What are some tips that you normally use in constructing an OPORD?

1LT Kevin Chapman — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 16:01:09 -0500

I am currently an MS3 and I am tracking to attend Advanced Camp this summer at Fort Knox, KY. I am trying to become more proficient at writing OPORDs and orally presenting OPORDs. I have extensively read the Ranger Handbook. But could anyone give me any tips you normally use in constructing an OPORD? And lastly, can anyone give me any tips you use in constructing a squad level OPORD? Earlier in the semester I was tasked to present an OPORD from the squad level and I had written it from a platoon level. Any help would greatly be appreciated. Thank you!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 14 at 2018 4:04 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 16:04:57 -0500

1LT Kevin Chapman here is some advice:

Always think: Who am I in this order? Am I a Squad Leader? Platoon Leader? Team Leader?

What is in the higher HQ OPORD is for that whole formation. The typical Cadet type situations is that you are a subordinate squad and you are working from a platoon OPORD that you receive FRAGOs from. If I remember correctly...

Generally, you need to do hasty mission analysis on what you are given. I can't find it, but I once had a chart of higher To lowers OPORD what came from where. So I'm doing this from memory. Fuzzzzzzy memory from booze soaked brain cells from 25 years ago, so buckle up.

Patrolling is the bread and butter of squads as Cadet Command leverages them to evaluate leadership. Squads have a few key missions:
- defend: a patrol base or as part of a larger force, defending an assigned sector.
- movement to contact
- ambush
- raid (really as only part of a larger force since you want a 3:1 attack to defend ratio or better for a dug in enemy unit)

You will have battle drills and tasks that are really the same no matter what mission you are doing, these should be squad SOP so you don't have to fill up Coordinating instructions in Para 3 with what Smith has in his pockets while he is doing aid and litter. Here are some of the key drills. Consult FM 7-8, then consult the Ranger Handbook. 7-8 is easier in my mind and more global of a solution. the old school 7-8 had lots of pictures that made it clear. Key battle drills:
- React to contact
- React to indirect fire
- Actions on the objective (special teams like demo, aid and litter, EPW/SEARCH, recorder, time keeper, security etc.)
- Tactical movement (traveling, over watch, and bounding over watch and when you use each)
- using an objective rally point
- write/issue the order
- rehearsal....you have to identify the critical actions of the particular mission and rehearse/brief back that portion of the entire mission.
- identifying the tactical route
- navigate'
- pace count
- Crossing danger areas
- Command succession
- contingency plans, particularly GOTWA for leader's recon and recon missions....basically anytime the squad is apart.
- 1/3 2/3 rule.
If any of this sounds like FORTRAN, then you need to read FM7-8.

Leverage tools:
- They used to issue a Cadet "How to Fight" manual, that was kind of like the Ranger Handbook, but simpler. It has fill in the blank Mad Lib type OPORDs for each mission type among many other things. you usually get it at camp, but I am sure in the digital age its out there. Worth it to have some made from KINKOs.
- A Patrol SOP card. this used to be in that Cadet How to Fight Manual. I subverted it for CSS QRFs in the late 90s/early 2000s. You'll need to add back pace count and backup map to the tasks. It is in this article in Army Logistician (Now Army Sustainment). There is no confusion, you have an assigned number and those are your jobs. Someone goes down, you reassign and move out. http://www.alu.army.mil/alog/2001/marapr01/pdf/marapr2001.pdf
- Each guy/gal in your squad will show up with high speed SOPs for everything. Pick one, make sure it is doctrinally sound and simple, and roll with it. Don't worry about not invented here

OPORD higher to lower:

Higher Paragraph 1 Situation: pick out key facts from this one and they go into your Para 1. Adjacent units and enemy. Don't forget to step down adjacent units to the Squad level, you will need that from Higher Para 3 Tasks to Sub Units and Scheme of Maneuver.

Higher Paragraph 2: Carefully read this and COMMANDER'S INTENT, if you got nothing else, you should be able to execute your mission successfully. Identify key tasks in it and see how each squad's tasks (Mission) fit together. MISSION and INTENT of NEXT HIGHER go in your para 1.

Higher Para3: Some key portions here. Scheme of Maneuver, lays out how they see the mission unfolding with the different sub elements. you pick out the context of what you are to do. very important TASKS TO SUBORDINATE UNITS. this will more than likely form 75% of your para 2 MISSION. Fires....they usually don't play this. Check with the MS IVs to see what they did at Camp. its too hard for them to replicate on the fly. All those artillery simulators at Camp are just motivational aids because you are taking too long and they need you to hurry up before the next lane starts behind you. Watch for key set times specified in the order.

Higher Para 4 SUSTAINMENT, formerly Admin and Log: The usual setting you are already on a mission and you receive a FRAGO to do something else. You got what you got. this is usually anemic in the order they give you. But for real world, this tells you how you get all the tactical logistics functions (man, arm, fuel, fix, move, and sustain soldier's and their systems), all classes of supply (usually emphasis is on 3, 5, Medical, and Maintenance for when you have vehicles :) ), and any special procedures to get these things. Medical CASEVAC, MEDEVAC, AXPs etc will be in here. You will not have a lot to put in to this paragraph. Any logistics you may need to conduct with the mission will be part of Troop Leading Procedures (TLPs) and Squad SOP like topping off water. Youll have your rations. Youll already have ammunition. You may have some special instructions for EPW and CASEVAC.

Higher Para 5 Command and Signal: You have to pass on the chain of command succession for higher, even though it may be tactical window dressing. You and your two TLs huddle while crossing a danger area, and wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew! Boom! Succession is tested. Frequencies...ensure everyone knows them. Your squad succession should be SOP, but stated during the OPORD, out loud, so the evaluator hears it.

