The HEADING contains the security classification, a statement about changes from oral orders, copy number (handwritten), issuing headquarters, the place of issue, date and time of issue, file notation, title and serial number of the order, References (maps, charts, and photomaps), and the time zone to be used throughout the order. When a code name for the operation is used, it is written on the same line as the OPORD title and number. The BODY contains the task organization (when too complicated or lengthy to be contained in paragraph 3) and the five main numbered paragraphs. The five paragraphs cover the following topics in the order listed: (1) SITUATION, (2) MISSION, (3) EXECUTION, (4) ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS, and (5) COMMAND AND COMMUNICATIONS. The acronym SMEAC (using the frost letter of each topic) helps you remember these topics. Remember that the five main topics of an operation order must be covered whether the order is from a battalion commander, platoon commander, squad leader, or fire team leader. Naturally, battalion operation orders are quite lengthy, and a patrol leader's order is usually brief. The format of a patrol leader's order is shown in figure 11-36. The orders of a patrol leader are usually given orally. Each patrol member should take accurate notes.

The task organization of an operation order includes the task subdivisions or tactical components that make up the command together with the names and grades of the commanders. (See fig. 11-35 again.) Support units are shown under the headquarters of the major unit that commands them-not under the headquarters of the unit they support. Attached units are shown under the headquarters of the unit to which they are attached. Units should be listed under paragraph letters that correspond to those in paragraph 3. Only the task subdivisions in the echelon of command just below the issuing unit are normally shown.

Paragraph 1. SITUATION always has three subparagraphs: Enemy Forces, Friendly Forces, and Attachments and Detachments. This paragraph contains information only. It does not include plans or instructions.

Paragraph 1.a. Enemy Forces contains information about the enemy that affects the operation, such as their locations, dispositions, strength, activities, and capabilities.

Paragraph 1.b. Friendly Forces contains a statement of the mission of the next higher unit; the location and planned actions of the unit on the right and left; the fire support available for the patrol; and the mission and route of other patrols.

Paragraph 1.c. Attachments and Detachments contains a list of nonorganic units attached to, and organic units detached from, the command for the specific operation. It includes the date/time the attachment or detachment is to take place.

Paragraph 2. MISSION contains a concise statement of the mission, its purpose, and of the command as a whole. It includes "what," "how," "where," and as much of "why" as maybe proper. There are no subparagraphs.

Paragraph 3. EXECUTION assigns definite tasks to each element of the command, organic and attached, that contributes to carrying out the overall mission. No restrictions are set on the number of subparagraphs.

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 of the decision contained in the commander's estimate. This paragraph should be as brief as possible; but it may be published as an annex or shown on an operation overlay when it is lengthy or detailed. When an overlay is used, it need not be written. When an overlay or annex is used, this paragraph makes reference to it.

Paragraphs 3.b., 3.c., and so forth (tasks for subordinate units) are assigned separate subparagraphs lettered in alphabetical sequence to each major subordinate element. These subparagraphs correspond to the alphabetical listings in the task organization. Except as outlined below, all instructions to any unit having a tactical mission should appear in the subparagraph of paragraph 3 about that unit. Subparagraphs that assign tasks to other combat and combat support elements (if applicable) should follow.

The final subparagraph of paragraph 3, always entitled Coordinating Instructions, contains the details of coordination and the control measures that apply to the command as a whole; for example, objectives, comments, qualifying time of attack line of departure, boundaries, beaches, bombline, and reference to march table annex. Many of these and other instructions that apply to two or more elements of the command maybe indicated in an attached overlay. In this case, they need not be repeated here. In this paragraph essential elements of information might be included (unless an intelligence annex is issued). Examples are operational reports to be submitted, if not set forth elsewhere by written order, preparatory fire information, and the effective time of the order.

Paragraph 4. ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS contains administrative and logistic instructions, when an administrative order is not issued. When an order is issued, this paragraph refers to that order. In a small command, such as a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, this paragraph contains all the necessary information and instructions about supply, evacuation, hospitalization, transportation, service, personnel, and similar matters.

Paragraph 5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL contains instructions about the command, command relationships, and the operations of communications and electronics.

Paragraph 5.a. Signal may refer to a standard plan or to a communications annex if one has been issued. When a communications annex has not been issued, paragraph 5a should contain References to the index of communications instructions (COI) currently in effect, instructions on the use of radio and pyrotechnics, and restrictions on the use of any means of communication. Paragraph 5.b. Command gives the location of the command post of the issuing unit and those of subordinate units, when they are known. When the location of the command post or subordinate units is unknown, instructions about the reporting of command posts when opened maybe included.

Paragraph 5.c. This subparagraph shows the axis of communications (indicated by successive tentative command post locations) and the location and time of opening of the message centers.

Also, subparagraphs may be included about recognition and identification instructions, electronic policy, code words, liaison, and command relationships. Most items in paragraph 5 can usually be shown graphically on the operation map or overlay. When this is done, they need not be repeated in writing.

The ENDING of an operation order contains the signature, a list of annexes (if any), the distribution, the authentication (except on the original), and the classification.