Army Company Opord Example -

This scenario is a hypothetical offensive operation: Attack on Objective Alpha.


CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED

OPORD [Operation Order] Unit: A Company, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Date/Time: 240800JAN2024 (Local) Reference: Maps: SHEET 3851 IV (VICINITY OF FORT IRWIN)

TASK ORGANIZATION:


1. SITUATION

a. Area of Interest: The AO extends 5km north and south of the objective. Key terrain includes HILL 802 and the RIDGE LINE running East to West. We are focused on enemy reinforcements arriving from the East via ROUTE IRON.

b. Area of Operations:

c. Enemy Forces:

d. Friendly Forces:

e. Civilian Considerations: Civilians are likely present in the compound. Rules of Engagement (ROE) require positive identification of targets. Do not engage non-combatants.


2. MISSION

A Company, 1-16 IN attacks to seize OBJ ALPHA NLT 251000JAN2024 in order to facilitate the forward passage of the Brigade Main Body.


3. EXECUTION

Commander’s Intent:

a. Concept of the Operation: This operation will be conducted in three phases.

b. Tasks to Maneuver Units:

c. Tasks to Combat Support:

d. Coordinating Instructions:


4. SUSTAINMENT

a. Logistics:

b. Transportation: No external transportation required.

c. Services: Enemy EPWs will be evacuated to the Battalion Detainee Collection Point.

d. Personnel: Strength reports submitted to HQ NLT 0500 daily.

e. Health System Support: MEDEVAC priority is URGENT. 9-Line medevac procedures in effect. Landing Zone (LZ) orientation North-South at Grid NU 120460.


5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL

a. Command:

b. Signal:

ACKNOWLEDGE: 1st PLT ________ 2nd PLT ________ 3rd PLT ________

OFFICIAL:

//SIGNED// CPT J. SMITH Commanding, A Company, 1-16 IN

ANNEXES: Annex A: Fire Support Plan Annex B: Intelligence Overlay Annex C: Operations Overlay


In the Army, a Company Operations Order (OPORD) is a directive issued by a commander to subordinate leaders to coordinate the execution of a specific mission. It follows a standardized five-paragraph format—

Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment, and Command & Signal —to ensure nothing critical is omitted.

Below is a detailed example of a Company OPORD for a tactical offensive mission. [CO NAME] OPERATIONS ORDER [ORDER #] (NAME OF OPERATION) References: Map Sheet [Series, Number, Edition], [Higher Unit] OPORD Time Zone: [e.g., Romeo] Task Organization: 1st Platoon: Main Effort (ME) 2nd Platoon: Supporting Effort 1 (SE1) 3rd Platoon: Supporting Effort 2 (SE2) Attachments: 1x Forward Observer (FO) Team, 1x Combat Medic Team 1. SITUATION Enemy Forces: Composition/Disposition/Strength:

Identify the enemy unit (e.g., motorized infantry squad), their equipment (SALUTE report), and their current locations (known or suspected). Course of Action (COA): Detail their Most Likely COA (e.g., defend from current positions) and Most Dangerous COA (e.g., counter-attack with armor support). Friendly Forces: Higher Missions:

State the mission and intent of the units one and two levels up (Battalion and Brigade). Adjacent Units:

List the tasks of units to your left, right, front, and rear (e.g., "A Co is flanking to the West"). Environment: Analyze terrain using

(Obstacles, Avenues of Approach, Key Terrain, Observation/Fields of Fire, Cover/Concealment) and include weather impacts like visibility or precipitation. 2. MISSION Statement:

A clear, concise "5 Ws" statement (Who, What, When, Where, Why).

"B Co, 1-502nd IN attacks NLT 0400R 12 APR 26 to seize Objective Alpha (Grid 123 456) in order to prevent enemy interference with the Battalion main effort." Always state the mission twice. 3. EXECUTION Commander's Intent:

The desired end state regarding the enemy, friendly forces, and terrain. Concept of the Operation:

A general description of how the unit will accomplish the mission from start to finish, often broken into phases (e.g., Movement, Actions on Objective, Consolidation). Scheme of Maneuver: army company opord example

Detailed "game plan" describing movement formations and tactical control measures. Tasks to Subordinate Units:

Assign specific tasks (e.g., Breach, Support by Fire, Assault) to each platoon. Coordinating Instructions: Details applying to two or more units, such as the Rules of Engagement (ROE) Primary Intelligence Requirements (PIR) 4. SUSTAINMENT (Service Support) Logistics:

The "Four Bs": Beans (Chow/Water), Bullets (Ammunition), Band-Aids (Medical/CASEVAC), and Bad Guys (EPW handling). Maintenance: Instructions for equipment repair or recovery. Personnel:

Locations of Casualty Collection Points (CCP) and Ambulance Exchange Points (AXP). 5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL

Grid locations of the Company Command Post (CP) and key leaders (CO, XO, 1SG). Succession of Command:

The order of who takes over if the Commander is incapacitated. Communications:

Frequencies, call signs, and the SOI (Signal Operating Instructions) index in effect. Codes/Signals:

Challenge and password, running passwords, and pyrotechnic signals (e.g., "Green Star Cluster means objective is secure"). Acknowledge: [Commander's Name/Rank] tactical scenario , such as a movement to contact or an area defense?

