Part 1
Step 1: Receive the Mission. This may be in the form of a warning order (WARNORD), an operation order (OPORD), or a fragmentary order (FRAGO). Analyze it using the factors of Mission, Enemy, Terrain, Troops, Time available and Civilian considerations (METT-TC).
Use no more than one third of the available time for planning and issuing the operation order.
Determine what are the specified tasks (you were told to accomplish), the essential tasks (must accomplish to succeed) and the implied tasks (necessary but not spelled out).
Plan preparation activity backward from the time of execution.
STEP 2. Issue a Warning Order. Provide initial instructions to your soldiers in a WARNORD. Include all available information and update as often as necessary.
Certain information must be in the warning order:
The mission or nature of the operation.
Participants in the operation.
Time of the operation.
Time and place for issuance of the operation order
STEP 3. Make a Tentative Plan. Gather and consider key information for use in making a tentative plan. Update the information continuously and refine the plan as needed. Use this plan as the starting point for coordination, reconnaissance and movement instructions. Consider the factors of METT-TC:
Mission. Review the mission to ensure you fully understand all tasks.
Enemy. Consider the type, size, organization, tactics and equipment of the enemy. Identify the greatest threat to the mission and their greatest vulnerability.
Terrain. Consider the effects of terrain and weather using observation, concealment, obstacles, key terrain and avenues of approach (OCOKA).
Troops available. Consider the strength of subordinate units, the characteristics of weapon systems and the capabilities of attached elements when assigning tasks to subordinate units.
Time available. Refine the allocation of time based on the tentative plan and any changes to the situation.
Civilian considerations. Consider the impact of the local population or other civilians on operations.
STEP 4. Start Necessary Movement.
Get the unit moving to where it needs to be as soon as possible
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