The Blueprint for Battle: Breaking Down a Company OPORD (with Example)

Friendly: B Co is blocking Phase Line DOG to the West. A Co is the QRF (Quick Reaction Force) 2 kms East." 1st Platoon now knows they need to avoid the PKM fields of fire. They will approach from the South, not the North. PARAGRAPH 2: MISSION (The "Who, What, When, Where, Why") This is the clearest sentence in the entire brief. It is the only thing the Commander can legally change his mind about.

Signal: PACE Plan. Primary: Company Push. Alternate: Platoon Net. Contingency: Runner (PFC Smith on a bike). Emergency: Flares. Command Post: TOC is located at Grid AB 9876. Succession of Command: 1) Commander (CPT Lee). 2) XO (1LT Davis). 3) 1SG (MSG Hall). 4) 1st PLT LDR. The "Salty" Takeaway If you are a young LT or a new NCO, you might read an OPORD and think, "This is too long. Just tell me where to shoot."

Because the OPORD contains the ("Capture the HVT, don't level the village"), you, as a Team Leader, know what to do when the radio goes dead. Do you withdraw? No. You still know the "Why." You adapt.

The answer is the (Operations Order).