission twice. 3. EXECUTION Commander's Intent:
The desired end state regarding the enemy, friendly forces, and terrain. Concept of the Operation:
A general description of how the unit will accomplish the mission from start to finish, often broken into phases (e.g., Movement, Actions on Objective, Consolidation). Scheme of Maneuver:
Detailed "game plan" describing movement formations and tactical control measures. Tasks to Subordinate Units:
Assign specific tasks (e.g., Breach, Support by Fire, Assault) to each platoon. Coordinating Instructions: Details applying to two or more units, such as the Rules of Engagement (ROE) Primary Intelligence Requirements (PIR) 4. SUSTAINMENT (Service Support) Logistics:
The "Four Bs": Beans (Chow/Water), Bullets (Ammunition), Band-Aids (Medical/CASEVAC), and Bad Guys (EPW handling). Maintenance: Instructions for equipment repair or recovery. Personnel:
Locations of Casualty Collection Points (CCP) and Ambulance Exchange Points (AXP). 5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL
Grid locations of the Company Command Post (CP) and key leaders (CO, XO, 1SG). Succession of Command:
The order of who takes over if the Commander is incapacitated. Communications:
Frequencies, call signs, and the SOI (Signal Operating Instructions) index in effect. Codes/Signals:
Challenge and password, running passwords, and pyrotechnic signals (e.g., "Green Star Cluster means objective is secure"). Acknowledge: [Commander's Name/Rank] tactical scenario , such as a movement to contact or an area defense?
5 Paragraph OPORD Structure Guide | PDF | Artillery - Scribd
This scenario is a hypothetical offensive operation: Attack on Objective Alpha.
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED
OPORD [Operation Order] Unit: A Company, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Date/Time: 240800JAN2024 (Local) Reference: Maps: SHEET 3851 IV (VICINITY OF FORT IRWIN)
TASK ORGANIZATION:
1. SITUATION
a. Area of Interest: The AO extends 5km north and south of the objective. Key terrain includes HILL 802 and the RIDGE LINE running East to West. We are focused on enemy reinforcements arriving from the East via ROUTE IRON.
b. Area of Operations:
c. Enemy Forces:
d. Friendly Forces:
e. Civilian Considerations: Civilians are likely present in the compound. Rules of Engagement (ROE) require positive identification of targets. Do not engage non-combatants.
2. MISSION
A Company, 1-16 IN attacks to seize OBJ ALPHA NLT 251000JAN2024 in order to facilitate the forward passage of the Brigade Main Body.
3. EXECUTION
Commander’s Intent:
a. Concept of the Operation: This operation will be conducted in three phases.
b. Tasks to Maneuver Units:
1st PLT (Main Effort):
2nd PLT (Supporting Effort):
3rd PLT (Reserve):
Mortar Section:
c. Tasks to Combat Support:
d. Coordinating Instructions:
4. SUSTAINMENT
a. Logistics:
b. Transportation: No external transportation required.
c. Services: Enemy EPWs will be evacuated to the Battalion Detainee Collection Point.
d. Personnel: Strength reports submitted to HQ NLT 0500 daily.
e. Health System Support: MEDEVAC priority is URGENT. 9-Line medevac procedures in effect. Landing Zone (LZ) orientation North-South at Grid NU 120460.
5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL
a. Command:
b. Signal:
ACKNOWLEDGE: 1st PLT ________ 2nd PLT ________ 3rd PLT ________
OFFICIAL:
//SIGNED// CPT J. SMITH Commanding, A Company, 1-16 IN
ANNEXES: Annex A: Fire Support Plan Annex B: Intelligence Overlay Annex C: Operations Overlay
Understanding the Army Company OPORD
An Operations Order (OPORD) is a standardized document used by the US military to communicate a unit's plan for a specific operation. In the context of a company-sized unit (approximately 60-200 soldiers), an OPORD provides a clear and concise plan for the company's mission.
The Five Paragraph OPORD Format
A typical company OPORD follows a standard five-paragraph format:
Example of a Company OPORD
Here's a simplified example of a company OPORD:
Situation: The enemy has been observed moving into the vicinity of Hill 123, approximately 2 kilometers east of our current position. Our battalion has been tasked with securing the hill.
Mission: Charlie Company's mission is to secure Hill 123, prevent enemy movement into the area, and prepare to defend against a potential enemy counterattack, at 0900 hours on 12 February 2023. Operation Order (OPORD) is a directive issued by
Execution: The company will move to Hill 123 via a route march, with 1st Platoon leading and 2nd and 3rd Platoons following. We will establish a defensive position on the hill and prepare to repel enemy forces. Fire support will be provided by our attached mortar section.
Administration and Logistics: We will resupply at the battalion's designated logistics hub at 0600 hours on 12 February. Medical evacuation procedures are as follows: ...
Command and Signal: The chain of command is: Commander (Captain Smith), Executive Officer (1st Lieutenant Johnson), and so on. Communication will be via radio networks and messenger.
Note that this is a highly simplified example, and actual OPORDs will require much more detail and specificity.
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 company operations order (OPORD) is a five-paragraph directive following the SMEAC format (Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment, Command/Signal) used by leaders to issue tactical instructions. Based on 2026 standards, a company-level OPORD includes specific details on terrain, enemy forces, commander’s intent, maneuver plans, and logistics. For a detailed template, read the full guide at The Company Leader. Five Paragraph Order Planning and Execution
Creating a solid Company Operations Order (OPORD) is the difference between a mission that flows and one that falls apart. At the company level, you’re translating the battalion commander's broad intent into actionable tasks for your platoons
Here is a breakdown of the standard five-paragraph format and a practical example to guide your next mission. The Standard 5-Paragraph Format (SMEAC)
Every OPORD follows a standardized structure to ensure nothing critical is missed. Operations Order OPORD Paragraph 1 Situation
An OPORD follows the 5-paragraph format (SMEAC): Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment, Command & Signal.
a. Enemy Forces (DRAWDown):
b. Friendly Forces:
c. Attachments/Detachments:
d. Civil Considerations – Town of ALPHA: neutral, curfew 2000-0600.
COPY ___ OF ___ COPIES ISSUE DATE/TIME: 150600Z JAN 2026 FROM: HHC, 1-501st PIR REFERENCE: Battalion OPORD 01-2026 TIME ZONE: ZULU
In a real Army company, this OPORD will also include the following annexes (not printed for brevity here but planned):
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.