is used, it need not be written. When an overlay or annex
orders of a patrol leader are usually given orally. Each
is used, this paragraph makes reference to it.
patrol member should take accurate notes.
Paragraphs 3.b., 3.c., and so forth (tasks for
The task organization of an operation order includes
subordinate units) are assigned separate subparagraphs
the task subdivisions or tactical components that make
lettered in alphabetical sequence to each major
up the command together with the names and grades of
subordinate element. These subparagraphs correspond
the commanders. (See fig. 11-35 again.) Support units
to the alphabetical listings in the task organization.
are shown under the headquarters of the major unit that
Except as outlined below, all instructions to any unit
commands themnot under the headquarters of the unit
having a tactical mission should appear in the
they support. Attached units are shown under the
subparagraph of paragraph 3 about that unit.
headquarters of the unit to which they are attached. Units
Subparagraphs that assign tasks to other combat and
should be listed under paragraph letters that correspond
combat support elements (if applicable) should follow.
to those in paragraph 3. Only the task subdivisions in the
echelon of command just below the issuing unit are
The final subparagraph of paragraph 3, always
normally shown.
entitled Coordinating Instructions, contains the details
of coordination and the control measures that apply to
Paragraph 1. SITUATION always has three
the command as a whole; for example, objectives,
subparagraphs: Enemy Forces, Friendly Forces, and
comments, qualifying time of attack line of departure,
Attachments and Detachments. This paragraph contains
boundaries, beaches, bombline, and reference to march
information only. It does not include plans or
table annex. Many of these and other instructions that
instructions.
apply to two or more elements of the command maybe
Paragraph 1.a. Enemy Forces contains information
indicated in an attached overlay. In this case, they need
about the enemy that affects the operation, such as their
not be repeated here. In this paragraph essential
locations, dispositions, strength, activities, and
elements of information might be included (unless an
capabilities.
Paragraph 1.b. Friendly Forces contains a statement
reports to be submitted, if not set forth elsewhere by
of the mission of the next higher unit; the location and
written order, preparatory fire information, and the
planned actions of the unit on the right and left; the fire
effective time of the order.
support available for the patrol; and the mission and
Paragraph 4. ADMINISTRATION AND
route of other patrols.
LOGISTICS contains administrative and logistic
Paragraph 1.c. Attachments and Detachments
instructions, when an administrative order is not issued.
contains a list of nonorganic units attached to, and
When an order is issued, this paragraph refers to that
organic units detached from, the command for the
order. In a small command, such as a Naval Mobile
specific operation. It includes the date/time the
Construction Battalion, this paragraph contains all the
attachment or detachment is to take place.
necessary information and instructions about supply,
evacuation, hospitalization, transportation, service,
Paragraph 2. MISSION contains a concise
personnel, and similar matters.
statement of the mission, its purpose, and of the
command as a whole. It includes "what," "how,"
Paragraph 5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL contains
"where," and as much of "why" as maybe proper. There
instructions about the command, command
are no subparagraphs.
relationships, and the operations of communications and
electronics.
Paragraph 3. EXECUTION assigns definite tasks to
each element of the command, organic and attached, that
Paragraph 5.a. Signal may refer to a standard plan
contributes to carrying out the overall mission. No
or to a communications annex if one has been issued.
restrictions are set on the number of subparagraphs.
paragraph 5a should contain references to the index of
Paragraphs 3.a. Concept of Operations is a clear,
concise summary of how the commander visualizes the
operation should be conducted. This is an enlargement
restrictions on the use of any means of communication.
of the decision contained in the commander's estimate.
This paragraph should be as brief as possible; but it may
Paragraph 5.b. Command gives the location of the
be published as an annex or shown on an operation
command post of the issuing unit and those of
overlay when it is lengthy or detailed. When an overlay
subordinate units, when they are known. When the
11-38