7-17 Plan/Order Format
ORDERS DEVELOPMENT
ACTIVITIES
Narrator: An operations plan and an operations order are very similar in format. The only difference is paragraph 1g. lists assumptions on which the plan is based, but is omitted in orders, where assumptions become risk. A plan summary may also be published. It allows commanders, staffs and other individuals and agencies to quickly review the envisioned activities of a command. A plan summary is normally only prepared at higher levels of command such as component or MEF headquarters.
Before the commander signs the order:
- Orders Preparation
- Orders Reconciliation
- Orders Crosswalk
Preparation of Orders:
- Produced in a variety of forms:
- Verbal
- Written documents with supporting annexes and appendices
- Form depends on:
- Available time
- Operation complexity
- Levels of command involved