An OPERATION PLAN (OPLAN) is a detailed statement l of a course of action to be followed to accomplish a future mission. An OPERATION ORDER (OPORD) (See fig. 11-35.) puts an OPLAN into effect. The OPORD is a formal statement issued by the senior commander to subordinate commanders that outlines the coordinated execution of a future operation in the field.

In five paragraphs, OPLANs and OPORDs detail the complete information and orders necessary to carry out the decision of the commander. They are written so subordinate units and agencies can have a thorough understanding of the part each is to play in the operations.

OPORDs maybe oral, dictated, or in written form.

The most important determining factor of the form and method of issuing an OPORD is the time available for its preparation and distribution. An order should reach its destination in enough time to avoid halting troops while they wait for further instructions. Even the lowest subordinate commander needs time to reconnoiter, place his troops in position, make other necessary arrangements, and issue his own orders before the hour set for beginning the action.

Oral and dictated orders are similar because both are spoken orders. When oral orders are issued, notes are made by the persons receiving them. Dictated orders are recorded verbatim by the receiver. A complete copy of

Figure 11-36-Format for patrol leader's order.

the order or notes is kept by the staff of the issuing commander. Written orders may be in a message or other convenient form. The use of accompanying maps, photomaps, overlays, and tables saves time and words and minimizes errors. In many cases, an entire OPORD can be placed on a map or overlay.