Marine Rifle Squad

Appendix E
Squad Five-Paragraph Order
The five-paragraph order is derived from the operation order and is structured
to meet the needs of the small-unit leader. It is similar to the operation
ordr in that it includes the situation, mission, concept of operation, orders
to subordinates, and measures required to ensure coordination of administrative,
logistic, command, and communication matters. The five-paragraph
order is structured for oral presentation while the operation order is structured
to be writtten. The five-paragraph order is used at company level and
below. The squad leader issues his order orally.
I. Situation
Five-Paragraph Order Format (SMEAC)
a. Enemy Forces. Consists of the composition, disposition, location,
movement, capabilities, and recent activities of enemy forces.
b. Friendly Forces. A statement of the mission of the next higher unit,
location and mission of adjacent units, and mission of nonorganic supporting
units which may affect the actions of the unit.
c. Attachments and Detachments. Units attached to or detached from the
squad by higher headquarters, including the effective time of attachment
or detachment.
2. Mission
k clear, concise statement of the task which the squad must accomplish.
3. Execution
a. Concept of Operations. The concept of operation is the squad leader's
brief summary of the tactical plan the squad is to execute.
E-1