1. Tactical (Combat) Orders

2. Types of Orders Administrative Orders Combat Orders
Warning Order (WARNO)
Operations Order (OPORD)
Fragmentary Order (FRAGO)

3. Unit Hierarchy and Tactical Orders

4. Characteristics of Tactical (Combat) Orders
Good Combat Orders:
Have Clarity (Use sketches, models or actual terrain)
Are Complete and Brief
Are Timely
Allow Initiative by recognizing subordinates freedom of action within the commander’s intent
Use affirmative form and are authoritative
Avoid Qualified Directives

5. The Warning Order (WARNO)
Preliminary Notice “Heads up”
Facilitates Time Management
Provides operational details
Outlines key events for mission execution (focus on mission preparation)
Detail dependent on:
The information and time available from the issue of the order to mission execution
The information subordinate commanders need for proper planning and preparation

6. Warning Order (WARNO)
Time: Provided ASAP after receipt of higher order
Format:
No specific format -- Use the five paragraphs of the operations order as a guide
Use unit SOP/checklists (or develop them)
Necessary information in a WARNO:
The mission or nature of the operation
Who is participating in the mission
Time of the operation
Tasks that unit must accomplish now (equipment, supplies, inspections and rehearsals) to prepare
Time and place that to issue the operations order

7. WARNO General Format Five-Paragraph Format Four-Paragraph Format
Situation
Mission
Execution
Time Schedule
Tasks
Service support
Command and Signal
Four-Paragraph Format
Situation
Mission
General Instructions
Special Instructions

8. The Operations Order (OPORD)
Directive issued to subordinate leaders, commanders,
Information to effect execution of an operation
Always specifies execution time and date
Focus is on what to do, not how to do it
Explains why the mission is important

9. Operations Order- A Basic Outline (1 of 2)
Situation
Enemy Forces
Friendly Forces
Attachments and Detachments
Mission
Execution
Concept of the Operation
Maneuver
Fires
Tasks to Maneuver Units
Tasks to Combat Support Units
Coordinating Instructions

10. Operations Order- A Basic Outline (2 of 2)
Service Support
General
Material and Services
Supply
Transportation
Services
Maintenance
Medical Evacuations
Personnel
Miscellaneous
Command and Signal
Command
Signal

11. Situation Enemy Forces Friendly Forces Attachments and Detachments
Composition, disposition, strength, and capabilities
Most probable/dangerous course of action
Friendly Forces
Mission and action of units two levels up, left/right, front/rear.
Attachments and Detachments
Units or individuals
Effective time period.

12. Mission
States the mission in a clear concise statement of the task and purpose, containing the following information:
Who
What
When
Where
Why

13. Execution The “How To” Information needed to accomplish the mission.
Usually in four parts:
Concept of operation
Tasks to maneuver units
Tasks to combat support units
Coordinating instructions

14. Concept of the Operation
Covers the commander’s intent
Covers the tactical plan
Scheme of maneuver
Integration

15. Tasks to Maneuver/Combat Support Units
Gives the exact mission of all subordinate units
Coordinating Instruction
The tactical instruction and details of coordination that apply to two or more units

16. Service Support Support Concept Material and Services
Supply
Transportation
Services
Maintenance
Medical Evacuation
Personnel
Miscellaneous

17. Command and Signal Location of key leaders Chain of command
Frequencies
Call signs
Code words

18. FRAGO Address only parts of the OPORD that change – must be specific
Uses the same sequence of the OPORD
A brief outline of the changes and instructions

19. Troop Leading Procedures and Tactical Orders
Receive the mission
Issue a warning order WARNO
Make a tentative plan
Start necessary movement
Reconnoiter
Complete the plan OPORD
Issue the complete order OPORD Brief
Supervise FRAGO

20. Tactical Orders Practical Exercise Review the platoon order
Individually write a WARNO
Guided discussion
Make a tentative plan (Step 3)
Initiate movement (Step 4)
Reconnoiter (Step 5)
Complete the Plan (Step 6)
Review for homework
Issue complete order (Step 7)
Supervise (Step 8)