Army - Company Opord Example

| Step | Action | |------|--------| | 1 | Update enemy and friendly CPs (use SALUTE report) | | 2 | Write a clear 1-sentence mission (5 Ws) | | 3 | Phases – how will you shape, breach, assault, consolidate? | | 4 | Assign tasks to each squad/platoon (don’t clutter with obvious) | | 5 | Add risk, MEDEVAC, fire support, CAS, PACE plan | | 6 | Warn order to subordinates | | 7 | Brief and issue (per FM 6-0) |

Key tools: FM 5-0 (Army Planning), FM 3-21.10 (Infantry Rifle Company), and DRAWDOWN mnemonic for enemy situation.

Would you like a printable OPORD template or a battalion-level OPORD example next?

By: Tactical Leadership Staff

For a U.S. Army company commander, the Operations Order (OPORD) is the fundamental tool for translating the commander’s intent into actionable tasks. Whether you are a cadet at LDAC, a newly appointed executive officer, or a seasoned first sergeant, writing and receiving a combat-effective OPORD is a perishable skill.

This article provides a complete, realistic OPORD example for a mechanized infantry company (M2A4 Bradley) conducting a Movement to Contact in a Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) environment. We will break down the five-paragraph field order, the coordination instructions, and the command and signal annexes.

a. Area of Interest (AOI). The company’s AOI extends 15km northeast of AA RAVEN to PL COPPERHEAD. Key civil considerations include the village of NOWY SWIAT (NB 4485 3356), which contains a non-evacuated civilian population of approximately 200.

b. Area of Operations (AO). Apache Company’s AO (NB 4300 3300 to NB 4550 3400) is bounded by MSR HAWK on the west and the BRUNA RIVER on the east.

c. Enemy Forces (SALUTE - Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, Equipment).

d. Friendly Forces (Higher, Adjacent, Supporting).

e. Attachments and Detachments.

COPY ___ OF ___ COPIES ISSUE DATE/TIME: 150600Z JAN 2026 FROM: HHC, 1-501st PIR REFERENCE: Battalion OPORD 01-2026 TIME ZONE: ZULU army company opord example

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.

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.

Understanding the Army Company OPORD

An Operations Order (OPORD) is a standardized document used by the US military to communicate a unit's plan for a specific operation. In the context of a company-sized unit (approximately 60-200 soldiers), an OPORD provides a clear and concise plan for the company's mission. | Step | Action | |------|--------| | 1

The Five Paragraph OPORD Format

A typical company OPORD follows a standard five-paragraph format:

Example of a Company OPORD

Here's a simplified example of a company OPORD:

Situation: The enemy has been observed moving into the vicinity of Hill 123, approximately 2 kilometers east of our current position. Our battalion has been tasked with securing the hill.

Mission: Charlie Company's mission is to secure Hill 123, prevent enemy movement into the area, and prepare to defend against a potential enemy counterattack, at 0900 hours on 12 February 2023.

Execution: The company will move to Hill 123 via a route march, with 1st Platoon leading and 2nd and 3rd Platoons following. We will establish a defensive position on the hill and prepare to repel enemy forces. Fire support will be provided by our attached mortar section.

Administration and Logistics: We will resupply at the battalion's designated logistics hub at 0600 hours on 12 February. Medical evacuation procedures are as follows: ...

Command and Signal: The chain of command is: Commander (Captain Smith), Executive Officer (1st Lieutenant Johnson), and so on. Communication will be via radio networks and messenger.

Note that this is a highly simplified example, and actual OPORDs will require much more detail and specificity.

An Army Operations Order (OPORD) is the standard five-paragraph format used to communicate a mission to a unit, ensuring every soldier understands the objective, the method of execution, and the criteria for success The Five Paragraph Structure Key tools : FM 5-0 (Army Planning), FM 3-21

Each section follows a specific logical flow to cover all aspects of the operation:

: Describes the operating environment, including terrain, weather (OAKOC), enemy forces (disposition and strength), and friendly forces.

: A concise, one-sentence statement using the "5 Ws" (Who, What, When, Where, and Why) that clearly defines the unit's primary task and purpose.

: The most detailed section, outlining the Commander's intent, the concept of the operation (phases), specific tasks for subordinate units, and coordinating instructions that apply to two or more units. Sustainment

: Covers the logistical and administrative support needed, such as supplies (Class I-IX), transportation, maintenance, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) plans. Command and Signal

: Defines the chain of command, succession, and communication methods, including call signs, frequencies, and passwords. Operations Order OPORD Paragraph 1 Situation 24 Mar 2021 —

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. Enemy Forces (DRAWDown):

b. Friendly Forces:

c. Attachments/Detachments:

d. Civil Considerations – Town of ALPHA: neutral, curfew 2000-0600.