ATTP 5-0.1 Commander and Staff Officer Guide - Army Electronic ...

PLACE AND DIRECTION DESIGNATIONS
Plans and Orders
12-48. Describe locations or points on the ground by—
� Providing the map datum used throughout the order.
� Referring to military grid reference system coordinates.
� Referring to longitude and latitude if available maps do not have the military grid reference
system.
12-49. Designate directions in one of two ways:
� As a point of the compass. For example, north or northeast.
� As a magnetic, grid, or true bearing, stating the unit of measure. For example, 85 degrees
(magnetic).
12-50. 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.
12-51. 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 directions, rather than right or left of the friendly force.
12-52. If the possibility of confusion exists when describing a route, add a compass direction 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.
12-53. 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.
12-54. Identify riverbanks as north, south, east, or west. In gap-crossing operations, identify riverbanks as
either near or far.
NAMING CONVENTIONS
12-55. 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
12-56. AR 380-5 contains a detailed description of marking techniques, transmitting procedures, and
other classification instructions. Each page and portions of the text on that page will be marked with the
appropriate abbreviation (“TS” for TOP SECRET, “S” for SECRET, “C” for CONFIDENTIAL, or “U for
UNCLASSIFIED). 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).
12-57. The abbreviation “FOUO” will be used in place of “U” when a portion is UNCLASSIFIED but
contains “For Official Use Only” information. AR 25-55 contains the definition and policy application of
FOUO markings.
14 September 2011 ATTP 5-0.1 12-7