Mission Exercise - Part 3

Operations Order

Intent: Now that you have the 'why' and researched what resources may be needed, it is time to start creating your Operations Order (OPORD). An OPORD is a directive issued by a commander to subordinate commanders to coordinate execution of an operation (Joint Pub 5, pg I-18).

During this part of the exercise, you will be creating an Operations Order (five paragraph), which outlines every step of the operation. As a CAG, you will gather open-source information to plan your efforts by composing a detailed document that aligns your resources with your operation. You will create an OPORD, which outlines what is needed to execute the operation. The purpose of drafting this document is to allow you to investigate the multiple considerations necessary for planning an operation and develop an awareness or how mission type orders can be used.

Instructions:

During the final part of the planning activity, you will document your planning efforts by composing detailed documentation using the OPORD template 

. The purpose of this document is to ensure you have considered the many factors impacting the support of the operation. Development of the General and Mission sections was started in MP1. You will now refine those sections and add to it as you develop an OPORD.

The OPORD Document must contain the following six (6) sections (use template provided):

• Name of the Operation

• References: List documents used to develop the document and are essential for others to understand the information contained in the document.

• Situation: The situation paragraph describes the current status/conditions of the operational environment/event that impact operations and includes a brief description of the area of operation, actions of neighboring and/or friendly nations, and any other amplifying information as necessary. This section should include the following subparagraphs:

  • • General: Provide a brief description of the event/situation and what it has endangered. Also, provide an explanation of the general environment that would establish the preconditions for execution. Identify the primary enemy or concern and summarize the competing political, economic, social/cultural, and security (military) goals that caused the event/conflict and necessary.

    • Area of Concern: Describes the area for which the plan’s designated commander is responsible. This subparagraph should also include an explanation of the terrain and/or weather that would impact the operation. Consider how the terrain and weather will affect operations?

    • Enemy Forces: Identify any known adversaries and known or potential threats within the area and appraise their general capabilities. Describe the adversaries’ composition, disposition, location, and strength. What is known or unknown about the enemy? What are their general capabilities? (For the humanitarian situation are there known enemies in the region?)

    • Friendly Forces: Briefly identify the mission and capabilities of friendly forces (What troops are available?). Describe their composition (i.e., Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Nongovernmental Organizations) and the support each will provide. 

    • Legal Considerations: Describe any legal considerations that would impact the operation (i.e., International/domestic law, LOAC, Rules of Engagement, Status of Forces agreements, etc.).

• Mission: Identify your tasked mission derived from the Commander’s intent. The mission statement is a concise statement of the task and purpose of the operation (usually one sentence) which describes the mission in terms of the elements of who, what, when, where, and why.

• Execution: Describe how the operation will be conducted to accomplish the mission. This is accomplished through the following subparagraphs:

  • Concept of Operations: The concept of operations is a statement that clearly and concisely expresses what the plan intends to accomplish and how it will be done using available resources. This describes the course of action that provides a basis for supporting concepts such as: Concept of Maneuver, Concept of Fires, Concept of Support, Other Concepts as Required.

  • Commander’s Intent: This describes the intent by describing the purpose and end state of the operation. This statement deals primarily with the military conditions that lead to mission accomplishment. It may also include an assessment of where and how much risk is acceptable during the operation. The purpose explains why the military action is being conducted. The end state describes the conditions that define mission success. It also describes how reaching the end state supports higher headquarters’ national objectives.

  • Objectives: Objectives are clearly defined attainable goals, toward which operations are directed. They are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound. At the tactical level, forces are arranged and employed to execute specific immediate tasks or missions. Although tactical tasks may not directly achieve operational or strategic objectives, the cumulative effects of the tactical events, coupled with operational and strategic events, should achieve those objectives. Both desired and undesired effects should be evaluated.

• Logistics: This paragraph addresses the logistics priorities and intent. Include instructions for administrative movements, deployments, and transportation as well as information on items such as basing, host nation support, required contracted support, environmental considerations, health service support, and Service responsibilities as required.

• Command and Control: Provide an explanation of the scope of the command arrangements to be employed (i.e., the supporting command, service components, and/or joint components). Also highlight any communications systems or procedures requiring special emphasis.