References: (Maps: Sheet 1234 IV, Edition 04; Battalion OPORD 06-01)
Time Zone Used Throughout Order: (B) BRAVO (Local)
By studying this army company OPORD example, you can structure your own operations with clarity and tactical precision. Remember: A fuzzy OPORD leads to a bloody after-action review (AAR). Be clear, be concise, and be five steps ahead.
— Ready and Relevant.
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:
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 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: army company opord example
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.
An OPORD follows the 5-paragraph format (SMEAC): Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment, Command & Signal.
Situation
Mission
Execution
Sustainment
Command and Signal
Annexes (referenced)
Example 9-Line MEDEVAC (for reference)
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.
Creating a solid Operation Order (OPORD) is a rite of passage for any Company Commander or First Sergeant. It is the bridge between a Battalion’s strategic intent and the tactical execution on the ground.
Below is a comprehensive guide and a realistic Army Company OPORD example to help you structure your next mission. Understanding the 5-Paragraph Format
The Army uses the standard five-paragraph OPORD format to ensure no detail is missed under pressure: Situation Mission Execution Sustainment Command and Signal Army Company OPORD Example: Attack on Objective Alpha Task Organization: 1st Platoon (Main Effort) 2nd Platoon (Support by Fire) 3rd Platoon (Reserve/Security) Medic Team (Attached) 1. Situation
Enemy Forces: Elements of the 10th Motorized Rifle Regiment are established in a hasty defense on Objective Alpha (Grid NK 1234 5678). Expected strength: One reinforced squad with an anti-tank weapon.
Friendly Forces: 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment attacks to seize OBJ Alpha to allow follow-on forces to move North.
Attachments/Detachments: One Forward Observer (FO) team from HHC. 2. Mission
Who: B Co, 1-506th INWhat: Attacks to seize OBJ AlphaWhere: (Grid NK 1234 5678)When: NLT 020400Z MAY 2026Why: To destroy enemy reconnaissance elements and secure the Main Supply Route (MSR). 3. Execution
Commander’s Intent: My intent is to leverage speed and surprise to overwhelm the enemy squad before they can call for indirect fire. Success is defined by the destruction of the enemy on OBJ Alpha and the establishment of a 360-degree security perimeter.
Concept of the Operation: This operation will occur in four phases: Phase I: Movement to ORP.
Phase II: Actions on the Objective (The Breach and Assault). Phase III: Consolidation and Reorganization. Phase IV: Movement to subsequent objectives.
Scheme of Maneuver: 2nd Platoon will establish a Support-by-Fire (SBF) position on the ridgeline West of the OBJ. 1st Platoon will serve as the maneuver element, assaulting from the South. Tasks to Subordinate Units: References: (Maps: Sheet 1234 IV, Edition 04; Battalion
1st PLT: Conduct the breach of the outer wire and clear the objective.
2nd PLT: Suppress enemy bunkers; shift fire on signal (Green Star Cluster).
Coordinating Instructions: Timeline (Step off at 0300), MOPP Level 0, Order of March. 4. Sustainment
Logistics: Class I (Water/MRE) - 3 days of supply on person. Class V (Ammo) - Initial combat load; emergency resupply at CCP.
Personnel: Casualty Collection Point (CCP) established at the ORP.
Health System Support: Company Medic will move with the 1st Platoon (Main Effort). 5. Command and Signal
Command: The CO is with 1st Platoon; the XO is at the Company CP; the 1SG is at the CCP. Succession of Command: CO, XO, 1PLT Leader, 2PLT Leader.
Signal: Primary: FM Radio (Freq: 42.500). Pace: Signal Flares. Shift Fire: Green Star Cluster. Lift Fire: Red Star Cluster. Best Practices for Writing Your OPORD
Be Concise: Avoid "fluff." If it doesn’t help a PLT leader make a decision, cut it.
Use Visuals: Always accompany your OPORD with a Terrain Model Kit or a digital map.
Backbriefs: After giving the order, ask your subordinates to explain their specific tasks back to you to ensure shared understanding.
1st Platoon, C/1-501 PIR conducts an air assault assault to seize OBJ CEDAR (NA 234567) NLT 160900Z JAN 2026 to enable BN main effort to destroy PLA motorized rifle company in Sector LEMON.
Apache Company, 1-4 IN attacks no later than (NLT) 050600R MAY 2026 to destroy enemy reconnaissance forces located in AO RAVEN, secure OBJ BRUTUS (NB 4450 3380), and establish a hasty blocking position along PL COPPERHEAD (East-West gridline 34) to prevent enemy retrograde into OBJ BRUTUS.
a. Commander’s Intent.
b. Concept of Operations (CONOPS). Phases:
c. Scheme of Maneuver (By Priority).
d. Scheme of Fires.
e. Tasks to Subordinate Units.
f. Coordinating Instructions.
a. Enemy Forces (DRAWDown):
b. Friendly Forces:
c. Attachments/Detachments:
d. Civil Considerations – Town of ALPHA: neutral, curfew 2000-0600. By studying this army company OPORD example ,