tlp-opords

THIS IS A TRAINING OPERATION ORDER. FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

References: ATP 3-21.8, FM 3-90-1, ADRP 1-02

OPERATIONAL PLAN / ORDER #014 / CODE NAME: “DELIBERATE ATTACK”

CADRE / OPFOR NOTES

Complexity: Moderate Recommended Phase: CRAWL (Practical Exercise), WALK (Blocks 1-2), RUN (Day Iterations)

Mission Summary: 1st Platoon is tasked to attack to destroy the REAPER forward command post at OBJ HERRERA and disrupt enemy command and control in AO COTTO.

Destination: OBJ HERRERA at MP 0602 1565, AO COTTO.

Actions on Objective: Platoon will establish an ORP, conduct leader’s reconnaissance, move to assault positions, seize the objective, conduct a hasty sensitive site exploitation (SSE), and consolidate.

Training Focus: This OPORD serves dual roles. For CRAWL phase, the TAC briefs this order paragraph by paragraph, pausing at each section to explain what information the candidate should extract and how it feeds into their planning. For WALK/RUN iterations, it is a standalone evaluated lane — a deliberate attack against an enemy command post. Candidates should be able to identify: specified tasks, implied tasks, commander’s intent, and key control measures. The CP objective adds complexity beyond a simple terrain seizure: candidates must plan for intelligence collection (SSE) after assault.

Instructional Use (CRAWL Phase):

Brief this order to candidates with printed copies in hand

Pause after each paragraph to discuss what information matters and why

Have candidates identify the 5 W’s from the mission statement

Walk candidates through how each section feeds TLP Steps 1-3

Use as the basis for a practice WARNO and terrain model exercise

OPFOR/Training Wrinkles: For CRAWL phase classroom use, not applicable. For WALK/RUN iterations, OPFOR should present 6-8 personnel: 2-3 acting as CP staff (seated at field desk with maps/radios) and 4-5 in fighting positions around the CP. Props recommended: field desk or table, antenna simulator (pole with wire), map boards, and a radio. CP staff should attempt to destroy documents if given time during the assault.

OP Variant: For iterations requiring a “deliberate attack on enemy OP,” replace the CP with a 2-4 person observation post. Remove the SSE task and CP staff from OPFOR. Emphasize stealth approach and speed of assault — the OP’s value is early warning, so the enemy’s priority is transmitting a report before being overrun. Adjust enemy composition to 2-4 REAPER with binoculars, radio, and a sketch of friendly positions.

See Also: LTA Grid Reference Tactical Overlay

Iteration Guidance: This is the mission command version — squad tasks state outcomes without prescribing specific positioning or movement. For CRAWL phase classroom instruction or first iterations with a new class, use 014-deliberate-attack-detailed.md instead, which includes specific ORP grids, SBF positions, and movement directions. The Practical Exercise section below references the detailed version’s grids.

Time Zone Used Throughout the Plan/Order: EASTERN STANDARD TIME

Task Organization:

1st Platoon, A Co. 4th BN-211th INF Platoon Leader Platoon Sergeant 1st Squad 2nd Squad 3rd Squad

1. SITUATION

a. Area of Interest

Clay County, Florida, in the vicinity of Camp Blanding Joint Training Center. AO COTTO encompasses the area bounded to the north by Highway 16, to the east by the Starke city limits, to the south by the old railroad bed, and to the west by the pine forest edge.

b. Area of Operations

1. Terrain. The AO consists of flat terrain with sandy soils and dense pine and hardwood forests throughout. Thick vegetation and tree canopy severely limit observation and fields of fire except along improved roads and clearings. Jacksonville Street runs east-west through the northern portion of the AO. Bradenton Avenue runs north-south, intersecting Jacksonville Street at the objective. These improved roads are the primary avenues of approach and the only locations offering extended fields of fire. The woods between and surrounding the roads provide excellent concealment for dismounted movement but restrict visibility to under 50 meters in most areas.

Key Terrain: The road junction of Jacksonville Street and Bradenton Avenue at OBJ HERRERA (MP 0602 1565) controls north-south and east-west movement through AO COTTO. The woodlines surrounding the junction on all sides provide covered and concealed avenues of approach for dismounted elements. Bradenton Avenue south of the junction provides a cleared lane of fire into the objective from the south.

