Edward J Filiberti

Standard Operations Order Format: is Its Current Form and Content Sufficient for Command and Control? Edward J Filiberti

Publisher Marketing: This study assesses the sufficiency of the current operations order format through an examination of its form and content. First, the study uses current communications and cognitive theory to evaluate the form of the operations order. These theories are used to relate the sequencing of information elements in the order with the receipt and understanding of the information by the receivers. Next, the study determines what information elements are required to be communicated in the orders format. The analysis considers three factors that influence the contents of the order. First, current command and control (C2) theory and doctrine are considered and their influence on the orders content determined. Secondly, an historical analysis of the evolution of the operation order format is conducted. The emerging elements within the various orders formats are then used to infer the information requirements of the current format. Thirdly, modern group dynamics theory for organizational performance is assessed and the corresponding information elements required to perform group tasks are determined. The study concludes with a comprehensive evaluation of the form and content of the operations order format together with a qualitative assessment of its sufficiency to command and control forces. Finally, the study proposes several modifications to the current operations order format that are intended to improve its utility. The analysis indicates that the form of the current operations order format does not facilitate the understanding of the plan by its receivers. Additionally, the contents dictated by the current orders format neither reflects the realities of the postulated operational environment nor the emphasis on command in the command and control doctrine espoused in FM 100-5. The current orders format also superficially treats several critical functions required to accomplish group performance objectives and does not adequately separate information pertaining to the subor