1. OPLAN/OPORD

2. “ A Busy men every morning plans the transaction of the day and follows out that plan, carries a thread that will guide him through the maze of the most busy life. But where no plan is laid, where the disposal of time is surrendered merely to the chance of incidence, chaos will soon reign.”
-Victor Hugo ( )
French dramatist, novelist and poet

3. References AFOS, AETC Hand-outs
US Army Planning and Orders Production (Jan 2005)
OPLAN/OPORD, Office of the Asst Chief of Air Staff for Plans, A-5, (11 July 1975)

4. Desired Learning Outcomes
Students to be able to differentiate between OPLAN and OPORD
Identify and explain the parts
Outline the format
Explain the processes involved in the
preparation
Draft an OPLAN/OPORD

5. Overview DEFINITIONS CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD OPLAN/OPORD
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AND OPLAN AND OPORD
PARTS OF AN OPLAN/OPORD
PREPARATION OF AN OPLAN/OPORD

6. Definitions
OPLAN – any plan for the preparation, execution and assessment of military operations
It is also a plan extending over a considerable space and time.
It states the will of the commander and action which will required to his subordinates commander

7. Definitions
OPORD – a directive issued by a commander to subordinate commanders for the purpose of affecting the coordinated execution of an operation

8. HOW OPORD ISSUED
It may be issued at any level of command having operational or command jurisdiction over subordinate units.
It may cover a single operation or series of connected operation to be carried out simultaneously or succession.
It is a form of directive employed by echelons of command in order to allow subordinate commanders to prepare supporting plans or orders

9. HOW OPORD ISSUED
Serves as a directive for planning and preparatory action, or both preparatory action and actual direction of the operation.

10. Characteristics of Good OPLAN/OPORD
Contain critical facts and assumptions
Authorative expression
Positive expression
Avoid qualified directives
Balance
Simplicity

11. Characteristics of Good OPLAN/OPORD
Brevity
Clarity
Completeness
Coordination
Flexibility
Timeliness

12. Differences of OPORD from OPLAN:
“Assumptions” are omitted.
Already a directive for specific operations in the immediate future.
Issued prior to the action (specified time with factual data)
Maybe written, dictated, given orally or sent in message form;
Seldom used when an OPLAN has been issued except when desired by the Commander when all the details of the operations has been settled.

13. OPERATIONAL PLANNING CYCLE
MISSION RECEIVED
STAFF ACTION 1
COMMANDER’S ACTION
INFORMATION TO COMMANDER 2
INFORMATION TO STAFF 2
MISSION ANALYSIS, & COMMANDER’S PLANNING GUIDANCE 3
STAFF ESTIMATES 4
COMMANDER’S ESTIMATE/COMMANDER’S CONCEPT
PREPARATION OF PLANS/ORDERS 5 6
APPROVAL OF PLANS/ORDERS
ISSUANCE OF PLANS/ORDERS 7 8
FEEDBACK
SUPERVISION
FEEDBACK 9 9
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED 10

14. Parts of an OPLAN/OPORD

15. HEADING OPLAN/OPORD CODE NAME/ NUMBER CLASSIFICATION
Copy Number __ of ____ Copies
Issuing Headquarters
Place of Issue
Date-Time Group
Message Reference Number
HEADING
OPLAN/OPORD
CODE NAME/ NUMBER
References:
Time Zone:

16. BODY a. Command TASK ORGANIZATION: I. SITUATION: b. Friendly Forces
a. Enemy Forces
b. Friendly Forces
c. Assumptions
II. MISSION:
III. EXECUTION:
a. Concept of Operations
b. Tasks:
c. Coordinating Instructions:
IV. ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS
a. Administration
b. Logistics
V. COMMAND AND SIGNAL
a. Command
b. Signal
BODY

