FM 5-0, The Operations Process - Federation of American Scientists

Appendix E
Army Operation Plan and Order Format
This appendix provides instructions for preparing plans and orders for Army units.
For guidance on preparing joint operation plans and orders, refer to JP 5-0.
CHARACTERISTICS
E-1. Commanders direct operations and communicate their visualization, commander’s intent, and
decisions through plans and orders. Effective plans and orders clearly describe how the commander intends
to combine offensive, defensive, and stability or civil support operations throughout the conduct of
operations. They synchronize subordinate activities in time, space, and purpose to achieve objectives and
accomplish missions. Plans and orders not only direct subordinate units but provide information to facilitate
coordination among organizations outside the command. Effective plans and orders account for those joint,
interagency, intergovernmental, multinational, and host-nation organizations involved in the operation.
E-2. The amount of detail provided in a plan or order depends on several factors, including the cohesion
and experience of subordinate units and complexity of the operation. Effective plans and orders encourage
subordinate’s initiative by providing the what and why of tasks to subordinate units, and leave the how to
perform the tasks to subordinates. (Paragraphs 2-73 through 2-80 discuss mission orders in detail.) To
maintain clarity and simplicity, the base plan or order is kept as short and concise as possible. Detailed
information and instructions are addressed in annexes as required.
E-3. Good operation plans (OPLANs) and operation orders (OPORDs)—
• Possess simplicity.
• Possess authoritative expression.
• Possess positive expression.
• Avoid qualified directives.
• Possess brevity.
• Possess clarity.
• Contain assumptions.
• Incorporate flexibility.
• Exercise timeliness.
E-4. Plans and orders are simple and direct to reduce misunderstanding and confusion. The situation
determines the degree of simplicity required. Simple plans executed on time are better than detailed plans
executed late. Commanders at all echelons weigh potential benefits of a complex concept of operations
against the risk that subordinates will fail to understand it. Multinational operations mandate simplicity due
to the differences in language, doctrine, and culture. The same applies to operations involving interagency
and nongovernmental organizations.
E-5. Authoritative expression through the commander’s intent is reflected in plans and orders. As such,
their language is direct. Effective plans and orders unmistakably state what the commander wants the unit
and its subordinate units to do and why.
E-6. Instructions in plans and orders are stated in the affirmative. For example, “Combat trains will
remain in the assembly area” instead of “The combat trains will not accompany the unit.”
E-7. Plans and orders avoid meaningless expressions, such as “as soon as possible (ASAP).” Indecisive,
vague, and ambiguous language leads to uncertainty and lack of confidence.
E-8. Effective plans and orders are brief, clear, and concise. They use short words, sentences, and
paragraphs. Use acronyms unless clarity is hindered. Do not include material covered in standing operating
procedures (SOPs). Refer to those SOPs instead.
26 March 2010 FM 5-0 E-1