conforms to the plan of operations for the force as a
location of the command post or subordinate units is
whole.
unknown, instructions about the reporting of command
posts when opened maybe included.
Paragraphs 1 and 2 of an OPORD are usually
Paragraph 5.c. This subparagraph shows the axis of
affirmative form of expression is used throughout the
command post locations) and the location and time of
order.
opening of the message centers.
When the date and hour are undetermined, D-day
Also, subparagraphs may be included about
and H-hour may be substituted; when the final date and
recognition and identification instructions, electronic
hour are selected, they are communicated later to those
policy, code words, liaison, and command relationships.
concerned.
Most items in paragraph 5 can usually be shown
When the hour is given, it is expressed in the
graphically on the operation map or overlay. When this
is done, they need not be repeated in writing.
hours and minutes. When orders apply to units in
The ENDING of an operation order contains the
different time zones, Greenwich mean time or the time
signature, a list of annexes (if any), the distribution, the
zone specified by higher headquarters should be used.
authentication (except on the original), and the
The zone suffix letter immediately follows the last digit
classification.
of the group; for example, time expressed as 060225Z
March 94, indicates 6 March 1994 at 2:25 a.m.
Annexes to Operation Orders
Greenwich mean time.
An OPORD that specifies a night should include
Annexes to OPORDs include those used for
both dates; for example, "night 4-5 Aug 94."
purposes of brevity, clarity, and simplicity (for example,
maps and overlays). Annexes may also be used to
Boundaries are assigned that limit zones of action
amplify an order when the volume is too great to be
or movement and areas of responsibility. These are
included in the order itself.
designated by easily distinguishable terrain features in
the sequence in which they occur on the ground. This
Annexes are issued to all units whose actions or
sequence is normally given in the direction of the enemy,
movements are affected by the information and
but in the case of retrograde movement, in the reverse
instructions they contain.
direction.
Written annexes usually follow the form required
Geographical names are written or printed in capital
for the complete OPORD except that information and
letters. This minimizes the chance of error and makes
instructions already given in the order need not be
the places mentioned stand out prominently in the order.
repeated in the annex. Annexes are lettered
The spelling in the order must be the same as that on the
alphabetically in the order they are used in the OPORD.
map referred to in the heading of the order.
Maps of the following types are frequently used as
Compass points are preferable to the terms right and
annexes: situation maps, operation maps, administrative
left. Should right or left be necessary, the user is assumed
maps, and circulation maps.
to be facing the enemy or downstream when used with
Annexes dealing with embarkation, debarkation,
reference to a river.
entraining, entrucking, march tables, and other technical
When places or features are difficult to find on the
data are shown in tabular form.
map or when confusion may arise with names of similar
Prepare and submit the annexes to the commander
spelling, they should be identified by coordinates or by
for approval and signature before issue. Another staff
stating locations in relation to some easily recognizable
officer verifies the annexes.
feature or place on the map.
Roads are identified by name or by a sequence of
Preparing OPORDs
points on the road; they are named in the direction of
movement. When there is no movement from right to
Orders must be clear, concise, and direct. Those
left or rear to front, it is assumed that the person naming
giving missions to a subordinate unit should prescribe
the road is facing the enemy. All other lines are
only the details or methods of execution needed to
ensure that the actions of that specific subordinate unit
designated in the same manner.
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