TC 1-05
Decisionmaking, Plans, and Orders
Classes of Orders
There are two general classes of orders:
Routine: Routine orders cover normal administrative operations
and include general, special, and letter orders; court-martial
orders; bulletins; circulars; and memoranda.
Combat: Combat orders pertain to strategic or tactical operations
and the associated combat service support in the field. They may
be initially issued as a plan to become a specified order or
issued, as contingencies arise.
Under field and combat conditions, the UMT uses information from
five types of combat orders to plan and provide ministry and RS.
Types of combat orders
Warning order. The warning order (WARNO) is a preliminary
notice of an order or action that is to follow. Warning orders
help subordinate units and their staffs prepare for new missions.
It clearly informs the recipient of required tasks now and of
possible future tasks. However, a WARNO does not authorize
execution (other than planning) unless specifically stated.
Operation order. An operation order (OPORD) allows
coordinated action to carry out the decision of the commander
conducting an operation. The term "operation order" is general
and includes movement orders.
Movement order. A movement order gives advance notice of an
action or an order that is to follow. It is usually issued as a brief
oral or written message.
Fragmentary order. A fragmentary order (FRAGO) is a form of
operation order. A FRAGO contains information of immediate
concern to subordinate units. Usually issued as oral or written
messages, a FRAGO provides brief, specific, and timely
4-13
10 May 2005