5 Paragraph OPORD Structure Guide | PDF | Artillery - Scribd

Operation Order (OPORD) is a directive issued by a leader to subordinate units to coordinate the execution of a specific operation

. For an Army Company, it follows the standardized five-paragraph format—often remembered by the acronym

—to ensure all tactical and logistical details are covered. Rutgers University The 5 Paragraphs of a Company OPORD : Provides the context of the operational environment. Enemy Forces

: Composition, recent activities, and "most likely" vs. "most dangerous" courses of action. Friendly Forces

: Missions of the higher unit (Battalion) and adjacent units. Environment : Analysis of terrain (using OAKOC) and weather impacts. : A concise "Who, What, When, Where, and Why" statement.

“A Co, 1-502 IN, attacks to seize Objective RED NLT 0600Z to prevent enemy interference with the Battalion main effort.” : The "How" of the operation. Commander’s Intent : The desired end state. Concept of Operations : A phase-by-phase breakdown of the movement and maneuver. Scheme of Movement and Maneuver

: Specific tasks for each platoon (e.g., 1st Platoon is the Main Effort). Tasks to Subordinate Units : Detailed instructions for individual elements. Sustainment (Administration & Logistics) : How the unit will be supplied. : Water, ammunition (Class V), fuel, and rations.

: Locations of the casualty collection point (CCP) and medevac procedures. Command and Signal : The "Who’s in charge" and "How we talk" section.

: Location of the Commander/XO and the succession of command.

: Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency (PACE) plans, call signs, and passwords. Blue / Green Training Example Scenario: Platoon Raid

: Enemy squad-sized element occupying a village (Obj ALPHA).

: B Company raids Obj ALPHA at 0200Z to destroy enemy communications.

: 1st Platoon (Support) provides base of fire; 2nd Platoon (Assault) clears the objective. Sustainment : Resupply at Checkpoint 4 post-extraction. Command/Signal : CO located with 2nd Platoon; Primary freq: 34.50. For more detailed templates, you can refer to the US Army Combined Arms Center or standard training guides from organizations like Warrior Academy Blue / Green Training specific template for a particular mission type, such as a reconnaissance

OPORD & TLP Frequently Asked Questions - Blue / Green Training

It typically includes each phase of the operation (including what they start and end with), and the critical tasks for that phase. Blue / Green Training Army company opord example

Develop a comprehensive annual plan for 2022, focusing on key objectives for various business segments: * Operations * Marketing * cdn.prod.website-files.com Five Paragraph Order Planning and Execution

Here’s a ready-to-use post for a military education or leadership blog, social media page, or unit training page.


Title: OPORD Writing Made Simple: Army Company-Level Example

Post:

Whether you’re a new Platoon Leader, a seasoned Company Commander, or an NCO helping to plan the next field exercise, writing a clear, concise Operations Order (OPORD) is a critical skill. At the company level, your OPORD bridges the gap between battalion’s “big picture” and the squad-level “boots on the ground.”

To help you visualize the format, here’s a condensed example of a company OPORD for a movement to contact mission.


COPY OF OPORD 01 – (UNIT NAME) References: Map Sheet 1234, Edition 01 Time Zone Used Throughout Order: ZULU

1. SITUATION

2. MISSION Not later than (NLT) 050700Z JAN 25, C Company conducts a movement to contact along MSR HAWK to PL FOXTROT, destroys enemy forces vicinity OBJ EAGLE, and establishes hasty defense NLT 051600Z JAN 25.

3. EXECUTION

4. SUSTAINMENT

5. COMMAND & SIGNAL


Key Takeaways for Company Leaders:

👉 Need a blank OPORD template? Drop a comment below or DM me – I’ll send you the editable Word/PDF version.

Train like you fight. Write like you fight.

#ArmyTraining #OPORD #MissionCommand #CompanyCommand #MilitaryLeader

An Army Operation Order (OPORD) is a standardized five-paragraph directive used to coordinate mission execution. At the company level, it serves as the bridge between high-level battalion strategy and the tactical execution of platoons and squads. The Five-Paragraph Structure (SMEAC)

The most useful feature of an OPORD is its consistent structure, which allows leaders to quickly find critical information under pressure.

