Combat Order

the order given by a commander to his subordinate forces in a combat situation for carrying out the decision he has made. The combat order gives an evaluation of the enemy’s grouping and operations, the missions and order of application of the means of warfare at the disposal of the superior commander in the zone of operations of the unit (subunit), the missions of neighbors and the boundary lines with them, the combat mission for subordinates and the readiness time, the location of command posts, and other necessary information. The combat order is concise, but not at the expense of clarity; it should be presented in such a way that subordinates understand their mission correctly. The combat order of the unit (subunit) commander will have particular characteristics depending on the type of armed forces, the combat arm (naval forces), and the nature of the combat mission (offense, defense, and so on).

The subunit commander gives the combat order orally, usually in the field. To supplement the combat order, instructions are given on cooperation and overall support of troop combat operations. The commander who gives the order should show all his skill and strength of will and use all forces and means to achieve unconditional fulfillment of the order.