2. Weather.

Skies: ____
Temperature: __°F (heat cat __)
Winds: __ at __ mph
Chance of precipitation: __%
BMNT: __
Sunrise: __
Sunset: __
EENT: __

c. Enemy Forces. REAPER: Resistance Elements of Atropia’s People’s Revolutionary Front

REAPER has established a forward command post at OBJ HERRERA on the north side of Jacksonville Street, north of the junction with Bradenton Avenue. The CP controls REAPER operations throughout AO COTTO and includes communications equipment, operational maps and overlays, and a security element. The CP is positioned at the road junction to exploit line-of-sight for antenna placement and to control local movement.

1. Composition. 6-8 REAPER personnel: CP staff of 2-3 (commander, RTO, intelligence) with radios, maps, and planning materials, plus a security element of 4-5 with small arms in fighting positions around the CP.

2. Disposition. The CP is located at the junction of Jacksonville Street and Bradenton Avenue at MP 0602 1565. Security positions are oriented south and southwest along the Bradenton Avenue corridor and east-west along Jacksonville Street. The CP element itself occupies a position immediately north of the junction — likely a covered or partially concealed area with antenna equipment visible above the treeline. Dense woods to the north provide them cover and a withdrawal route. They have limited observation to the east and west due to thick vegetation but can observe south along Bradenton Avenue and east-west along Jacksonville Street.

3. Most Probable Course of Action (MPCOA). REAPER security defends from current positions while CP staff attempt to destroy sensitive materials (maps, documents, encryption) and displace north into the dense woods with communications equipment. If the assault is rapid, CP staff may not have time to destroy all materials before being overrun.

4. Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA). REAPER has reinforcements nearby at a position further north and counterattacks from the north through the woodline after friendly forces commit to the assault. CP staff successfully transmit a warning and destroy sensitive materials before the assault element reaches the CP.

d. Friendly Forces

1. Higher Headquarters: A Co. 4th BN – 211th INF.

2. Mission. A Company attacks to destroy REAPER command and control nodes in AO COTTO to disrupt enemy operations and enable follow-on offensive action.

3. Commander’s Intent. Destroy the REAPER forward CP at OBJ HERRERA to eliminate their ability to coordinate operations in AO COTTO. Seize any intelligence materials found at the CP. Establish conditions for follow-on operations.

e. Civil Considerations

Civilians may be present in the area. Avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage.

f. Attachments and Detachments

None.

2. MISSION

1st Platoon attacks to destroy the REAPER command post at OBJ HERRERA (MP 0602 1565) NLT __ in order to disrupt REAPER command and control in AO COTTO and enable follow-on operations.

3. EXECUTION

a. Commander’s Intent

Purpose: Destroy the REAPER forward command post at OBJ HERRERA to eliminate enemy command and control capability in AO COTTO.

Key Tasks: (1) Seize OBJ HERRERA. (2) Destroy REAPER CP and eliminate defending forces. (3) Conduct hasty SSE to collect intelligence materials. (4) Consolidate on the objective and prepare for follow-on operations.

End State: REAPER CP destroyed, enemy forces eliminated, intelligence materials collected and reported to higher, platoon consolidated on the objective with a hasty perimeter oriented north and east.

b. Concept of Operations

1st Platoon conducts a deliberate attack to destroy the REAPER CP at OBJ HERRERA. The platoon establishes an ORP in the woodline west of Bradenton Avenue, and the PL conducts a leader’s reconnaissance. The support element, as the shaping operation, fixes the enemy from the south along the Bradenton Avenue corridor. The assault element, as the main effort, maneuvers through the concealed woodline and attacks the objective from the west — exploiting the enemy’s limited observation off the improved roads. Speed is critical: the assault must overrun the CP before staff can destroy intelligence materials or displace with communications equipment. The reserve provides ORP security and is prepared to establish a blocking position north of the objective. Upon seizure, the PSG conducts a hasty SSE of the CP site while the assault element provides security. The platoon consolidates and reports findings to higher.

c. Scheme of Fires

2nd Squad, as the decisive effort, has priority of indirect fires. Mortar support is available through company on request.

d. Tasks to Subordinate Units

1. 1st Squad (Support by Fire — Shaping Operation):

TASK: Occupy a support-by-fire position with observation of OBJ HERRERA. On the PL’s signal, initiate suppressive fire into REAPER positions at the junction. Shift or cease fires on order as 2nd Squad enters the objective.
PURPOSE: Fix REAPER in their fighting positions so 2nd Squad can close on and assault through the objective without receiving aimed fire from the south-facing positions.

