Squad OPORDER Hint Sheet

Receiving the Mission

• Take a recorder
• Have the recorder leave after the execution to set up the sand table
• Ask questions!

1.      Special weapons

a.       Grenades/M203 (especially on bunker clearing missions)

b.      Crew served weapons (M249, SAW etc.)

c.       Claymore, AT4

d.      Artillery (smoke etc.)

e.       Translator

f.       Additional Intel. (maps, photos of OBJ etc.)

• If only coordinates are given, make sure to call higher and confirm distance and direction
• Call higher and assign TRPs
• Give WARNO to team leader and have him put that out
  • WARNO – 1. Mission (movement to contact, ambush etc.), 2. What time the OPORDER will be given 3. Where the OPORDER will be given 4. passwords
• Assign teams to Team leaders (EPW, A &L, Pace and Compass, Bunker Clearing)
• Rehearsals and PCIs can be conducted by team leaders at this time; team leaders can cross level ammo
• 1/3 – 2/3 rule – task the recorder with timekeeping (should make sure the SL is maintaining the 1/3 - 2/3, not missing the LD time)
• If LD time is going to be missed, call higher and request more time
• Call higher and request notional security/security from higher unit to brief OPORDER

Issuing the OPORDER

     Introduction

·         Introduce yourself

·         Tell everyone to take out a pad and paper and prepare to copy

·         Announce that you will be briefing an OPORDER

·         Give the time

·         Tell people to hold all questions to the end

·         Establish teams (i.e. “Alpha team on my right, Bravo team on my left”)

1. Situation

1. Enemy

2. Friendly

3. Attachments and Detachments

2. Mission

·         Repeat (“I say again…”)

·         Include NLT time and vicinity grid coordinates

·         Use present tense (i.e. 1^st SQD conducts a movement to contact; NOT 1^st SQD will conduct a movement to contact)

3. Execution

• Tell everyone to put down pad and paper
• Orient to your sand table; identify all symbols
• Actually move pieces as you go through the execution
• Use a stick or something else to point to symbols
• Make good eye contact; make sure people are paying attention (will be important when people are low on sleep)
• Tell the execution like a story

1. Concept of the Operation

(1)   Scheme of Maneuver

(2)   Fire Support

2. Fire Team Tasks (Tasks to Maneuver Units)

·         Identify teams when you discuss actions during maneuver and on the OBJ

3. Coordinating Instructions

·         LD Time

·         Distance and Direction

·         Pre-planned targets

·         PIR – (# of personnel, Equipment, vehicles, NBC capabilities, weapon systems, maps, etc.)

·         Assign security in ORP/OBJ (i.e. Alpha Team - 3 o’clock to 6 o’clock by way of 9)

·         ACE reports

·         Contingency plans (i.e. what to do if engaged en route to ORP)

4. Safety

4. Service Support

·         Assign EPW collection point

·         Assign casualty collection point

·         MEDEVAC – availability and location

·         Water resupply

5. Command and Signal
   1. Command

·         Establish Chain of Command (i.e. SL ,ATL, BTL, by GPA)

2. Signal

·         Call signs

·         Challenge/Password

·         Running Password

·         # combo

After the OPORDER

• Declare end of the OPORDER
• Ask for any questions
• Conduct back brief and give time
• Begin rehearsals (order of precedence given below)

1.      Actions on OBJ

2.      Battle drills for maneuver

3.      Actions on enemy contact

4.      Special Teams

5.      Movement techniques

6.      Others as required

·         Conduct PCC/PCI (PCIs can be conducted by team leaders before OPORDER)

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