Army Company Opord Example [top] -
The Complete Guide to a U.S. Army Company OPORD: A Real-World Example
By: Tactical Leadership Staff
For a U.S. Army company commander, the Operations Order (OPORD) is the fundamental tool for translating the commander’s intent into actionable tasks. Whether you are a cadet at LDAC, a newly appointed executive officer, or a seasoned first sergeant, writing and receiving a combat-effective OPORD is a perishable skill.
This article provides a complete, realistic OPORD example for a mechanized infantry company (M2A4 Bradley) conducting a Movement to Contact in a Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) environment. We will break down the five-paragraph field order, the coordination instructions, and the command and signal annexes.
The 5 Essential Paragraphs (SMEAC)
| Paragraph | Purpose |
|-----------|---------|
| 1. Situation | Enemy, friendly, attachments/detachments, civil considerations |
| 2. Mission | Clear, concise task + purpose (who, what, when, where, why) |
| 3. Execution | Commander’s intent, concept of operations, tasks to subordinate units, coordinating instructions |
| 4. Sustainment | Logistics, personnel, medical, maintenance, supply |
| 5. Command & Signal | Chain of command, location of leaders, signals, passwords, communication plan |
3. EXECUTION
a. Commander’s Intent.
- Purpose: Destroy Enemy Reconnaissance (ENY RECON) to blind the BTG’s command and control, allowing the battalion to assault OBJ BRUTUS with tactical surprise.
- Key Tasks:
-
- Seize INITIAL CONTACT POINT NB 4385 3325 by 050800R MAY.
-
- Fix the enemy with direct fires while maneuvering the Assault Platoon (2nd Platoon) to breach the ambush from the north.
-
- Secure the BMP-3 wreckage for SIGINT exploitation.
- End State: Enemy RECON destroyed or displaced beyond PL COPPERHEAD. Apache Company in hasty defensive positions with all key weapons systems oriented northeast. Friendly casualties evacuated. Civilians sheltered.
b. Concept of Operations (CONOPS).
Phases:
- Phase I (Line of Departure to Contact): Movement in two echelon columns (1st & 2nd Platoon forward, 3rd Platoon + Company HQ trail) using tactical SOP. Establish company ORP (Objective Rally Point) at TRIGGER POINT 1 (NB 4365 3300) by 050430R.
- Phase II (Initiate Contact): Lead platoon (1st) will make contact at KILL ZONE XRAY. They will immediately dismount one squad to suppress enemy AT-14 teams. FIST will call for battalion mortars (High Explosive/White Phosphorus) on suspected BMP positions.
- Phase III (Exploit): 2nd Platoon will flank west via FALCON TRAIL, breach the enemy’s left flank, and destroy BMP-3s using TOW-2Bs. 3rd Platoon (Trail) becomes the company reserve.
- Phase IV (Consolidate & Defend): Upon securing OBJ BRUTUS, all platoons transition to defense. Emplace anti-armor obstacles (dragon’s teeth from attached engineer section) along PL COPPERHEAD.
c. Scheme of Maneuver (By Priority).
- Priority of Fires: 1st Platoon (Contact) > Engineer Breach > 2nd Platoon Flank.
- Decisive Point: The breach of the enemy left flank at NB 4415 3340.
- Suspense: All platoons must be consolidated on OBJ BRUTUS by 051200R MAY.
d. Scheme of Fires.
- Priority Targets: IT 1 (BMP-3s) — Mortars/155mm DPICM. IT 2 (AT-14 positions) — 60mm Mortars.
- Target List Worksheet (TLW): TRP 1 (NB 4410 3350) — Pre-planned FS line for TRIGGER POINT 1.
- Restrictions: No DF (Danger Close) inside 600m without commander approval.
- Air Support: Close Air Support (CAS) on station at 050900R (Callsign: UGLY 11). On-call 5 minutes.
e. Tasks to Subordinate Units.
- 1st Platoon (CAT): Lead. Make initial contact at NB 4400 3345. Suppress and fix enemy for 10 minutes. Do not advance beyond PL ACE (NB 4415 3355) until 2nd Platoon reports breach.
- 2nd Platoon (DOG): Assault. Bypass contact zone. Use FALCON TRAIL (dismounted mobility) to flank enemy. Breach via Bangalore/linear charge at NB 4410 3340. Destroy BMP-3s from hull-down positions.
- 3rd Platoon (EASY): Company Reserve. Occupy BP (Battle Position) CORAL (NB 4380 3325). Be prepared to reinforce 1st Platoon or block enemy counterattack from the northeast.
- Weapons Platoon (if attached): Not applicable.
- FIST (Fire Support Team): Establish communications with battalion mortars by 050200R. Call for fire within 3 minutes of contact.
