What is the difference between different OPORD formats?

2021-03-29T23:09:01-04:00

I came across a few different formats, and I'm having trouble deciding when I should use one over the other. For example, this OPORD format below differs slightly from FM 6-0.

I. SITUATION
A. Enemy Forces:
Weather:
Terrain:
B. Friendly Forces:
Higher's mission
Higher's intent
C. Attachments/Detachments
II. MISSION
III. EXECUTION
A. Concept of the Operation:
B. Task to Maneuver Units:
D. Coordinating Instructions:
IV. SERVICE SUPPORT
A. General: changes to SOP
B. Materials and Services:
1. Supply:
2. Transportation
3. Services
4. Maintenance
5. MEDEVAC
C. Miscellaneous:
D. Personnel
V. COMMAND & SIGNAL
A. Command:
B. Signal

When should I use which, and why?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2021 11:18 PM

2021-03-29T23:18:21-04:00

Refer to FM 6-0 for specific guidance

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2021 11:30 PM

2021-03-29T23:30:37-04:00

There is a NATO standard OPORD format that you'll see in 6-0. But local S3 operations will almost always have their own specific versions

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Mar 30 at 2021 9:36 AM

2021-03-30T09:36:44-04:00

The Unit's Mission (two Command levels up/one level down) and the Commander's Intent determine what components are present within the OPORD. Annexes extend the OPORD structure for those areas the are needed to conduct the mission.
FM 6-0 provides the tactics and procedures associated with mission command but not all.
Why include all the Annexes A through Z, there is no need? Example: Sample Annex N (Space Operations).
Commanders determine at what level the various components are disseminated and what his reporting procedures they want their staffs to monitor.
All of the above is known as the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP).
Troop leading procedures (TLP) extend the MDMP to the small-unit level below the Commander level.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2021 6:30 PM

2021-03-30T18:30:26-04:00

For Army operations I advise using FM 6-0. A doctrinal foundation provides a common operating picture to ensure Soldiers understand the format and contents in a simple fashion.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2021 11:12 PM

2021-03-30T23:12:08-04:00

The biggest different in formats is how in depth you want to go and where you are putting info that could go in different places. For example, since you are aviation you coul have a task to aviation units in para 3. Even this version is at least 9 years old as para 4 is called sustainment and para 5 is command and control.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 31 at 2021 12:04 AM

2021-03-31T00:04:39-04:00

FM6-0 is the standard unless local SOP has superseded it. There were some variations based on mission type, like the patrol order format used in the Ranger Handbook, or some SOP adjusted orders for route reconnaissance. They would vary by the unit executing it and the key elements of the operation. In a Sustainment unit, Paragraph 3 is focused on concept of support because that is the operation they perform, and security/protection tasks are an add on.

What other order formats are you talking about in your comment? Sources? It may help us help you answer this question.

In general terms, the order format with all annexes are something a staff at the BN and above would prepare and issue. Certainly not the level and scope of what a Squad,Platoon, or Company would produce to issue to their subordinate units/soldiers.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Mar 31 at 2021 10:16 AM

2021-03-31T10:16:47-04:00

Lots of great responses here. 1LT Ting-Yu C., if you are building a training scenario go with FM 6-0, my rule of thumb has always been to reset to doctrine whenever possible. Soldiers need to know the doctrine format, then you can teach how the local SOP differs and why. There is usually a pretty good reason.

Response by 1SG Charles Hunter made Mar 31 at 2021 10:57 AM

2021-03-31T10:57:32-04:00

The format in FM 6-0 is provided to ensure that all factors which may impact the mission are considered. Paragraphs which are irrelevant may be omitted.