2. 2nd Squad (Assault — Decisive Operation):

TASK: Move to an assault position near OBJ HERRERA. On order, assault through the objective, clearing through REAPER positions at the junction. Destroy REAPER forces and seize the road junction. Signal “objective secured” upon completion.
PURPOSE: Destroy the enemy force on the objective and seize the key terrain that controls movement through AO COTTO.

3. 3rd Squad (Security / Reserve):

TASK: Secure the ORP and provide rear security during the assault. On order, establish a blocking position along the northern avenue of approach to deny REAPER reinforcement from reaching the objective area. Be prepared to reinforce 1st or 2nd Squad on order.
PURPOSE: Provide the PL a reserve to exploit success or respond to REAPER counterattack, and deny REAPER reinforcement from the north while the assault element secures the CP.

4. Platoon Sergeant:

TASK: Upon seizure of OBJ HERRERA, conduct a hasty SSE of the CP site. Collect documents, maps, overlays, electronics, and communications equipment. Photograph or sketch the CP layout. Consolidate findings and report to the PL for transmission to higher.
PURPOSE: Exploit the destroyed CP for intelligence value before the platoon withdraws or consolidates, providing A Company with information on REAPER operations, dispositions, and plans in AO COTTO.

f. Coordinating Instructions

1. Rules of Engagement (ROE):

Engage only confirmed enemy combatants.
Use minimum force necessary to accomplish the mission.
Avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage.
Positively identify targets before firing.

2. Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR):

Confirm REAPER CP location and security positions at OBJ HERRERA, specifically their orientation along Jacksonville Street and Bradenton Avenue.
Identify REAPER CP infrastructure: antenna placement, number of vehicles, generator noise, or other indicators of CP activity.
Identify any REAPER reinforcement routes from the north through the woodline or along Avenue C.
Assess civilian presence in the area, particularly along Jacksonville Street and in the vicinity of structures east of the objective.

3. Commander’s Critical Information Requirements (CCIR):

Enemy strength or disposition at OBJ HERRERA significantly different from the intelligence estimate
REAPER CP has displaced or been abandoned before the assault
Loss of the support-by-fire position or inability to achieve fire superiority
REAPER reinforcements approaching from the north along Avenue C or through the woodline
Friendly casualty in the assault element requiring immediate MEDEVAC
REAPER CP staff observed destroying documents or equipment (indicates compromise — accelerate assault timeline)

4. Reporting:

Report to higher when SP’ing or crossing the line of departure.
In Position Report: Upon occupying the ORP and the SBF position.
SALUTE Report: Upon visual confirmation of enemy.
ACE Report: Upon seizure and consolidation on the objective.
LACE Report: Upon consolidation.

5. This OPORD is effective immediately upon distribution.

4. SUSTAINMENT

a. Logistics

Resupply not available for 24 hours.
Meal Cycle: M-M-M.
Water resupply is available at the PLT CP.
Ensure adequate hydration prior to SP.

b. Health System Support

PLT CCP at PLT Assembly Area.
MEDEVAC available via Nine Line request at AXP 1.

5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL

a. Command

Platoon Leader at PLT CP.
Succession of Command: PL, PSG, 1st SL, 2nd SL, 3rd SL.

b. Control

Command Posts: Platoon Assembly Area IVO ___.

c. Signal

1. PACE Plan:

Primary: Radio FH NET ID 601
Alternate: FH NET ID 600
Contingency: Frequency 47000 single channel plain text
Emergency: Runner

2. Call Signs:

PL – Thunder 1-6
PSG – Thunder 1-7
1st Squad Leader – Thunder 1-1
2nd Squad Leader – Thunder 1-2
3rd Squad Leader – Thunder 1-3

3. Challenge, Password, Running Password, Combination:

Challenge: Gator
Password: Swamp
Running Password: Blanding
Combination: 11

PRACTICAL EXERCISE: APPLYING TLPs TO THIS ORDER

INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

The following section walks through each of the 8 Troop Leading Procedure steps as applied to the OPORD above. Use this during the crawl-phase class to demonstrate what a candidate should do at each step when they receive an order. Pause at each step for discussion and questions.