- Engineers (Attached): Provide a breach lane through wire at FALCON TRAIL. Consolidate with 2nd Platoon.
f. Coordinating Instructions.
- Time of Line of Departure (LD): 050330R MAY (NLT).
- Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC): PZ (Pickup Zone) at NB 4370 3315 (Phase I, II) then shifts to OBJ BRUTUS after consolidation.
- Prisoners of War (EPW): Collect at company collection point behind 3rd Platoon’s BP.
- Risk Reduction Measures: All vehicles to utilize thermal camouflage screens during halts. IR chemlights only for dismounted navigation.
3. EXECUTION
a. Commander’s Intent:
- Purpose: Destroy enemy defensive positions and secure bridge.
- Key Tasks: Rapidly suppress ATGM positions, clear treeline with linear danger areas.
- End State: OBJ CEDAR under friendly control; enemy forces destroyed or withdrawn; bridge intact and crossed by BN by 161200Z.
b. Concept of Operations:
- Phase I – Assault: Chalk 1 (1st Plt) lands LZ EAGLE at 160830Z. Chalk 2 (2nd Plt) lands LZ HAWK.
- Phase II – Clear: 1st Plt fixes enemy from north; 2nd Plt assaults from south.
- Phase III – Consolidate: Establish 360° security, call MEDEVAC, prep for counterattack.
c. Tasks to Maneuver Units:
- 1st Platoon: Seize BP 1 by 160900Z; suppress enemy AT-4 positions. (Friendly element: MARKSMAN)
- 2nd Platoon: Main effort. Assault through breach in treeline, destroy enemy command post. (Friendly element: PIKE)
- 3rd Platoon: BN reserve at CCP 1. Prepare to consolidate OBJ CEDAR.
- FO: Priority targets: TRP 1 (mortar) and TRP 2 (bridge).
d. Coordinating Instructions:
- Timings: Load at PZ 160700Z, LD 160730Z, LZ time 160830Z.
- CAS: On-call from BCT. Check fire plan.
- ROE: Deadly force authorized if hostile act/intent.
- CCP: NA 345678. MEDEVAC via DUSTOFF channel 35.00.
ISSUE TIME/DATE/TIME ZONE: 041430R MAY 2026
Company Operations Order (OPORD) — Example
Situation
- Area of Interest: Town of Redford and surrounding 3 km radius; main threats: enemy infantry squad-sized elements with light arms and possible IEDs on main approaches.
- Area of Operations (AO): Grid square AB1234 to AB1534; oriented on Route Red (north-south) and River Delta (east).
- Enemy Forces: Enemy company with 2 platoons forward; likely defensive positions along Route Red. Unknown indirect fire capability; limited AT weapons.
- Friendly Forces: 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment (higher). Adjacent: 1-2 INF to the east, 3-2 INF to the west.
- Attachments/Detachments: AT team attached for the operation; one engineer squad available for breaching and IED clearance.
- Civil Considerations: Civilians in Redford; expect noncombatant movement during daylight; key infrastructure: power substation at AB1305.
Mission
- Company Mission: C Company, 1-2 INF attacks to seize and secure the town of Redford (grid AB1330), destroy enemy resistance, and establish blocking positions on Route Red by 080600APR26 to enable battalion consolidation.
Execution
- Commander's Intent: Destroy enemy forces in Redford, protect civilians where possible, secure Route Red to prevent enemy withdrawal north. End state: Enemy neutralized or routed from town; company controls center of Redford and blocks Route Red; friendly casualties within acceptable limits.
- Concept of Operations: Company conducts deliberate attack in three phases: Phase I — Movement to LD and breach of initial obstacles; Phase II — Assault and clearing of Redford using platoon-level clearing techniques; Phase III — Consolidate and establish blocking positions along Route Red.
- Scheme of Maneuver:
- Main Effort: 1st Platoon — Conduct clearing of northern sector of town, move east-to-west clearing buildings along Route Red.
- Supporting Effort: 2nd Platoon — Support by fire from southeast of town; then pass through to clear southern sector.
- Reserve: 3rd Platoon — Positioned at LD to reinforce or exploit success; prepared to block northern exit.
- Weapons Squad/AT Team: Tasked to neutralize identified enemy bunkers and any vehicle threats on Route Red.
- Engineer Squad: Breach obstacles on Route Red at phase line BLUE; clear probable IEDs on primary approach.
- Fires: Battalion Mortars (81mm) on call; preplanned fire on Objective Rally Point (ORP) 1—timed 080530APR26. Indirect fire clearance 300m from friendly troops unless adjusted by commander.
- Tasks to Subordinate Units:
- 1st Platoon: Seize and clear northern sector; establish local security by 080550APR26.
- 2nd Platoon: Provide supporting fires, then pass through to clear southern sector; block east exit.
