What is the correct sequence of the OPORD five-paragraph format?

What is the correct sequence of the OPORD five-paragraph format?

• A. Mission, Situation, Execution, Sustainment, Command and Signal
• B. Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment, Command and Signal
• C. Situation, Mission, Sustainment, Command and Signal, Execution
• D. Situation, Execution, Mission, Sustainment, Command and Signal

Answer: (B)

The sequence tests how a commander frames and carries out a plan by moving from understanding the environment to detailing the task, then outlining how it will be done, how it will be supported, and finally who is in charge and how we stay in touch. The Situation part lays out the environment using METT-TC factors—enemy, terrain and weather, time, and civil considerations—so everyone knows what we’re facing. Then comes the Mission, which states the task and its purpose within that context. With the why and what clear, the Execution paragraph describes how the plan will be carried out, including commander’s intent and the concept of operations. After that, Sustainment covers logistics, administration, medical support, transportation, and other resources needed to keep the operation going. The Command and Signal section then covers command relationships, succession, and communications to ensure coordination and control. If you flip these around—starting with Mission, or placing Command and Signal or Sustainment before Execution—you disrupt the logical flow from understanding the situation to implementing and supporting the plan.

The sequence tests how a commander frames and carries out a plan by moving from understanding the environment to detailing the task, then outlining how it will be done, how it will be supported, and finally who is in charge and how we stay in touch. The Situation part lays out the environment using METT-TC factors—enemy, terrain and weather, time, and civil considerations—so everyone knows what we’re facing. Then comes the Mission, which states the task and its purpose within that context. With the why and what clear, the Execution paragraph describes how the plan will be carried out, including commander’s intent and the concept of operations. After that, Sustainment covers logistics, administration, medical support, transportation, and other resources needed to keep the operation going. The Command and Signal section then covers command relationships, succession, and communications to ensure coordination and control. If you flip these around—starting with Mission, or placing Command and Signal or Sustainment before Execution—you disrupt the logical flow from understanding the situation to implementing and supporting the plan.