SMEAC — 5 paragraph operations order - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)

FM/G219 - SMEAC — 5 paragraph operations order

Guide

FM/BG-1018 - What is SMEAC?

Guide

SMEAC is a standard mission briefing format used to clearly communicate plans. It includes:

Situation,
Mission,
Execution,
Administration/Logistics,
Command/Signal.

All UNITAF OPORDs follow this format via the Operations Centre editor.

Guide

FM/BG-1019 - SMEAC breakdown

Guide

Situation

Covers the operational context, friendly forces, attachments (e.g., CAS, armor), and enemy strength, posture, and intent.
Brevity: SITREP – Situation Report

Mission

Defines the task: who, what, when, where, and why. It also states the desired end state.

Execution

Includes the commander's intent, scheme of manoeuvre, and specific tasks to achieve the mission.
Brevity: COA – Course of Action

Administration / Logistics

Describes medical support, resupply, EPW handling, and supporting fires (e.g., artillery, CAS).
Brevity: CASEVAC – Casualty Evacuation, RTB – Return to Base

Command / Signal

Outlines comms protocols, signal plans, and contingencies. Defaults to SOP if unchanged.
Brevity: COMMS – Communications, SOP – Standard Operating Procedure

Guide

FM/BG-1020 - Planning timeframe

Guide

The planning process should take no more than 30 minutes. This includes building the OPORD and issuing briefings. Complex missions may take longer, but the goal is clarity and speed.

Video

FM/BV-1021 - Video: Troop leading procedures video [16:31]

Video

Above: Troop Leading Procedures - this video contains procedures and examples of how to perform 8 step troop leading procedures in accordance with U.S. Army FM 5-0, The Operations Process.