- 3rd Platoon: Remain as reserve at LD; be ready to move to block Route Red north of town.
- Weapons Squad: Coordinate with 2nd Platoon to destroy any armored threats.
- Engineer Squad: Breach obstacles on Route Red at PL BLUE by 080515APR26.
- Coordinating Instructions:
- Timeline: H-Hour 080000APR26; LD at grid AB1250 by 073000APR26.
- Phase Lines: PL BLUE (approach route), PL RED (town limit), PL GREEN (north blocking line).
- Rules of Engagement (ROE): Positive identification required before engagement; minimize civilian casualties.
- Movement Formations: Mounted column on approach; dismounted clearing in town.
- Signals: Primary: FM 31.60. Secondary: hand-and-arm, pyrotechnics for obscuration.
- CAS/ATO: Close Air Support requested for 080530–080700APR26 in corridor X-ray; abort if civilians present.
- Passage of Lines: On contact with adjacent units, execute standard passage brief.
Sustainment
- Logistics Concept: Company resupply point at ORP 2 (grid AB1280) established after Phase I. One resupply run scheduled at 090000APR26.
- Medical Evacuation: CASEVAC to Battalion Aid Station at grid AB1200; MEDEVAC call sign "EAGLE 70" on 9-line format. Troop First Aid (TFA) at platoon level.
- Maintenance: Weapons checked at LD; priority recovery plan: tow disabled vehicles to ORP 2.
- Supply: Ammunition resupply: each rifleman to carry two additional magazines; weapons squad to carry extra AT rounds.
Command and Signal
- Command: Location of Commander: with 1st Platoon until clearing northern sector, then shift to CP at ORP 1. Succession of command: XO, 1SG, 1PL leader.
- Signal: Primary radio nets — Company Command Net (FM 31.60), Fire Support Net (FM 46.10). Pyrotechnics for identification; prearranged challenge/response passwords at H-Hour.
- Report Requirements: SITREP every 30 minutes while in AO; immediate report on casualties (CASREP) and enemy COA changes.
Annexes (referenced)
- Annex A: Task Organization (lists specific personnel and vehicle allocations)
- Annex B: Logistics (detailed resupply, fuel calculations)
- Annex C: Fire Support Plan (target allocations, FPFs)
- Annex D: Engineer (breach plan, EOD procedures)
- Annex E: Medical (MEDEVAC procedures, casualty evacuation routes)
Example 9-Line MEDEVAC (for reference)
- Location: AB1299
- Call sign and frequency: EAGLE 70 / FM 31.60
- Number of patients by precedence: 2 URGENT
- Special equipment: None
- Number of patients by type: 2 Ambulatory
- Security of pickup site: Secure
- Method of marking pickup site: Panel / smoke
- Patient nationality and status: US Military
- NBC contamination: None
If you want this OPORD tailored to a different mission (defense, hasty attack, reconnaissance) or a specific unit size or location, tell me the mission type and I'll produce a customized OPORD.
Here’s a ready-to-use post for a military education or leadership blog, social media page, or unit training page.
Title: OPORD Writing Made Simple: Army Company-Level Example
Post:
Whether you’re a new Platoon Leader, a seasoned Company Commander, or an NCO helping to plan the next field exercise, writing a clear, concise Operations Order (OPORD) is a critical skill. At the company level, your OPORD bridges the gap between battalion’s “big picture” and the squad-level “boots on the ground.”
To help you visualize the format, here’s a condensed example of a company OPORD for a movement to contact mission.
COPY OF OPORD 01 – (UNIT NAME)
References: Map Sheet 1234, Edition 01
Time Zone Used Throughout Order: ZULU
1. SITUATION
- a. Area of Interest: Enemy forces (OPFOR) are conducting delaying operations along Phase Line (PL) DOG. Expect 1 enemy platoon (reinforced with 2x BMP-2s) in defensive positions near OBJ EAGLE.
- b. Area of Operations: From PL ALPHA east to PL FOXTROT. Key terrain: Hill 432.
- c. Enemy Forces: Likely to use RPG teams and pre-registered artillery on MSR HAWK.
- d. Friendly Forces: 1-66 IN BN on our left, 3-15 CAV providing screen on the right. Btry A, 2-8 FA in direct support.
- e. Attachments/Detachments: Attached: 1x Engineer squad. Detached: None.
2. MISSION
Not later than (NLT) 050700Z JAN 25, C Company conducts a movement to contact along MSR HAWK to PL FOXTROT, destroys enemy forces vicinity OBJ EAGLE, and establishes hasty defense NLT 051600Z JAN 25.
3. EXECUTION
- Commander’s Intent: Fix enemy with direct fire, envelop from south via covered approach.