Reference: TLP Instructional Slides

Step 1: Receive the Mission

Reference: TLP Slides — “Step 1: Receive the Mission,” HOPE-W, 1/3-2/3 Rule

When you receive this order, you need to immediately begin extracting critical information. You are not just listening — you are analyzing. Here is what you should capture:

Extract the mission statement (the 5 W’s):

W	Answer from this OPORD
WHO	1st Platoon, A Co. 4th BN-211th INF
WHAT	Attacks to seize OBJ HERRERA
WHEN	NLT __ (to be filled in at briefing)
WHERE	MP 0602 1565, AO COTTO
WHY	To deny REAPER use of the road junction and enable follow-on operations

Understand higher’s mission and intent:

A Company’s mission: Attack to seize key terrain in AO COTTO to deny REAPER freedom of movement.
Commander’s intent: Seize OBJ HERRERA to deny REAPER use of the road junction and establish conditions for follow-on operations.

Conduct initial time analysis (HOPE-W):

H — Higher: What is A Company’s timeline? When is H-hour?
O — Operational: How long will movement, actions on objective, and consolidation take?
P — Planning & Preparation: When do I issue my WARNORD? When do I issue my OPORD? When are rehearsals and PCC/PCI?
E — Enemy: Does the enemy have a timeline that affects us? Can they reinforce?
W — Weather: Light data — when is BMNT, sunrise, sunset, EENT?

Apply the 1/3-2/3 Rule: If you have 75 minutes to plan, you use no more than 25 minutes for your own analysis before issuing your WARNORD. Your squads get the remaining 50 minutes to prepare.

Step 2: Issue a Warning Order

Reference: TLP Slides — “Step 2: Issue Warning Order,” Gen Mattis quote: “What do I know? Who needs to know? Have I told them?”

Issue your WARNORD immediately after initial analysis. Do not wait until you have a complete plan. Your subordinates need time to prepare.

Minimum WARNORD content from this OPORD:

Type of operation: Deliberate attack
General location: OBJ HERRERA, vic MP 0602 1565, AO COTTO
Initial timeline: SP time, H-hour (fill in when given time hack)
Reconnaissance to initiate: PL will conduct leader’s recon from the ORP
Movement to initiate: Begin movement to assembly area
Preparation instructions: Draw ammunition, conduct PCC/PCI, prepare for dismounted movement

Step 3: Make a Tentative Plan

Reference: TLP Slides — “Detailed METT-TC Analysis,” OAKOC, Enemy Analysis, AGADAP, SAFDC

This is the longest step. You conduct a detailed METT-TC analysis and develop your course of action using AGADAP.

METT-TC Analysis Applied to This OPORD

M — Mission:

Specified tasks: Attack to seize OBJ HERRERA; deny REAPER use of road junction; report to higher upon consolidation.
Implied tasks: Establish ORP; conduct leader’s recon; establish support by fire; consolidate and reorganize on the objective; treat and evacuate casualties.
Essential task: Seize OBJ HERRERA — this goes into your mission statement.

E — Enemy:

Composition: 4-6 personnel, small arms, hasty fighting positions.
Disposition: North side of Jacksonville St at the Bradenton Ave junction (MP 0602 1565). Oriented south and southwest; can observe along Bradenton Ave and Jacksonville St but has limited observation into the woodlines on all sides.
MPCOA: Defend, return fire, withdraw north into the woods or east along Jacksonville St if overwhelmed.
MDCOA: Reinforcements counterattack from the north through the woodline.
Ask yourself: How does the enemy’s orientation affect my scheme of maneuver? Where are his blind spots? The enemy can see down the roads but NOT into the dense woods — exploit this.

T — Terrain and Weather (OAKOC):

O — Observation and Fields of Fire: Enemy has fields of fire south along Bradenton Avenue and east-west along Jacksonville Street. Dense woods throughout the AO limit observation to under 50 meters off the improved roads. Bradenton Avenue south of the junction provides a cleared lane of fire for the SBF.
A — Avenues of Approach: Bradenton Avenue from the south (enemy oriented this way — use for SBF, not assault). Woodlines west of Bradenton Ave provide a concealed dismounted avenue of approach for the assault element. Jacksonville Street from the east is observable by the enemy — avoid.
K — Key Terrain: The road junction of Jacksonville Street and Bradenton Avenue at OBJ HERRERA — whoever controls it controls movement through AO COTTO.
O — Obstacles: Dense underbrush and pine forest slow dismounted movement off improved roads. Low-lying areas may restrict movement after rain.
C — Cover and Concealment: Dense woods on all sides of the junction provide excellent concealment for approach from any direction off the roads. Hasty fighting positions provide cover for enemy. No significant elevation changes — terrain is flat throughout.

