What is the purpose of an Operations Order (OPORD) in Army operations?

• A. To authorize routine administrative tasks.
• B. To document historical lessons learned.
• C. To designate personnel for cleanup after operations.
• D. To convey the mission, concept of operations, tasks, coordinating instructions, and execution plan to all units involved.

Answer: (D)

An OPORD is the plan you enforce across all levels to execute a mission by turning the commander's intent into actionable steps for every unit. It communicates the mission, the concept of operations, the tasks assigned to subordinate units, the coordinating instructions that synchronize actions (timing, routes, boundaries, control measures), and the overall execution plan so everyone understands what to do, when, and how their part fits with others. This ensures unity of effort and coordinated action across the force, rather than isolated activities. It is not about routine administrative tasks, historical lessons, or post-operational cleanup, which are handled by other documents and processes.