17. ENDING COMDR RANK POSITION OPNS OFFR ANNEXES : A APPENDIX: TABS:
Acknowledge:
COMDR
RANK
POSITION
OFFICIAL:
OPNS OFFR
ANNEXES : A Z
APPENDIX: I XX
TABS:
(a)
(b)
ENCLOSURES:
(1)
(2)
DISTRIBUTION:
A - Z
ENDING

18. Sample format

19. Levels of Classification
Place the classification at the top and bottom of every page of OPLAN/OPORD
Levels of Classification
Top Secret -  The highest level of classification of material on a national level. Such material would cause "exceptionally grave damage" to national security if publicly available.
Secret - Such material would cause "serious damage" to national security if publicly available.
Confidential - Such material would cause "damage" or be "prejudicial" to national security if publicly available.
Restricted - Such material would cause "undesirable effects" if publicly available. Some countries do not have such a classification.
CLASSIFICATION

20. - maybe coded; for security reason; for tracing purposes
Copy Number __ of ____ Copies
- maybe coded; for security reason; for tracing purposes
Issuing Headquarters
- maybe coded; for security reason
Place of Issue
- maybe coded; for security reason
Date-Time Group
- shows when the OPLAN / OPORD was signed or effective
Message Reference Number
to facilitate acknowledgement of order

21. OPLAN/OPORD [CODE NAME] [NUMBER]
Plans and orders normally receive a code name and are numbered consecutively within a calendar year
References: (List of Maps, charts, datum & other related documents the unit needs to understand the OPLAN/OPORD
Map series number (and country or geographic area, if required
Sheet number (and name if required)
Edition and scale if required
Time Zone: used throughout the OPLAN/OPORD
HOTEL for Philippines (optional)

22. TASK ORGANIZATION:
Organization of the Command for the conduct of operation
Describe the allocation of forces to support the concept of operations
Commander’s plan to allocate his combat power to accomplish the mission
Maybe placed in an Annex – Annex A (Task Organization) or in paragraph 3 (EXECUTION); if so, indicate “Paragraph 3”
If no change, “No Change”
If few changes, “No change except paragraph 3b”

23. (Continuation)
15TH SW
16TH AS
18TH AS
20TH AS
207TH THS (OPCON)
460TH MSG
461ST FMS
463RD AAMS
1ST AD
600TH ABW
620TH SPG
621ST SPS
622ND SPS
630TH SSG
631ST CS
672ND FSU (DS)
- depending on unit designation (mechanized infantry; infantry etc)
TASK ORGANIZATION:
Grouped by command and control headquarters in numerical and alphabetical order
sequence for listing of units
Combat
Combat Support (CS)
Combat Service Support (CSS)
- names and ranks of commanders of each command and control headquarters may be indicated opposite the unit designation, if appropriate

24. - composition; disposition; location; movement; estimated
I. SITUATION:
a. General
- information on the overall situation essential for subordinate commanders to understand
b. Enemy Forces:
- composition; disposition; location; movement; estimated
strength; identification; capabilities
- maybe placed in an Annex or Current INTSUM
c. Friendly Forces:
- not involved in an operation
- listed by higher, adjacent, supporting or reinforcing
d. Attachments/Detachments:
- units attached/detached to issuing HQS and their
effective dates (“Remains attached”)
- state if placed in “Task Organization”
e. Assumptions:

25. Assumption
Supposition of current situation or a presupposition on the future course of events, either or both assumed true in absence of positive proof.
List all assumptions received from higher HQ
State expected conditions over w/c the commander has no control but relevant to the plan
List conditions that will invalidate the plan or its concept of opns
Validity
Necessity

26. AIR FORCE OFFICER SCHOOL
II. MISSION:
CLEAR and CONCISE STATEMENT of the task (to include special task of higher headquarters and implied task as perceived)
Answers WHO,WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and WHY
Contains the TASK and the PURPOSE
MISSION OF THE
AIR FORCE OFFICER SCHOOL
To conduct Professional Military Education courses to all EP of the PAF

27. Intent: State the commander’s intent
III. EXECUTION:
Intent: State the commander’s intent
- Commander’s intent for the accomplishment of mission within the time available and in the absence of additional communications or further instruction
a. Concept of Operations
- Commander’s visualization of the operation from start to completion (As a minimum, includes scheme of maneuver and concept of fire)
- When an opns involve two or more distinct and separate phases, the concept maybe prepared in subparagraphs describing each phase.
- For large scale operations, maybe placed in an Annex.

