Army Company Opord Example
OPERATION ORDER
Company OPORD
Operation : Operation Iron Fist
Date : 2023-02-20
Time : 0600 hours
Location : Firebase Bravo, AO North
References :
- Map : 1:50,000 scale, MGRS 10S
- Terrain Analysis : Annex A
- Enemy Situation : Annex B
- Friendly Forces : Annex C
Mission Statement :
Company-sized task force, reinforced with attached assets, conducts a deliberate attack to seize key terrain feature Hill 143, AO North, and destroy enemy forces occupying the area.
Commander's Intent :
- Key Tasks :
- Seize Hill 143 by 0900 hours on 2023-02-20
- Destroy enemy forces on Hill 143
- Secure key infrastructure on Hill 143
- Key End State :
- Hill 143 secured
- Enemy forces destroyed or fled
- Infrastructure intact
Task Organization :
- Company Headquarters : 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment
- 1st Platoon : Lead element, point of contact with enemy forces
- 2nd Platoon : Supporting element, provides suppressive fire on enemy positions
- 3rd Platoon : Reserve element, prepared to reinforce 1st or 2nd Platoons as needed
- Attached Assets :
- 1x M240 Machine Gun Team
- 1x M203 Grenadier Team
- 1x Engineer Squad
Movement and Timeline :
- H-Hour : 0600 hours on 2023-02-20
- Assembly Area : Firebase Bravo
- Movement :
- Company moves to LZ Red at 0630 hours
- 1st Platoon secures LZ Red and prepares to move to Hill 143
- 2nd Platoon provides overwatch from Firebase Bravo
- 3rd Platoon follows 1st Platoon, prepared to reinforce
- Timeline :
- 0700 hours: 1st Platoon begins movement to Hill 143
- 0800 hours: 2nd Platoon begins movement to supporting positions
- 0900 hours: Company secures Hill 143
Administration and Logistics :
- Supply : Company will resupply at Firebase Bravo on 2023-02-19 at 1500 hours
- Medical Evacuation : MEDEVAC procedures established in Annex D
- Casualty Collection : Casualty collection point established at Firebase Bravo
Enemy Situation :
- Enemy Forces : Estimated 30-40 enemy soldiers on Hill 143
- Enemy Capabilities : Armed with small arms, RPGs, and mortar systems
Friendly Forces :
- Supporting Units : 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment; 1st Battalion, 101st Airborne Division
- Adjacent Units : A Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment; B Company, 2nd Battalion, 101st Airborne Division
Coordinating Instructions :
- Air Support : Requested through Battalion Operations Center
- Fire Support : Coordinate with attached artillery unit for fire support
Authentication :
- Company Commander : CPT John Smith
- 1st Sergeant : 1SG James Johnson
This is just an example and actual OPORDs may vary based on specific mission requirements, unit structure, and operational environment.
OPERATION ORDER (OPORD) TEMPLATE FOR AN ARMY COMPANY
OPERATION ORDER (OPORD) FOR COMPANY OPERATIONS
SITUATION
- Enemy Situation: The enemy is a mechanized infantry company, approximately 150 strong, with a known presence in the vicinity of OBJ DALTON (10 kilometers northwest of the company's current position). The enemy has been observed to be moving in a northeasterly direction along Route 42.
- Friendly Forces: Our company, consisting of 120 soldiers, is currently positioned in the vicinity of Checkpoint 4 (5 kilometers southeast of OBJ DALTON). Our company is reinforced with an attached platoon of engineers and a battery of artillery.
- Terrain: The area of operation is characterized by urban terrain, with several buildings and infrastructure along Route 42. Weather conditions are currently clear with visibility of 10 kilometers.
MISSION
The mission of our company is to SEIZE OBJ DALTON, destroy any enemy forces in the objective area, and secure the critical infrastructure along Route 42.
COMMANDER'S INTENT
- Key Tasks:
- Destroy enemy forces in the objective area.
- Secure critical infrastructure along Route 42.
- Prevent enemy escape or reinforcement along Route 42.
- Key Events:
- The company will move to OBJ DALTON via a route march.
- The company will conduct an assault on OBJ DALTON.
TASK ORGANIZATION
- Company Headquarters: The company headquarters, consisting of the company commander, executive officer, and signalman, will be located at the rear of the company's position.
- 1st Platoon: 1st Platoon will lead the assault on OBJ DALTON, with two squads providing suppressive fire on the objective, while one squad provides security for the platoon headquarters.
