2-20. A WARNORD is a preliminary notice of an order or action to follow. Though less detailed than a complete OPORD, a WARNORD aids in parallel planning. After the leaders receive new missions and assess the time available for planning, preparing, and executing the mission, they immediately issue a WARNORD to their subordinates. By issuing the initial WARNORDs as quickly as possible, they enable subordinates to begin their own planning and preparation (parallel planning) while they begin to develop the OPORDs. When they obtain more information, they issue updated WARNORDs, giving subordinates as much as they know.
2-21. Leaders can issue WARNORDs to their subordinates right after they receive higher command’s initial WARNORDs. In their own initial WARNORDs, they include the same elements given in their higher headquarters’ initial WARNORDs. If practical, leaders brief their subordinate leaders face-to-face, on the ground. Otherwise, they use a terrain model, sketch, or map. (See figure 2-3 for an example of a WARNORD format.)
Figure 2-3. Warning order format
2-22. The WARNORD follows the five-paragraph OPORD format and normally contains minimal information. The WARNORD generally alerts the leader that a new mission is pending. (See FM 5-0 for information on when the higher headquarters issues the full sequence of WARNORDs, specifically WARNORD two and three and the information contained in each.) The WARNORD to the platoon generally contains the following information:
- Type of operation.
- General location of the operation.
- Initial operational timeline (planning, preparation, and execution [assessing throughout the timeline]).
- Any movements necessary to initiate.
- Any collaborative planning sessions directed by the commander.
- Planning and preparation instructions (precombat checks [PCCs], precombat inspections [PCIs] and rehearsal guidance).
- Initial information requirements or commander’s critical information requirements (CCIRs) (priority intelligence requirement [PIR] and friendly force information requirement).
- Initial information collection tasks (reconnaissance and surveillance to initiate).
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