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Title: OPORD Writing Made Simple: Army Company-Level Example

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Whether you’re a new Platoon Leader, a seasoned Company Commander, or an NCO helping to plan the next field exercise, writing a clear, concise Operations Order (OPORD) is a critical skill. At the company level, your OPORD bridges the gap between battalion’s “big picture” and the squad-level “boots on the ground.”

To help you visualize the format, here’s a condensed example of a company OPORD for a movement to contact mission.

COPY OF OPORD 01 – (UNIT NAME) References: Map Sheet 1234, Edition 01 Time Zone Used Throughout Order: ZULU

1. SITUATION

2. MISSION Not later than (NLT) 050700Z JAN 25, C Company conducts a movement to contact along MSR HAWK to PL FOXTROT, destroys enemy forces vicinity OBJ EAGLE, and establishes hasty defense NLT 051600Z JAN 25.

3. EXECUTION

4. SUSTAINMENT

5. COMMAND & SIGNAL

Key Takeaways for Company Leaders:

👉 Need a blank OPORD template? Drop a comment below or DM me – I’ll send you the editable Word/PDF version.

Train like you fight. Write like you fight.

#ArmyTraining #OPORD #MissionCommand #CompanyCommand #MilitaryLeader

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.

The Five Paragraph OPORD Format

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

  1. Situation: This paragraph provides an overview of the current situation, including the enemy situation, weather, terrain, and any other relevant factors that may impact the mission.
  2. Mission: This paragraph states the company's mission in a clear and concise manner, using the "five-paragraph operation order" format:
    • "Higher unit's mission" (e.g., "1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment's mission is to...")
    • "Company mission" (e.g., "Charlie Company's mission is to...")
    • "Time and place" (e.g., "at 0900 hours on 12 February 2023, in the vicinity of...")
  3. Execution: This paragraph outlines the plan for accomplishing the mission, including:
    • Task organization (e.g., which platoons and squads are assigned to specific tasks)
    • Movement and deployment instructions
    • Fire support plans (e.g., artillery, air support)
    • Key coordination instructions (e.g., with adjacent units, supporting units)
  4. Administration and Logistics: This paragraph covers the logistical aspects of the operation, including:
    • Supply and resupply plans
    • Medical evacuation procedures
    • Maintenance and repair plans
    • Other administrative tasks
  5. Command and Signal: This paragraph provides information on command relationships, communication plans, and signal instructions, including:
    • Chain of command and key personnel
    • Communication networks and protocols
    • Signal plans (e.g., radio frequencies, visual signals)

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.

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

3. EXECUTION

a. Commander’s Intent:

b. Concept of Operations:

c. Tasks to Maneuver Units:

d. Coordinating Instructions:

Appendix (Annexes to a Real OPORD)

In a real Army company, this OPORD will also include the following annexes (not printed for brevity here but planned):

The Complete Guide to a U.S. Army Company OPORD: A Real-World Example

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.

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.

5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL

a. Command.

b. Signal.

c. Additional.

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

DISTRIBUTION: 1-4 IN Bn S3 (for info), Apache Company Platoons (1-4 copies each), Bn CMD (digital).

OPERATION ORDER FOR APACHE COMPANY OPORD 06-01 (MOVEMENT TO CONTACT)

References: (Maps: Sheet 1234 IV, Edition 04; Battalion OPORD 06-01)

Time Zone Used Throughout Order: (B) BRAVO (Local)

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 |