T — Troops Available:

3 rifle squads, PL, PSG. No attachments. Standard infantry platoon weapons.

T — Time Available:

Apply backwards planning from H-hour. Account for movement, ORP establishment, leader’s recon, issuance of order, rehearsals, and PCC/PCI.

C — Civil Considerations:

Civilians may be present. ROE requires PID before engagement. Avoid collateral damage.

COA Development (AGADAP)

A — Analyze Relative Combat Power:

Friendly: 3 squads (~27 personnel), small arms, automatic weapons. Advantage in numbers (roughly 5:1).
Enemy: 4-6 personnel, small arms, hasty positions. Advantage in prepared defense and knowledge of terrain.
Exploit: Numerical superiority, enemy blind spots into the woodlines — particularly to the west. Mitigate: Enemy prepared positions by suppressing with SBF from the south along Bradenton Ave.

G — Generate Options:

The enemy is oriented south along Bradenton Ave and east-west along Jacksonville St, with limited observation into the woodlines. A flank attack from the west using the dense woods for concealment is the most suitable form of maneuver, with a support-by-fire position south on Bradenton Ave to fix the enemy in place.

A — Array Forces:

Decisive operation: 2nd Squad (assault from the west through the woodline)
Shaping operation: 1st Squad (SBF south of OBJ on Bradenton Ave)
Reserve/security: 3rd Squad (ORP security, reserve)

D — Develop Concept of Operations:

Movement from assembly area to ORP (MP 0586 1552) in the woodline west of Bradenton Ave. Leader’s recon confirms enemy positions at the junction. 1st Squad moves east to SBF position on Bradenton Ave (MP 0601 1552). 2nd Squad moves north through the woods to an assault position west of OBJ. On signal, 1st Squad suppresses north along Bradenton Ave. On order, 2nd Squad assaults east through OBJ. 3rd Squad secures ORP and is prepared to reinforce. Consolidate on objective.

A — Assign Responsibilities:

1st SL: SBF element — move east to Bradenton Ave, suppress enemy positions north on signal
2nd SL: Assault element — move north through woodline, assault east through OBJ on order
3rd SL: ORP security and reserve — reinforce on order
PSG: Consolidation, casualty collection, resupply coordination

P — Prepare COA Statement:

“The purpose of this operation is to deny REAPER use of the road junction at OBJ HERRERA. Decisive to this operation is 2nd Squad’s assault through OBJ HERRERA from the west. This is decisive because it destroys the enemy force on the objective and seizes the key terrain. We will accomplish this by conducting a flank attack — SBF fixes the enemy from the south along Bradenton Avenue while the assault element maneuvers through the woods and strikes from the west, exploiting the enemy’s limited observation into the woodlines. We will assume risk by committing 3rd Squad to ORP security rather than the assault. We will mitigate this risk by suppressing the enemy with 1st Squad’s support by fire before the assault begins.”

COA Screening (SAFDC)

Criteria	Assessment
S — Suitable	Yes — seizes OBJ, denies road junction to REAPER
A — Acceptable	Yes — numerical advantage minimizes friendly risk
F — Feasible	Yes — within platoon capabilities, terrain supports the plan
D — Distinguishable	N/A — single COA for this exercise
C — Complete	Yes — addresses who, what, when, where, why

Step 4: Initiate Movement

Reference: TLP Slides — “Steps 4-6 are Interchangeable”

While you complete planning, your subordinates should already be preparing based on your WARNORD. Movement tasks at this step may include:

Squads conduct initial weapons and equipment checks
PSG coordinates ammunition and water distribution
Squads rehearse battle drills (react to contact, break contact)
Element begins movement toward the assembly area or line of departure

Key point: Steps 4, 5, and 6 are interchangeable. You may initiate movement before completing your recon or finishing the plan. Do not wait until everything is perfect — time is your most valuable resource.

