OCS Study Guide 5 Paragraph Order

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the 5 Paragraph Order?

The purpose of the 5 Paragraph Order is to issue an order in a clear and concise manner by a thorough orientation of the AOE, how the commander intends to employ their subordinate elements, and assets available to those elements.

How are orders most commonly issued at the rifle company level?

Orders are usually issued orally with the aid of a terrain model.

What is the 5 Paragraph Order also commonly known as?

OP order (Operations Order)

What does the acronym SMEAC stand for?

Situation, Mission, Execution, Admin / Logistics, Command / Signals Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing you do before discussing the first paragraph of the 5 Paragraph Order?

The leader orients his/her subordinate leaders to the planned AOE using a terrain model, map, or when possible, the AOE. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first section of the 5 Paragraph Order?

The first section is the Situation paragraph. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Situation paragraph section contain?

The Situation paragraph contains information on the overall status and disposition of both friendly and enemy forces. Signup and view all the answers

How many sub-paragraphs does the Situation paragraph contain and how are those sections labeled?

The Situation paragraph contains 2 sub-paragraphs labeled as Enemy Forces and Friendly Forces. Signup and view all the answers

What does SALUTE stand for?

Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, Equipment Signup and view all the answers

What acronym is used to remember how and what to report about the enemy?

SALUTE Signup and view all the answers

What acronym is used to assist the leader in determining the enemy's capabilities and limitations?

DRAW-D Signup and view all the answers

What does DRAW-D stand for?

Defend, Reinforce, Attack, Withdraw, Delay Signup and view all the answers

What does the Friendly Forces sub-paragraph contain?

It contains essential information concerning the mission of the next higher unit, location and mission of adjacent units, and mission of non-organic supporting units. Signup and view all the answers

What does HAS-A/D stand for and what section is it located in?

HAS-A/D stands for Higher, Adjacent, Supporting, and Attachments/Detachments. It is located in the Situation section (1st official paragraph) of the 5 Paragraph Order. Signup and view all the answers

What is the second section of the 5 Paragraph Order?

The second section of the 5 Paragraph Order is the Mission section. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Mission section of the 5 Paragraph Order?

This section provides a clear and concise statement of what the units must accomplish. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 5 W's?

Who, What, When, Where, Why Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important question of the 5 W's portion of the mission statement and why?

The most important question is the 'Why' portion. It is crucial because subordinates need to understand why the mission is being conducted. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 3rd section of the 5 Paragraph Order?

The 3rd section of the 5 Paragraph Order is the Execution section. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 3rd (Execution) section of the 5 Paragraph Order?

The Execution section contains the 'how to' information needed to conduct the operation. Signup and view all the answers

How many sub-paragraphs does section 3 of the 5 Paragraph Order have and what are those sub-sections?

The Execution section has 4 sub-paragraphs known as Commander's Intent, Concept of Operations, Tasks, and Coordinating Instructions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Commander's Intent' entail in section 3 of the 5 Paragraph Order?

The Commander's Intent explains what the commander wants the operation to look like from beginning to end. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose and Overview of the 5 Paragraph Order

The 5 Paragraph Order (OP order) is a structured format for issuing military commands, enhancing clarity and conciseness.
Orders are typically delivered orally, often supported by terrain models to help visualize operations.
The acronym SMEAC encapsulates the key components: Situation, Mission, Execution, Admin/Logistics, and Command/Signals.

Initial Orientation and the Situation Paragraph

Prior to discussing the Situation paragraph, leaders orient their subordinates using a terrain model or map.
The Situation paragraph provides an overview of friendly and enemy forces.
This paragraph contains two sub-sections: Enemy Forces and Friendly Forces, with enemy information presented first.
SALUTE is an acronym for enemy reporting: Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, Equipment.
The situation also includes HAS-A/D for reporting on Higher, Adjacent, Supporting, and Attachments/Detachments.

Mission and Its Critical Elements

The Mission paragraph delivers a clear directive on what the unit needs to achieve, centered around the five W's: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
Understanding the "why" question is vital as it provides the rationale behind the mission, fostering purpose among subordinates.

Execution's Role in Operational Clarity

The Execution section outlines the "how to" aspect of conducting operations and includes four sub-paragraphs: Commander's Intent, Concept of Operations, Tasks, and Coordinating Instructions.
The Commander's Intent details the overall vision for the operation from start to finish, broken into various subsections to convey crucial directives.

Supportive Framework with DRAW-D

DRAW-D assists leaders in assessing enemy capabilities and limitations, representing: Defend, Reinforce, Attack, Withdraw, Delay.
The Execution section serves as the key instructional component for successfully carrying out military operations, integrating all vital orders into a cohesive plan.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the 5 Paragraph Order, which is essential for clear and concise communication in military operations. It covers the purpose and methods of issuing orders, particularly at the rifle company level. Test your knowledge and understanding of military order structure!