Situation: Describes the environment, including terrain (OAKOC), weather, enemy forces (composition, disposition, strength), and friendly force locations.

Mission: A concise "Who, What, When, Where, Why" statement, typically stated twice for clarity.

Execution: The most detailed section. It includes the Commander’s Intent, the overall concept of the operation, specific tasks for subordinate units, and coordinating instructions like timelines. This scenario is a hypothetical offensive operation: Attack

Sustainment: Outlines logistics, including supply (ammo/water), transportation, and medical support (Casualty Collection Points).

Command and Signal: Details the chain of command, succession, and communication plans (radio frequencies, call signs, passwords). Key Useful Features for Company Leaders Operations Order OPORD Paragraph 1 Situation

An Operations Order (OPORD) is a directive issued by a leader to subordinate units to coordinate the execution of a specific operation. At the company level, it follows the standard five-paragraph format (SMEAC). [CLASSIFICATION]

Copy __ of __ copiesIssuing Headquarters: [Unit Name, e.g., B Co, 1-502nd IN]Place of Issue: [Location/Grid]Date-Time Group: [Day, Month, Year, Time]Operation Plan/Order Name/Number: [e.g., OPORD 24-01 "SILENT ANVIL"] 1. SITUATION

Area of Interest: Areas outside your Area of Operations (AO) that could influence your mission.

Area of Operations: Define the boundaries (LL, RL, CL) and terrain/weather effects (OAKOC: Obstacles, Avenues of Approach, Key Terrain, Observation/Fields of Fire, Cover/Concealment).

Enemy Forces: Most Likely Course of Action (MLCOA) and Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). Identify enemy composition, disposition, and recent activities.

Friendly Forces: State the mission and intent of the higher headquarters (Battalion) and adjacent units (left, right, front, rear).

Attachments and Detachments: List any units added to or removed from the company (e.g., Fire Support Teams, Engineers). 2. MISSION A concise statement of the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, and WHY.

Example: "B Co attacks to seize Objective ALPHA (GL 1234 5678) NLT 1500Z JUN 20XX to prevent enemy interference with the Battalion's main effort." 3. EXECUTION

Commander’s Intent: The desired end state (Enemy, Friendly, Terrain).

Concept of Operations: A general "how-to" of the operation. This should be a clear, narrative "big picture" of the flow from start to finish.

Scheme of Movement and Maneuver: Details for each platoon (1st Plt: Support by Fire; 2nd Plt: Main Effort/Assault; 3rd Plt: Reserve).

Scheme of Fires: Integration of mortars, artillery, and air support.

Tasks to Subordinate Units: Specific tasks for each platoon or squad not covered in the scheme of maneuver.

Coordinating Instructions: Timeline, CCIR (Commander’s Critical Information Requirements), Rules of Engagement (ROE), and MOPP levels. 4. SUSTAINMENT

Logistics: Classes of supply (Class I: Food/Water; Class V: Ammo), maintenance, and transportation. Personnel: EPW (Enemy Prisoner of War) handling and mail.

Health System Support: Casualty Collection Points (CCP), Medevac procedures, and Aid Station locations. 5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL

Command: Location of the Commander and Executive Officer during the operation; Succession of Command. Control: Location of Command Posts (CP).

Signal: Frequencies, Call Signs, Pace Plan (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency), and Challenge/Password. Resources for Templates and Examples

To see a fully populated example or download a fillable template, you can visit these professional military resources:

The Army Publishing Directorate for official doctrine (ADP 5-0).

The Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) for tactical examples and "gold standard" orders.

The Junior Officer (JO) Forum often hosts peer-reviewed templates for company-grade officers.

1. SITUATION

a. Area of Interest (AOI). The company’s AOI extends 15km northeast of AA RAVEN to PL COPPERHEAD. Key civil considerations include the village of NOWY SWIAT (NB 4485 3356), which contains a non-evacuated civilian population of approximately 200.

b. Area of Operations (AO). Apache Company’s AO (NB 4300 3300 to NB 4550 3400) is bounded by MSR HAWK on the west and the BRUNA RIVER on the east.

c. Enemy Forces (SALUTE - Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, Equipment).

d. Friendly Forces (Higher, Adjacent, Supporting).

e. Attachments and Detachments.


3. EXECUTION

a. Commander’s Intent:

b. Concept of Operations:

c. Tasks to Maneuver Units:

d. Coordinating Instructions:


4. SUSTAINMENT

a. Logistics (Class I, III, V).

b. Personnel.

c. Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC).

d. Maintenance.


The Complete Guide to a U.S. Army Company OPORD: A Real-World Example

By: Tactical Leadership Staff

For a U.S. Army company commander, the Operations Order (OPORD) is the fundamental tool for translating the commander’s intent into actionable tasks. Whether you are a cadet at LDAC, a newly appointed executive officer, or a seasoned first sergeant, writing and receiving a combat-effective OPORD is a perishable skill.

