text: _________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 2
  this quickly, in order to give subordinate commanders and staffs, and units
  as well, sufficient time to prepare for their combat missions. In order to de-
  crease the time this task requires, the OPFOR applies technology, such as
  graphic display panels and other sophisticated signal equipment.
  2-163. Disseminating mission-type information concerning upcoming or
  planned combat activity occurs at several points in the decision-making and
  planning process. At any level, preliminary instructions from higher-level
  commanders first present this information in general outline, allowing sub-
  ordinate commanders and staffs to begin preliminary planning (as part of the
  decision-making process). Only when they receive the senior commander’s fi-
  nal decision in operational directives can lower-level commanders decide on
  their own final concept of the operation. The process at a given level ends
  when commanders issue combat orders to their own subordinates.
  2-164. Preliminary Instructions. The means by which commanders can
  make the earliest possible dissemination of information concerning an up-
  coming operation are preliminary instructions. These instructions contain the
  missions of the subordinate units and the higher commander’s general concept
  of operations. These normally serve as a vehicle to provide the outline of the
  commander’s decision, basic information on the situation, and the mission for
  which the receiving headquarters should begin planning. These instructions
  may revise a previous order or issue a new, time-sensitive mission. Similar to a
  warning order in the U.S. Army, they allow subordinate units to prepare for the
  flurry of activity demanded of headquarters on receipt of a new mission. They
  enable subordinate headquarters to begin their planning process concurrently
  with the higher command levels. The commander may issue preliminary in-
  structions to subordinates in either oral or written form. However, it is normal
  to transmit preliminary instructions by electronic, secure-voice means rather
  than in written form.
  2-165. Operation Plan. Operational-level commands prepare operation
  plans to control execution of their portion of an SCP. The operation plan must
  • Optimally allocate forces and resources to each mission.
  • Provide concrete methods to coordinate the actions of maneuver, fire
  support, and logistics support.
  • Provide for a specific sequence and methods for conducting each sub-
  task required to assure mission success.
  From the completed operation plan, the staff creates operational directives or
  combat orders to inform subordinates of their missions, roles, and time re-
  quirements for executing the plan.
  2-166. The operation plan details the commander’s thinking and reflects the
  input of various subordinates and staff elements according to their functional
  responsibilities. It normally includes the following specific areas:
  • Assessment of the enemy situation and probable intentions.
  • Scope, aim, and concept of operations.
  • Organization of forces.
  • Organization of the battlefield.
  • Results of forces analysis.