MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 1 of 20

Tactical (Combat) Orders

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 2 of 20

Types of Orders

Administrative Orders

Combat Orders Warning Order (WARNO) Operations Order (OPORD) Fragmentary Order (FRAGO)

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 3 of 20

Unit Hierarchy and Tactical Orders

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 4 of 20

Characteristics of Tactical (Combat) Orders

Good Combat Orders: Have Clarity (Use sketches, models or actual

terrain) Are Complete and Brief Are Timely Allow Initiative by recognizing subordinates

freedom of action within the commander’s intent

Use affirmative form and are authoritative Avoid Qualified Directives

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 5 of 20

The Warning Order (WARNO) Preliminary Notice “Heads up” Facilitates Time Management Provides operational details Outlines key events for mission execution

(focus on mission preparation) Detail dependent on:

The information and time available from the issue of the order to mission execution

The information subordinate commanders need for proper planning and preparation

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 6 of 20

Warning Order (WARNO) Time: Provided ASAP after receipt of higher order Format:

No specific format -- Use the five paragraphs of the operations order as a guide

Use unit SOP/checklists (or develop them)

Necessary information in a WARNO: The mission or nature of the operation Who is participating in the mission Time of the operation Tasks that unit must accomplish now (equipment,

supplies, inspections and rehearsals) to prepare Time and place that to issue the operations order

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 7 of 20

WARNO General FormatFive-Paragraph Format Situation Mission Execution

Time Schedule Tasks

Service support Command and Signal

Four-Paragraph Format Situation Mission General Instructions Special Instructions

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 8 of 20

The Operations Order (OPORD)

Directive issued to subordinate leaders, commanders,

Information to effect execution of an operation Always specifies execution time and date Focus is on what to do, not how to do it Explains why the mission is important

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 9 of 20

Operations Order- A Basic Outline (1 of 2)

Situation Enemy Forces Friendly Forces Attachments and Detachments

Mission Execution

Concept of the Operation Maneuver Fires

Tasks to Maneuver Units Tasks to Combat Support Units Coordinating Instructions

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 10 of 20

Operations Order- A Basic Outline (2 of 2)

Service Support General Material and Services

Supply Transportation Services Maintenance Medical Evacuations

Personnel Miscellaneous

Command and Signal Command Signal

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 11 of 20

Situation Enemy Forces

Composition, disposition, strength, and capabilities

Most probable/dangerous course of action Friendly Forces

Mission and action of units two levels up, left/right, front/rear.

Attachments and Detachments Units or individuals Effective time period.

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 12 of 20

Mission

States the mission in a clear concise statement of the task and purpose, containing the following information: Who What When Where Why

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 13 of 20

Execution

The “How To” Information needed to accomplish the mission.

Usually in four parts: Concept of operation Tasks to maneuver units Tasks to combat support units Coordinating instructions

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 14 of 20

Concept of the Operation

Covers the commander’s intent Covers the tactical plan Scheme of maneuver Integration

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 15 of 20

Tasks to Maneuver/Combat Support Units

Gives the exact mission of all subordinate units

Coordinating Instruction The tactical instruction and details of

coordination that apply to two or more units

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 16 of 20

Service Support Support Concept Material and Services

Supply Transportation Services Maintenance

Medical Evacuation Personnel Miscellaneous

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 17 of 20

Command and Signal

Location of key leaders Chain of command Frequencies Call signs Code words

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 18 of 20

FRAGO

Address only parts of the OPORD that change – must be specific

Uses the same sequence of the OPORD A brief outline of the changes and

instructions

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 19 of 20

Troop Leading Procedures and Tactical Orders Receive the mission Issue a warning order WARNO Make a tentative plan Start necessary movement Reconnoiter Complete the plan OPORD Issue the complete order OPORD Brief Supervise FRAGO

MSL 301, Lesson 4c: Tactical Orders

Rev. 22 Apr 2005Slide 20 of 20

Tactical Orders

Practical Exercise Review the platoon order Individually write a WARNO Guided discussion

Make a tentative plan (Step 3) Initiate movement (Step 4) Reconnoiter (Step 5)

Complete the Plan (Step 6) Review for homework

Guided discussion Issue complete order (Step 7) Supervise (Step 8)