- Concept of Operation: Phase I – Movement to PL DOG. Phase II – Assault OBJ EAGLE. Phase III – Consolidate and defend.
- Tasks to Maneuver Elements:
- 1st PLT (Alpha Team): Main effort. Assault from PL DOG to OBJ EAGLE.
- 2nd PLT (Bravo Team): Support by fire from Hill 432.
- 3rd PLT (Charlie Team): Reserve. Clear enemy dismounts south of OBJ EAGLE.
- Coordinating Instructions: SP (Start Point) at PL ALPHA at 050500Z. LD (Line of Departure) at 050630Z. Task Org: See Annex A.
4. SUSTAINMENT
- Supply: Class I, III, V pre-staged at BSA (Brigade Support Area). Combat resupply by support plt at 050900Z.
- Transportation: 2x cargo trucks at BSA for casualty evac.
- Maintenance: Forward Repair Team (FRT) at BSA. Contact recovery at PL DOG.
5. COMMAND & SIGNAL
- Command Post (CP): Located vic PL ALPHA until SP, then moves behind 2nd PLT.
- Signal: Primary – FM Net 1 (BN Command). Alternate – 1523 (Company internal). Challenge/Password: "Red Hawk" / "Steel". Running password: "Talon."
Key Takeaways for Company Leaders:
- Keep it simple. Avoid copying battalion’s entire OPORD.
- Focus on "Who, What, When, Where, and Why" for your specific squads and platoons.
- Use graphics. A hand-drawn sketch overlay on a map is worth 1,000 words.
👉 Need a blank OPORD template? Drop a comment below or DM me – I’ll send you the editable Word/PDF version.
Train like you fight. Write like you fight.
#ArmyTraining #OPORD #MissionCommand #CompanyCommand #MilitaryLeader
An Army Company Operations Order (OPORD) follows the standard five-paragraph format, often remembered by the acronym SMEAC: Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment, and Command and Signal.
Below is an example of the content structure for a Company-level OPORD. Header & Task Organization Copy Number: (e.g., Copy 1 of 10) Issuing Headquarters: (e.g., A Co, 1-502nd IN) Place of Issue: (e.g., Grid 1234 5678) Date-Time Group: (e.g., 180930ZAPR26)
Task Organization: Describes how the company is organized for the mission, identifying the main effort and supporting efforts (e.g., 1st PLT: Main Effort; 2nd PLT: Support). 1. Situation Provides the operational context for the unit.
Enemy Forces: Composition, disposition, and most likely/dangerous courses of action.
Friendly Forces: Mission and intent of the higher headquarters (Battalion and Brigade).
Attachments/Detachments: Any units added to or removed from the company's control. 2. Mission army company opord example
A clear, concise statement of what the unit is to accomplish and why (the 5 Ws: Who, What, When, Where, Why).
Example: "A Co attacks to seize OBJ BRAVO NLT 181200ZAPR26 to prevent enemy interference with the BN main effort." 3. Execution
Details how the commander intends to accomplish the mission.
Commander’s Intent: The desired end state (e.g., "Enemy destroyed, 1st PLT established on high ground").
Concept of Operations: The "big picture" of the fight, broken into phases.
Scheme of Movement/Maneuver: How squads and platoons will move and engage.
Tasks to Subordinate Units: Specific assignments for each platoon (e.g., "1st PLT: Seize OBJ BRAVO").
Coordinating Instructions: Details applicable to two or more units, such as timelines, order of movement, and Rules of Engagement (ROE). 4. Sustainment Outlines the logistics and support required.
Logistics: Supply (food, water, ammo), maintenance, and transportation. Personnel: EPW (Enemy Prisoner of War) handling and mail.
Health System Support: Casualty collection points (CCP) and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) procedures. 5. Command and Signal
Specifies how the unit will communicate and who is in charge.
Command: Location of the Commander and Executive Officer (XO), and the succession of command. Control: Command Post (CP) locations.
Signal: Frequencies, call signs, passwords (primary/alternate/contingency/emergency), and pyrotechnic signals.
For more detailed templates, you can refer to the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center or the Army Study Guide for specific infantry or logistics variants. The Complete Guide to a U
4. SUSTAINMENT
- Supply: 1 RBS of ammo per soldier. Re-supply at RP A after consolidation.
- Transport: 4x UH-60 (chalk 1-4), 2x reserve birds.
- Medical: Company medic with 1 Plt. Battalion aid station at FOB VICTOR.
- Maintenance: FMTV/contact team at CCP.
Example: Company OPORD (Airborne Rifle Company)
COPY ___ OF ___ COPIES
ISSUE DATE/TIME: 150600Z JAN 2026
FROM: HHC, 1-501st PIR
REFERENCE: Battalion OPORD 01-2026
TIME ZONE: ZULU