Operation Order (5-Paragraph / SMEAC)
A five-paragraph operation order laid out the way FM 5-0 Appendix D and the Marine SMEAC order do it, sized for a squad, section, or platoon.
What this worksheet covers
Name, rank, and unit prefill from your service profile.
Heading
- Issuing headquarters
- Place of issue
- Date-time group of signature
DDHHMM + time zone letter + MON + YY. The order is effective on this date-time unless coordinating instructions say otherwise.
- Operation order number and code name
Number orders consecutively by calendar year and add the code name, if any (FM 5-0, fig D-2).
- Prepared by
- References
List maps first (series, sheet, edition, scale), then higher orders.
- Time zone used throughout
- Task organization
Each element, its leader, and any attachments or detachments with the command relationship and when it takes effect.
1. situation
- a–bArea of interest and assigned area — terrain (OAKOC)
Only the terrain that affects this mission: observation and fields of fire, avenues of approach, key terrain, obstacles, cover and concealment.
- b(2)Weather and light data
- cEnemy forces
Composition, disposition, location, strength, and capabilities (SALUTE), then the enemy's most likely and most dangerous course of action.
- dFriendly forces (higher two up, one up, adjacent)
- fCivil considerations
- Attachments and detachments
FM 5-0 shows these in the task organization; small-unit (ATP 3-21.8) and Marine SMEAC orders repeat them at the end of paragraph 1.
- gAssumptions
2. mission
- Mission (who, what, when, where, why)
One sentence, stated twice when issued orally. The task is a doctrinal task; the purpose begins with "in order to".
3. execution
- aCommander's intent (purpose, key tasks, end state)
- bConcept of operations (scheme of maneuver)
How the element accomplishes the mission from start to end state, by phase if it helps. Name the main effort.
- b(4)Scheme of fires / supporting fires
- cTasks to subordinate units
One row per element that reports to you, in task-organization order. Every task gets who, what, when, where, and why (FM 5-0, fig D-2, para 3c).
- d(1)Coordinating instructions — timeline
The critical times every element needs: rehearsals, PCC/PCI, SP, phase lines, time on objective, and return.
- d(2)–(3)CCIR (PIR / FFIR) and EEFI
- d(6)–(7)Rules of engagement and risk reduction control measures
- d(10)Other coordinating instructions
Anything else that applies to two or more elements and is not in the SOP: order of march, rally points, actions on contact, actions at halts, reporting.
4. sustainment (USMC: ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS)
- aLogistics (supply by class, transportation, maintenance)
- bPersonnel (strength, EPW / detainee handling, uniform)
- cHealth service support — casualty evacuation
Who treats casualties, where the casualty collection point is, how they move, and a pre-filled 9-line.
5. command and signal
- aCommand — location of leader and succession
- cSignal — nets, call signs, frequencies
List each net or means with its call signs and frequencies. Keep classified fills off this worksheet.
- PACE plan, challenge and password, visual signals
Closing
- ACKNOWLEDGE / commander's last name and rank
- Annexes / attachments
How to fill out the Order format (FM 5-0, fig D-2)
The standard five-paragraph order: Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment (Marines: Administration and Logistics), and Command and Signal. It tells subordinates what the unit will do, why, and how, so they can act on your intent when the plan changes. When: Troop leading procedures step 6 (issue the order), after the warning orders, reconnaissance, and your tentative plan. Also for any training event with movement, live fire, or a tactical task.
Step by step
- Fill the heading: issuing unit, place, date-time group, order number, references (maps first), time zone, and task organization.
- Paragraph 1: terrain and weather that matter, the enemy (composition, disposition, strength, most likely and most dangerous course of action), friendly units two levels up, one level up, and adjacent, civil considerations, and assumptions.
- Paragraph 2: one sentence with who, what (task), when, where, and why (purpose).
- Paragraph 3: commander's intent (purpose, key tasks, end state), the concept of operations, then a task with a purpose for every subordinate element, then coordinating instructions that apply to two or more elements.
- Paragraph 4: supply (by class), personnel, and medical support including casualty evacuation.
- Paragraph 5: where the leader will be, succession of command, and the signal plan (PACE, call signs, frequencies, challenge and password, visual signals).
- Issue it on a terrain model, check understanding with a confirmation brief, then rehearse.
What a strong one looks like
- Every task to a subordinate unit needs a purpose ("in order to…"). The purpose is what lets them adapt.
- Use the one-third / two-thirds rule: keep no more than one-third of the available time for your own planning.
- Put anything that applies to more than one element (timeline, CCIR, ROE, rehearsals) in coordinating instructions, not under a single unit.
- Army doctrine calls paragraph 4 "Sustainment"; Marines call it "Administration and Logistics". Same content.
Common mistakes
- A mission statement with no purpose, or a purpose that restates the task.
- Copying the higher order's enemy paragraph instead of the enemy your element will actually face.
- No casualty evacuation plan, or a 9-line nobody has pre-filled.
- Skipping the confirmation brief and rehearsal.