This article provides a complete, realistic OPORD example for a mechanized infantry company (M2A4 Bradley) conducting a Movement to Contact in a Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) environment. We will break down the five-paragraph field order, the coordination instructions, and the command and signal annexes.

Company Operations Order (OPORD) — Example

Situation

Mission

Execution

Sustainment

Command and Signal

Annexes (referenced)

Example 9-Line MEDEVAC (for reference)

  1. Location: AB1299
  2. Call sign and frequency: EAGLE 70 / FM 31.60
  3. Number of patients by precedence: 2 URGENT
  4. Special equipment: None
  5. Number of patients by type: 2 Ambulatory
  6. Security of pickup site: Secure
  7. Method of marking pickup site: Panel / smoke
  8. Patient nationality and status: US Military
  9. NBC contamination: None

If you want this OPORD tailored to a different mission (defense, hasty attack, reconnaissance) or a specific unit size or location, tell me the mission type and I'll produce a customized OPORD.

Understanding the Army Company OPORD: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

In military operations, a well-planned and executed order is crucial for success. The Army Company OPORD (Operation Order) is a standardized format used to convey a unit's plan of action to its subordinate elements. This article aims to provide an in-depth look at the Army Company OPORD, its components, and an example to illustrate its application.

What is an Army Company OPORD?

An Army Company OPORD is a written order that outlines a unit's plan for a specific operation or mission. It provides a clear and concise description of the task, the situation, and the plan of action. The OPORD format is used to ensure that all units, from company to brigade level, communicate their plans in a consistent and easily understood manner.

Components of an Army Company OPORD

A typical Army Company OPORD consists of five paragraphs:

  1. Situation: This paragraph provides an overview of the operational environment, including the enemy situation, friendly forces, and any other relevant factors that may impact the mission.
  2. Mission: This paragraph states the unit's task and purpose, including the specific objectives to be accomplished.
  3. Execution: This paragraph outlines the plan of action, including the tasks to be performed, the timelines, and the resources required.
  4. Administration and Logistics: This paragraph addresses the support requirements for the operation, including supplies, transportation, and medical evacuation procedures.
  5. Command and Control: This paragraph outlines the command structure, including the chain of command, communication procedures, and decision points.

Additional Sections

In addition to the five paragraphs, an Army Company OPORD may also include:

Example of an Army Company OPORD

Operation Order (OPORD)

Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment

Mission: Conduct a reconnaissance in force (RIF) to gather information on enemy forces in the vicinity of Grid Coordinates 123456, and prepare the area for future operations.

Situation:

Mission:

Execution:

Administration and Logistics:

Command and Control:

Annex A: Intelligence

Appendix B: Logistics

Conclusion

The Army Company OPORD is a critical tool used to convey a unit's plan of action to its subordinate elements. By following the standardized format, units can ensure that their plans are clear, concise, and easily understood. The example provided illustrates the components of an Army Company OPORD and demonstrates how to apply them in a real-world scenario.

Best Practices

References

By understanding and applying the principles of the Army Company OPORD, units can improve their ability to plan and execute complex operations, ultimately achieving their objectives and accomplishing their missions.

An Army company operations order (OPORD) is a five-paragraph directive following the SMEAC format (Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment, Command/Signal) used by leaders to issue tactical instructions. Based on 2026 standards, a company-level OPORD includes specific details on terrain, enemy forces, commander’s intent, maneuver plans, and logistics. For a detailed template, read the full guide at The Company Leader. Five Paragraph Order Planning and Execution

OPERATION ORDER

OPERATION NAME: Operation Iron Eagle

DATE: 2023-02-20

TIME: 0600 hours

COMPANY HQ: 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

TASK ORGANIZATION:

SITUATION:

MISSION:

COMMANDER'S INTENT:

CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS (CONOPS):

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

COORDINATION:

ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS:

COMMAND AND CONTROL:

SIGNAL:

SECURITY:

COORDINATION WITH CIVILIAN AUTHORITIES:

This sample OPORD provides a general outline of a company-level operation. The actual content and details will vary based on the specific mission, task organization, and operational requirements.


The 5 Essential Paragraphs (SMEAC)

| Paragraph | Purpose | |-----------|---------| | 1. Situation | Enemy, friendly, attachments/detachments, civil considerations | | 2. Mission | Clear, concise task + purpose (who, what, when, where, why) | | 3. Execution | Commander’s intent, concept of operations, tasks to subordinate units, coordinating instructions | | 4. Sustainment | Logistics, personnel, medical, maintenance, supply | | 5. Command & Signal | Chain of command, location of leaders, signals, passwords, communication plan |