28. COMMANDER’S INTENT Links the mission and concept of operations
Describes the end state and key task along w/ the mission which serve as basis for subordinate’s initiative
Components
End state
Key task
Expanded purpose (if desired)

29. III. EXECUTION: (Continuation)
a. Concept of Operations
Includes the following:
Maneuver (Scheme of Maneuver)
Fires (Scheme of fires)
Air Support (Allocation of Air Operations)
Field Artillery support (Allocation of fire support)
Naval gunfire support
Fire Support coordinating measures
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
Engineer
Military Police Operations
Civil Military Operations

30. a. Concept of Operations
III. EXECUTION:
a. Concept of Operations
b. Tasks:
specific tasks of each unit, for clarity
itemized; when instructions are multiple
arrangement of units, similar to Task Organization (or by priority or sequence of accomplishment)
Maneuver units
Fire Support
Combat Support
Combat Service Support
Reserves

31. III. EXECUTION:
a. Concept of Operations
b. Tasks:
c. Coordinating Instructions:
- Coordination and control instructions applicable to two or more elements of the Command (Troop safety measures, restriction on use of weapons, etc)
- Instructions which applies to two or more tasked units and sometimes used to define functions of the Commander’s Coordinating Staff members
(1) Contains a list of instructions
(a) List of specific instructions
(2) Other instructions

32. IV. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOGISTICS OR SERVICE SUPPORT
- Admin functions, manner of logistic supports, CSS instructions
- Higher Command - reference may be made to admin/log order
- Lower level commands - may be placed as an ANNEX
- Sub paragraphs –
a. Supply classes, maintenance schedule & places
b. Transportation
c. Med Evacuation
d. Personnel (rotation/R&R, POW administration)
e. CMO (Control of civilian population/refugees, etc)
f. Miscellaneous

33. V. COMMAND AND SIGNAL
- Instructions related to Command, Operations of CE; Signals; Passwords, CEOI
a. Command:
- Chain of Command/Chart; Succession of Command
Main/Alternate/Tactical/Advance Command Post)
b. Signal:
- Communication-electronics and information systems; communication net; radio frequencies; call signs
- may refer to an ANNEX

34. - Only last names of the Commanders and Operations Officer
Acknowledge:
COMDR
RANK
POSITION
OFFICIAL:
OPNS OFFR
- Only last names of the Commanders and Operations Officer
ANNEXES : A Z
APPENDIX: I XX
TABS:
(a)
(b)
ENCLOSURES:
(1)
(2)
DISTRIBUTION:
A - Z
Commander signs “Copy Nr 1” only;
kept as file copy
if Chief of Staff signs the original,
“FOR THE COMMANDER” is added
- Opns Officer signs “Copy Nr 2” and so on
- “OFFICIAL” does not appear in “Copy Nr 1”

35. - amplifies an Appendix
Acknowledge:
COMDR
RANK
POSITION
OFFICIAL:
OPNS OFFR
ANNEXES : A Z
APPENDIX: I XX
TABS:
(a)
(b)
ENCLOSURES:
(1)
(2)
DISTRIBUTION:
A - Z
- amplifies an Annex
- amplifies an Appendix
- according to policy and procedures of issuing authority

36. ANNEXES: Commander’s Estimate of the Situation Personnel Estimate
Intelligence Estimate
Logistic Estimate (Logistic Annex)
5. Communications-Electronics Estimate