- 2nd Platoon: 2nd Platoon will provide supporting fires from a position 500 meters southeast of OBJ DALTON, with one squad providing suppressive fire on the enemy's known position.
- 3rd Platoon: 3rd Platoon will secure the company's left flank and provide security for the artillery battery.
- Engineer Platoon: The engineer platoon will provide breach and assault support to 1st Platoon.
COORDINATION
- Fire Support: The artillery battery will provide supporting fires on OBJ DALTON.
- Intelligence: The company S-2 will provide enemy situation updates and targeting information.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS
- Supply: The company will resupply at Checkpoint 4.
- Medical Evacuation: Medical evacuation will be via MEDEVAC helicopter.
COMMAND AND CONTROL
- Communication: The company will use secure communication devices to maintain communication with higher headquarters and adjacent units.
- Coordination: The company will coordinate with higher headquarters and adjacent units through established channels.
TIME HACK
- Jump-Off Time: 0600 hours, 22 March 2023.
- H-Hour: 0700 hours, 22 March 2023.
AUTHENTICATION
This operation order has been authenticated by: army company opord example
- Company Commander: [CAPTAIN JOHN DOE]
- Executive Officer: [1LT JANE SMITH]
An Army Company Operation Order (OPORD) uses a standardized five-paragraph format to communicate critical mission details
. Below is an example based on standard tactical and garrison templates Wheaton College Task Organization
Describes how the company is structured for this specific mission Warrior Rising Assault Element: 1st Platoon Support Element: 2nd Platoon Security Element: 3rd Platoon 1. Situation Provides context on the environment and surrounding forces The University of Akron Garrison-OPORD-Template-v21.doc - Wheaton College
An Army Operation Order (OPORD) is a standardized five-paragraph directive used to coordinate mission execution. At the company level, it serves as the bridge between high-level battalion strategy and the tactical execution of platoons and squads. The Five-Paragraph Structure (SMEAC)
The most useful feature of an OPORD is its consistent structure, which allows leaders to quickly find critical information under pressure.
Situation: Describes the environment, including terrain (OAKOC), weather, enemy forces (composition, disposition, strength), and friendly force locations.
Mission: A concise "Who, What, When, Where, Why" statement, typically stated twice for clarity.
Execution: The most detailed section. It includes the Commander’s Intent, the overall concept of the operation, specific tasks for subordinate units, and coordinating instructions like timelines.
Sustainment: Outlines logistics, including supply (ammo/water), transportation, and medical support (Casualty Collection Points).
Command and Signal: Details the chain of command, succession, and communication plans (radio frequencies, call signs, passwords). Key Useful Features for Company Leaders Operations Order OPORD Paragraph 1 Situation
Creating a solid Company Operations Order (OPORD) is the difference between a mission that flows and one that falls apart. At the company level, you’re translating the battalion commander's broad intent into actionable tasks for your platoons
Here is a breakdown of the standard five-paragraph format and a practical example to guide your next mission. The Standard 5-Paragraph Format (SMEAC)
Every OPORD follows a standardized structure to ensure nothing critical is missed. Operations Order OPORD Paragraph 1 Situation
An OPORD follows the 5-paragraph format (SMEAC): Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment, Command & Signal.
ISSUE TIME/DATE/TIME ZONE: 041430R MAY 2026
3. EXECUTION
a. Commander’s Intent:
- Purpose: Destroy enemy defensive positions and secure bridge.
- Key Tasks: Rapidly suppress ATGM positions, clear treeline with linear danger areas.
- End State: OBJ CEDAR under friendly control; enemy forces destroyed or withdrawn; bridge intact and crossed by BN by 161200Z.
b. Concept of Operations:
- Phase I – Assault: Chalk 1 (1st Plt) lands LZ EAGLE at 160830Z. Chalk 2 (2nd Plt) lands LZ HAWK.
- Phase II – Clear: 1st Plt fixes enemy from north; 2nd Plt assaults from south.
- Phase III – Consolidate: Establish 360° security, call MEDEVAC, prep for counterattack.
c. Tasks to Maneuver Units:
- 1st Platoon: Seize BP 1 by 160900Z; suppress enemy AT-4 positions. (Friendly element: MARKSMAN)
- 2nd Platoon: Main effort. Assault through breach in treeline, destroy enemy command post. (Friendly element: PIKE)
- 3rd Platoon: BN reserve at CCP 1. Prepare to consolidate OBJ CEDAR.
