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

Army Operation Plan and Order Format
E-34. When first mentioning a place or feature on a map, print the name in capital letters exactly as spelled
on the map and show its complete grid coordinates (grid zone designator, 100-kilometer grid square, and
four-, six-, eight-, or ten-digit grid coordinates) in parentheses after it. When first using a control measure
(such as a contact point), print the name or designation of the point followed by its complete grid
coordinates in parentheses. Thereafter, repeat the coordinates only for clarity; use names, planning names,
or codes.
E-35. Describe areas by naming the northernmost (12 o’clock) point first and the remaining points in
clockwise order. Describe positions from left to right and from front to rear, facing the enemy. To avoid
confusion, identify flanks by compass points, rather than right or left of the friendly force.
E-36. If the possibility of confusion exists when describing a route, add compass points for clarity. For
example, “The route is northwest along the road LAPRAIRIE–DELSON.” If a particular route already has
a planning name, such as main supply route SPARTAN, refer to the route using only that designator.
E-37. Designate trails, roads, and railroads by the names of places along them or with grid coordinates.
Precede place names with trail, road, or railroad. For example, “road GRANT–CODY.” Designate the route
for a movement by listing a sequence of grids from the start point to the release point. Otherwise, list the
sequence of points from left to right or front to rear, facing the enemy.
E-38. Identify riverbanks as north, south, east, or west. In gap-crossing operations, identify riverbanks as
either near or far.
E-39. Describe boundaries and phase lines by terrain features easily distinguishable from the ground or air
or on a map. When designating boundaries between units, state which unit has responsibility and authority
for the place, feature, or location to which the description refers. State each location along a boundary as
either inclusive or exclusive to a unit. For example, “1st Brigade, exclusive crossroad 18PV621352.” List
boundaries and phase lines from left to right or front to rear, facing the enemy.
NAMING CONVENTIONS
E-40. Unit SOPs normally designate naming conventions for graphics. Otherwise, planners select them.
For clarity, avoid multiword names, such as “Junction City.” Simple names are better than complex ones.
To ensure operations security, avoid assigning names that could reveal unit identities, such as the
commander’s name or the unit’s home station. Do not name sequential phase lines and objectives in
alphabetical order. For memory aids, use sets of names designated by the type of control measure or
subordinate unit. For example, the division might use colors for objective names and minerals for phase
line names.
CLASSIFICATION MARKINGS
E-41. AR 380-5 contains a detailed description of marking, transmitting procedures, and other
classification instructions. Place classification markings at the top and bottom of each page. All paragraphs
must have the appropriate classification marking immediately following the alphanumeric designation of
the paragraph (preceding the first word if the paragraph is not numbered). If the entire plan or order is
unclassified, no classification markings are required.
EXPRESSING UNNAMED DATES AND HOURS
E-42. Use specific letters to designate unnamed dates and times in plans and orders. (These joint definitions
come from JP 1-02 unless noted otherwise.) See table E-1 on page E-6.
26 March 2010 FM 5-0 E-5