Issuing A Combat Order

Question 0

Build the terrain model

Answer 0

Designate a Marine to build the terrain model. Ensure accuracy. Model should depict North seeking Arrow key terrain friendly control measures, and enemy disposition.

Question 1

Character of a good order

Answer 1

Simple and issued in a timely manner.

Question 2

Orientation

Answer 2

Simple and brief. Should include: direction of North, present location (eight-digit grid), direction of attack, location of the objectives (eight-digit grid), weather situation, predominate terrain features, phase lines, friendly units operating in the area and locations, background information.

Question 3

Five paragraph order

Answer 3

SMEAC

Question 4

S = situation

Answer 4

Enemy forces, friendly forces, attachment and detachment

Question 5

Situation: Enemy forces: description

Answer 5

Information should be the culmination of intelligence provided by higher headquarters and information gathered that pertains to the accomplishment of the mission by means of the acronym SALUTE.
Remember also that the enemy’s most likely course of action upon contact can be addressed by means of the acronym DRAW-D

Question 6

SALUTE

Answer 6

S = size
A = activity
L = location
U = unit
T = time
E = equipment

Question 7

DRAW-D: Enemy Forces Situation

Answer 7

D = defend
R = reinforce
A = attack
W = withdrawal
D = delay

Question 8

Situation. Friendly forces

Answer 8

Obtained directly from your higher commanders order. It contains the missions and locations of higher, adjacent, and supporting units information should be limited to that which subordinate leaders need to know to accomplish their assigned missions

Question 9

Friendly forces: HAS

Answer 9

H = higher unit (or higher headquarters/HHQ)(The mission of the next higher unit)

A = adjacent units(The mission and location of units to your left, right, front, and rear affecting your mission)

S = supporting units(Non-organic units providing combat support for combat service support or addressed here)

Question 10

Friendly forces: attachments and detachments

Answer 10

Not organic (external) units attached (+) and/or organic (internal) units detached (-) from the unit

Question 11

Mission statement

Answer 11

Clear and concise statement (one simple sentence) of what the unit is assigned to accomplish. The purpose of the mission statement is always represented by the words: in order to (IOT). It expresses the units primary task in purpose represented by the 5W’s

Question 12

Mission statement: ensuring success

Answer 12

The commanders main effort. He will ensure the main effort by: providing it with a preponderance of support (for example weighing the main effort), designated corresponding supporting effort (SE) task to the remaining units, designating only one unit as the main effort as identified in the units mission statement

Question 13

Execution

Answer 13

Overall purpose and “how to” information needed to conduct the operation. Consist of four subparagraphs: commanders intent, concept of the operation, task (to subordinate unit leaders), coordinating instructions

Question 14

Execution: commanders intent (method)

Answer 14

Includes a statement of the commanders overarching plan for exploitation of the enemies critical vulnerability and Mission success. It is the bottom line or end state of the operation. Could include: enemy center of gravity, enemy critical vulnerability, exploitation plan. Must include end state.

Question 15

execution: Commanders intent (desired end state)

Answer 15

Relative to enemy units, friendly units, and terrain. Provides for flexibility on the battlefield. If all subordinates clearly understand the desire end state they are capable of independently driving the go even if the original proposed plan goes awry.

Question 16

Execution: concept of operations

Answer 16

Includes two subparagraphs: scheme of maneuver (SOM) contains the big picture of how all subordinate units will conduct the plan. Fire plan support (FSP) describes how fire support will be used to complement the scheme of maneuver.

Question 17

Execution: tasks

Answer 17

Specific mission to be accomplished by each subordinate element of the unit. They are listed in a separate numbered subparagraph. Tasking statements are your subordinate units mission statements, and as such, it should be written in the same manner as any mission statement.

Question 18

Execution: coordinating instructions

Answer 18

Common to all subordinate units that tie the plan together. Included are details of coordination and control applicable to two or more units in the command. Commonly addressed include: time of attack, base unit (Main effort), order of movement, security, tactical control measures, route to the objective

Question 19

Administration and logistics

Answer 19

Always remember the four B’s:

B = beans (chow)
B = bullets (ammunition)
B = Band-Aids (casualty evacuation)
B = bad guys (enemy prisoners of war)

Question 20

Command and signal

Answer 20

Contains instructions and information relating to command and communications (control) functions. Contains two subparagraphs: signal and command.

Question 21

Command and signal: signal

Answer 21

Specifies the signal plan and signal instructions for the operation, including but not limited to: prearranged signals, challenge and passwords, radio call signs, frequencies, radio procedures, emergency signals, pyrotechnics, restriction on the use of communications

Question 22

Command and signal: command

Answer 22

Includes the location of key personnel and succession of command. Identifies your location, The location of subordinate leaders, and other leaders as required

Question 23

Questions and time

Answer 23

After the operation order has been issued two remaining items are addressed: synchronizing time and “are there any questions”

Question 24

Guidelines for issuing orders

Answer 24

Use it as a guideline, but do not read from it. Use your terrain model throughout the order. At the platoon level and above, designate a marine as the pointer for the terrain model as you issue the order. If you use this technique, ensure you rehearse. Make eye contact with your subordinates why you issue the door. Use visual aids whenever possible to enhance your. A picture is worth 1000 words.

Question 25

Reinforcing the mission statement

Answer 25

Perhaps one of the most important points of emphasis on briefing your Marines. Expresses the units primary task and purpose presented by the 5W’s. Ensure the mission statement is understood by all.

Question 26

Recurring items

Answer 26

These items include: formations, location of subordinate units within information, consolidation instructions, anticipated or be prepared to missions, signals. Many of these items become SOP in units that have worked together.

Question 27

Back brief

Answer 27

Conducted at the end of your order. A back brief is when you ask your subordinates to brief you on what they are doing in the operation.

Question 28

Five paragraph order template: Orientation

Answer 28

What info does the squad need in order to accomplish the mission?
Terrain properly marked, astronomical data, weather, visibility, operational tempo, local area history.

Question 29

Five paragraph order template: Situation

Answer 29

Enemy situation (SALUTE), enemy capabilities or limitations (DRAW), enemy’s most likely course of action (EMLCOA), Friendly situation, supporting units, attached/ detached units.

Question 30

Five paragraph order template: Mission

Answer 30

Who is to accomplish the task? What is the tactical task assigned? When/ where/ why is the task to be executed?

Question 31

Five paragraph order template: execution

Answer 31

Describe commanders intent. Describe the concept of operations. Scene of maneuvers. Explain fire support. Issue tasks to subordinate units. Brief coordinating units on 5Ws of what they have to with the mission.

Question 32

Five paragraph order template: administration and logistics

Answer 32

Go to photos> Corporal course

Question 33

Five paragraph order template: command and signal

Answer 33

Go to photos> Corporal course