- FO: Priority targets: TRP 1 (mortar) and TRP 2 (bridge).
d. Coordinating Instructions:
- Timings: Load at PZ 160700Z, LD 160730Z, LZ time 160830Z.
- CAS: On-call from BCT. Check fire plan.
- ROE: Deadly force authorized if hostile act/intent.
- CCP: NA 345678. MEDEVAC via DUSTOFF channel 35.00.
2. MISSION
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.
4. SUSTAINMENT
a. Logistics (Class I, III, V).
- Class I (Food/Water): Unit provides one MRE per soldier plus two quarts of water. Resupply at 051400R via Battalion Supply Point (BSP) at AA RAVEN.
- Class III (Fuel): Vehicles topped off at LD. FARP (Forward Arming & Refueling Point) at TRIGGER POINT 1 (050500R).
- Class V (Ammunition): Basic load of 30mm HE/AP. TOW missiles: 4 per Bradley. Additional 5.56mm in company bags.
b. Personnel.
- Chaplain support available at Battalion CCP (Casualty Collection Point).
- EPW interrogation team en route ETA 051000R.
c. Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC).
- 9-Line request: Use call sign “DUSTOFF 23” on MEDEVAC net (30.50 MHz).
- Role 1: Battalion Aid Station at AA RAVEN.
d. Maintenance.
- Vehicle recovery by battalion maintenance collection team (call sign “WRECKER 11”).
- OR rate threshold: No less than 85% for maneuver.
The 5 Essential Paragraphs (SMEAC)
| Paragraph | Purpose |
|-----------|---------|
| 1. Situation | Enemy, friendly, attachments/detachments, civil considerations |
| 2. Mission | Clear, concise task + purpose (who, what, when, where, why) |
| 3. Execution | Commander’s intent, concept of operations, tasks to subordinate units, coordinating instructions |
| 4. Sustainment | Logistics, personnel, medical, maintenance, supply |
| 5. Command & Signal | Chain of command, location of leaders, signals, passwords, communication plan |
5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL
a. Command.
- Location of commander: At TRP 1, then with 1st Platoon after contact.
- Location of XO: At AA RAVEN initial, then moves with 3rd Platoon (Reserve).
- 1SG location: At company logistics patrol (trail).
- Succession of Command: CDR > XO > 1SG > 1st Platoon Leader.
b. Signal.
- (1) SOI (Signal Operating Instructions): In effect current. Index: BRAVO.
- (2) Challenge and Password: Challenge “SABER” — Password “STRIKE” (valid 040001R to 050400R). New credentials issued at TRP 1.
- (3) Call Signs (Per company COMSEC fill):
- Apache 6 (Commander) — On CMD net (FM 45.20)
- Apache 5 (XO) — On LOG net (FM 47.10)
- Apache 7 (1SG) — On ADMIN net (FM 31.80)
- 1st Platoon — “CAT”
- 2nd Platoon — “DOG”
- 3rd Platoon — “EASY”
- FIST — “LONGBOW”
- (4) Running Password (day/night): Red dawn / Black wolf.
- (5) Pyrotechnics / VS-17 Panels:
- One green star cluster = “Enemy located, do not fire”
- Two red star clusters = “Cease fire, fratricide imminent”
- Open VS-17 panel on vehicle roof for friendly CAS identification.
- (6) Digital Communications: JBC-P (FBCB2) primary. Send REP (Reports) every 30 minutes. OPORD posted on TOC SharePoint (BAH) under “Apache_06-01”.
c. Additional.
- Emergency Destruction Plan: If overrun, destroy all AN/PYQ-10 SKLs and encryption keys. Burn procedure at commander’s discretion.
ACKNOWLEDGE:
All platoons will confirm receipt of this order via JCR chat by 042000R MAY.
Backbriefs to company commander at 042200R MAY at AA RAVEN TOC.
OFFICIAL:
//signed//
ALPHA JONES
CPT, IN
Commanding OPERATION ORDER Company OPORD Operation : Operation Iron
DISTRIBUTION: 1-4 IN Bn S3 (for info), Apache Company Platoons (1-4 copies each), Bn CMD (digital).
4. SUSTAINMENT
- Supply: 1 RBS of ammo per soldier. Re-supply at RP A after consolidation.
- Transport: 4x UH-60 (chalk 1-4), 2x reserve birds.
- Medical: Company medic with 1 Plt. Battalion aid station at FOB VICTOR.
- Maintenance: FMTV/contact team at CCP.