Step 5: Conduct Reconnaissance

Reference: TLP Slides — “Step 5: Conduct Reconnaissance,” GOTWA

Before leaving for leader’s recon, issue a GOTWA briefing to your PSG:

Letter	This Mission
G — Going	To the woodline edge along Bradenton Avenue IVO MP 0601 1552 and the woodline west of OBJ HERRERA to confirm SBF position and assault route
O — Others	RTO and 1st Squad Leader
T — Time	Return NLT __ (set a specific time)
W — What if	If I don’t return by __, PSG assumes command and executes the plan as briefed
A — Actions on contact	Break contact, return to ORP, report

During recon, confirm or deny your assumptions:

Is the enemy where the OPORD says they are? (North side of Jacksonville St at the Bradenton Ave junction, vic MP 0602 1565)
Are fighting positions oriented south along Bradenton Ave and along Jacksonville St as expected?
Does Bradenton Avenue south of the junction provide a clear lane of fire for the SBF?
Does the woodline west of the objective actually provide a concealed approach for the assault element moving north from the ORP?
Are there obstacles, structures, or terrain features not shown on the map — particularly between the ORP and the objective?

If recon changes the situation, modify your plan. This is what makes TLPs a dynamic process, not a checklist.

Step 6: Complete the Plan

Reference: TLP Slides — “Step 6: Complete the Plan,” Terrain Model Checklist

Update your tentative plan based on what you found on recon. Prepare your briefing aids.

Build your terrain model. Required elements:

North seeking arrow
Scale (1 pace = X meters)
Current location / Assembly Area
ORP location (MP 0586 1552, in woodline west of Bradenton Ave)
OBJ HERRERA with grid (MP 0602 1565, north side of Jacksonville St / Bradenton Ave junction)
Jacksonville Street (east-west road) and Bradenton Avenue (north-south road)
Enemy positions (north side of junction, oriented south and along roads)
Dense woodlines surrounding the junction on all sides
Phase lines (if used)
Primary and alternate routes through the woodline
SBF position (MP 0601 1552, Bradenton Ave south of OBJ, oriented north)
Assault route (north through woodline from ORP, then east into OBJ from the west)
Danger areas (road crossings — Jacksonville St and Bradenton Ave)
Rally points

Finalize your OPORD. Fill in the details from your recon: exact positions, adjusted routes, specific coordination measures, and updated timeline.

Step 7: Issue the Order

Reference: TLP Slides — “Step 7: Issue the Order,” 5-Paragraph OPORD Format, Coordinating Instructions Checklist

Deliver your 5-paragraph order to your squad leaders using your terrain model. This is where the OPORD format you just studied becomes the framework for your briefing.

Brief in order: Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment, Command and Signal.

Common failures at this step (from the TLP slides):

Reading verbatim instead of briefing from knowledge of the plan
Speaking too quietly — project your voice
Not using the terrain model — point to locations as you brief them
Unable to answer questions about the plan
No confirmation brief — always have subordinates brief back their understanding
Poor command presence — deliver with confidence and authority

After issuing the order, conduct a confirmation brief:

Have each squad leader brief back their task and purpose
Verify they understand the concept of the operation and the decisive point
Confirm they know the timeline, signals, and contingencies

Step 8: Supervise and Refine

Reference: TLP Slides — “Step 8: Supervise & Refine,” Rehearsal Types, PCC/PCI

This step is continuous — it happens throughout and after all other steps.

Conduct rehearsals. Even a short rock drill on the terrain model is valuable:

Walk through the scheme of maneuver on the terrain model
Each squad leader traces their element’s movement and actions
Identify the signal to initiate the SBF and the signal to lift/shift fires
Walk through actions on the objective and consolidation

Conduct PCC/PCI (Pre-Combat Checks / Pre-Combat Inspections):

Weapons, ammunition, water, equipment
Communications check (radios, batteries)
Most important: Verify every Soldier understands the mission and their specific role

Continue to refine. As the situation develops, adjust the plan. If the enemy moves, if weather changes, if you lose a key leader — adapt. TLPs are a dynamic process, not a one-time event.

INSTRUCTOR WRAP-UP

The 8 TLP steps applied to this OPORD demonstrate the complete planning process from receiving the mission to crossing the line of departure. Key takeaways for candidates:

The order gives you information — TLPs tell you what to do with it. Every paragraph of the OPORD feeds specific TLP steps.

Time management is critical. The 1/3-2/3 rule is not a suggestion. Issue your WARNORD early.

Steps 1-3 are sequential; Steps 4-6 are interchangeable. Do not wait for a perfect plan before initiating movement or reconnaissance.

The terrain model is your primary briefing tool. Build it during planning and use it to deliver your order.

Common failures are in Steps 3 and 7 — analysis and order delivery. Master METT-TC analysis and practice briefing with confidence.

Reference: TLP Instructional Slides TLP Training Package