Don't forget that you NEED to have a rehearsal (preferred), key action rehearsal (next best), brief back (honorable mention). Sometimes we called this the 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 rule with write OPORD, BRIEF, REHEARSE respective. Use the sand table to your advantage. ASK the evaluator if he wants the sand table "erased" before you hit LD. They will say no because the next team will use it. IRL you'd wipe out or sterilize the sand table for OPSEC.

Squad Para 1: some of it came from Higher Para 1 and 3. Mission and Intent two levels up. Adjacent Units.
Squad Para 2: your assigned task. Task, Purpose, End State. Short. Simple. Something that can be understood by someone who has been up for three days....oh wait, that's you ! Who (your squad), what, where, when, why....how is Para 3.
Squad Para 3: you develop the scheme of maneuver (movement technique, formation type, especially where you plan to transition between them, ORPs, RPs etc) based on what is happening in other squads on your left and right. Tasks to subordinate units. You develop a SHORT and NECESSARY set of tasks to the teams or individuals. Most of the battle drills, movement, communicating, and navigation should be SOP (I cant advocate for that numbered patrol SOP card enough, prevents so many "expert opinion" fights, just follow the damn card!). State in the order that you are following the SOP. They may ask to look at it. If you get special equipment, weapons, or anything out of the ordinary that is new, specify a task to someone to operate it, carry it, etc. Example: M136 LAWs for an anti armor ambush. This is your main effort should be in the scheme, tasks, and Para 4. Issue your own time line.

Squad Para 4: mention to TLs to consolidate, reorganize and cross level ammunition IAW SOP. Add anything unique to that mission like EPW and CASEVAC. Don't go in to detail of the Higher Para 4 unless it is going to happen during patrol base operations or after you cross LD. WATCH for something you need to direct to the TLs during TLPs whilst you INITIATE MOVEMENT with them. redistributing ammo and topping off water are the two big ones.

Squad Para 5: Reiterate your squad succession of command and the things I mentioned above. Key frequencies. PACE.

Questions?

marapr2001.pdf

Response by COL John McClellan made Dec 14 at 2018 4:29 PM

COL John McClellan — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 16:29:55 -0500

Get as many leadership opportunities on-campus this year as you can, and practice, practice, practice! Write 1-2pps OPORDs for anything you do - including non-military. Apply the methodology! For squad/plt level - your MSIII class / instructor should have good templates. Listen to them! Does your battalion have a Cadet Handbook - I'm sure there is a good one in there. I'll look for one of my old ones. For the oral delivery, again: practice every chance you get! Get comfortable standing in front of a group and giving a 5-10 minute presentation. Have a friend video-tape you and then review - just like a pro athlete!!

Response by COL John McClellan made Dec 14 at 2018 5:05 PM

COL John McClellan — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 17:05:21 -0500

Cadet Chapman, Here are some further thoughts gleaned from my time as a PMS, Regimental XO and Tactical Officer at Advanced Camp:

Para 1 Situation. Don't simply regurgitate the enemy situation from higher orders, and make sure you know what everything you say means - so, if you brief BMNT, you had better be able to tell me what that is and why it applies to your operation! Don't just give the sqd/plt a weather report, the point is to convey what will the effects of the weather be on your forces and the enemy. Will the weather be an advantage or disadvantage, and why? Same thing with terrain and OCOKA - its not enough to say what the terrain is - but how will it effect your mission, at your level? Friendly forces - are any in/near your battlespace? Are their civilians on the battlefield? Refugees? Contractors? If you expect a complex battlefield, make sure the Rules of Engagement are clear.

Para 3 Execution. What is the intent of this mission and how do your actions fit into your Commander's plan? If a recon - is it critical that you not be discovered/compromised? If an ambush, do you want "violence of action?" Concept/Scheme of Maneuver - see the operation in your mind, how does it unfold in time and space, from beginning to end? Convey that as simply as possible. At squad/platoon level you don't need 3, 4 or 5 "phases" - the invasion of Normandy was only a 3-phase operation. "You will enter the continent of Europe and, in conjunction with the other United Nations, undertake operations aimed at the heart of Germany and the destruction of her armed forces.” Pretty good intent statement...

Para 4 and 5 - don't overlook these! Know how long you can fight before your ammo/supplies are exhausted, and when you will be re-supplied. What everyone is supposed to be carrying, and conduct those PCIs! On Signals - at squad/platoon level this might be a whistle, colored smoke, a star cluster, code words or hand/arm gestures - be clear about what means what. These are good things to check in your brief-back and to rehearse, time permitting.

Finally, know your lexicon of tactical terms and use them correctly! When giving subordinates their tasks - look at them directly, make eye contact, and use their rank and name. It's great to have a template for a standard orders but if you deliver your order like you are reading from a script, and don't connect with subordinate leaders, they won't remember what your emphasis was! Also specified tasks are easy, but implied tasks... that's where you check during prep time and rehearsals. Did you think through all the implied tasks??

Good Luck!!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 14 at 2018 6:06 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 18:06:44 -0500

Break down Execution in Phases as opposed to paragraph. It would be easier to follow and remember.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2018 9:17 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 21:17:02 -0500

I'm just an MSIV, but my advice is to utilize your RTO and your PSG when writing a platoon level OPORD. Let your RTO write and present the command & signal paragraph while your PSG writes and presents the sustainment paragraph. That way, you can focus the bulk of your time to the execution paragraph. When I went to camp last summer, cadets who delegated in this manner usually had the most successful missions.

Also, not OPORD advice but just camp advice in general, make sure that you really proficient at rucking before you go and make sure that you are able to ruck with 60+ pounds of weight.

Good luck at camp!