37. ANNEXES: (Continuation)
Issuing Headquarters
Place
Date and Time
ANNEX B to OPLAN “MAGKAISA”
(Intelligence)
References:
I. MISSION
II. SUMMARY OF ENEMY SITUATION
A. Strength
B. Areas of Operation
C. Composition and Disposition
D. Armaments/Logistics
E. Capabilities

38. ANNEXES: (Continuation)
III. ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF INFORMATION
IV. RECONNNAISSANCE AND OBSERVATION MISSIONS
V. MEASURES FOR HANDLING CAPTURED PERSONNEL,
DOCUMENTS AND MATERIEL
VI. MAPS AND AIR PHOTOS
VII. COUNTERINTELLIGENCE
VIII. REPORTS AND DISTRIBUTION
COMMANDER
OFFICIAL:
INTELLIGENCE OFFICER
Incls:

39. Summary DEFINITIONS CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD OPLAN/OPORD
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AND OPLAN AND OPORD
PARTS OF AN OPLAN/OPORD
PREPARATION OF AN OPLAN/OPORD

40. Developing the plan is actually laying out the sequence of events that have to occur for you to achieve your goal.
George L. Morrisey

41. QUESTIONS?

42. List of Scenario 1.Bombing 2.Fire Drills 3.Rally / Demo 4.Imminent
5.Attack
6.Explosion
7.Sabotage
8. Volcanic 9.Eruption
10.Hostage Taking
11. Kidnapping
12. Mass poisoning

43. NCO SCHOOL IMPLAN TO CAMP DEFENSE PLAN MISSION DESIGNATED SECTOR
CONCEPT OFOPERATIONS
SECTOR ORGANIZATION
DISPOSITION OF TROOPS

44. MISSION
TO PREPARE, EMPLOY AND SUSTAIN THE FORCES AND RESOURCES OF THE SCHOOL TO SUPPORT THE SECTORAL DEFENSE PLAN

45. Sector 5 Sector 2 Sector 1 Sector 3 Sector 4 Sector 6 AETC, FAB
(GC, 740TH CG, 710th SPOW)
Sector 2
(CMDT, BMTS)
Sector 1
Sector 3
(GC, 440TH AMG)
(CMDT, PAFOCS)
Sector 4
Sector 6
Projected is the division of AETC AOR into six sectors.
(CMDT, NCOS)
(GC, 550TH ABG)
AETC, FAB 45

46. HOSP
NCOS 4 3
Sector 4, under Commandant, NCOS, will include the NCOS area, FABH, and 554th APS. 12 2 2 1 1 11
554TH APS
SECTOR 4 46

47. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
NCOS shall assume the responsibility of providing maximum security and defence of vital installations within Sector 4.
The command and control of Sector 4 shall be assumed by the Assistant Commandant, NCOS as Sector Commander upon activation of the Command Battle Defense Organization.
Sector 4 shall man the Road Blocks 1(A, B) and 2, each with Officer-Led 7-Man Team, to basically isolate vital installation from residential areas.
Further, another Officer-Led 7-Man Team shall be organized as QRT/DRT within Sector 4.
Upon declaration of RA DEFCON 1 a 6-Man Team QRT shall be sent to QRF Squadron while the 234 students shall be released to Reserved Group.

48. ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
SECTOR 4
COMMANDER
DEPUTY COMMANDER
SGT MAJOR
OPERATIONS
LOGISTICS
ROAD BLOCK
TEAM 1
TEAM 2
SECTOR QRT
QRT (QRF SQDN)
RESERVED FORCE
(234 STUDENTS)

49. DISPOSITION OF TROOPS
SECTOR 4

50. Sector 4
Battle Staff Office

51. DISPOSITION OF TROOPS
SECTOR 4
ROAD BLOCK TEAM 1
ROAD BLOCK TEAM 2

52. DISPOSITION OF TROOPS SECTOR 4 QUICK REACTION TEAM (FOR QRF)

53. “In time of peace prepare for war.“
George Washington