Does anyone know the history of 5 paragraph OPORD?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:17:28 -0500

Anyone know the history? When did the US formally adopt this format?

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Nov 4 at 2015 3:28 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:28:09 -0500

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member I am intrigued and my couosity has got me!

Response by LCDR Will Sa-Onoy made Nov 4 at 2015 3:49 PM

LCDR Will Sa-Onoy — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:49:49 -0500

I found a reference in a Paper by Major Matthew L. Smith who researched the US 5 Paragraph order. However, I cannot verify the source or find collaborating information.

Major Smith attribution the origination to experiences in the German military of the 1800's. Which were introduced by Captain Eben Swift to the US military in 1897 which has matured over time.

Once again I only found this single reference and cannot verify sources.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 4 at 2015 3:50 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:50:09 -0500

I found an research document at DTIC which includes the history of the 5 paragraph OPORD. Here is a quote to answer your question.
"The five paragraph field order has been used for decades to transmit critical information needed by US ground forces to coordinate movement, fires, and support. Its foundation lay in 19th century German military experiences and was introduced to the US military by Captain Eben Swift in 1897.1 The US order format has evolved throughout 20th century warfare with the aim of keeping pace with changes in weapons, tactics, and the tempo of modern combat."
http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a210966.pdf

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2015 3:55 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:55:55 -0500

Gentlemen thanks for the answers/sources.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 4 at 2015 3:59 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:59:46 -0500

I don't know the answer, however, I used a laminated OPORD format in the field. I had a huge disdain for narratives for execution, thus I used phases. It was easier to remember phases.

Response by MSgt Daniel Attilio made Nov 4 at 2015 10:09 PM

MSgt Daniel Attilio — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 22:09:41 -0500

I think I came across what I thought of as the roots of the OPORD in the book "A Genius for War: The German Army and General Staff, 1807-1945." Very interesting read, also shows where the US (and most other militaries) formed their S-shops. Almost a carbon copy of the German model, who attained the model from the Prussian military.