If you want to better understand how soldiers think and operate, start by familiarizing yourself with the structure of NATO Operation Orders (OPORDs). These are used to plan and communicate military operations with clarity and precision, and their format is captured in the mnemonic SMESC:
- Situation – A concise summary of the current operational context, including enemy and friendly forces, terrain, and available units.
- Mission – A clear, concise statement of the task to be accomplished and its purpose.
- Execution – An outline of the intended course of action, from initiation through to completion, including key tasks and phases.
- Service and Support – All administrative and logistical arrangements supporting the operation, including equipment, transport, medical support, personnel, and civil-military coordination.
- Command and Signal – Communication and control details, such as headquarters location, chain of command, code words, and signal instructions.
Understanding SMESC is more than just absorbing a planning tool — it offers insight into the clarity, discipline, and structure that underpin military decision-making at every level.
The structure of NATO OPORDs is so practical and effective that it naturally finds its way into everyday life — just ask anyone who grew up in a military family.
1. Situation:
- Teenage daughter attending party in questionable neighbourhood.
- Potential risk factors: location, time, limited safe transportation options.
2. Mission:
- Extract teenage daughter from party location and ensure safe return home.
3. Execution:
- Teenage daughter will depart party via private vehicle (Uber).
- No public transportation or unaccompanied walking authorized.
4. Service and Support:
- Parents to dispatch Uber to party location.
- Uber ride pre-paid and confirmed by parents.
5. Command and Signal:
- Teenage daughter to maintain fully charged cell phone and active communication during transit.
- Upon arrival at home, teenage daughter to perform pre-arranged secret knock to confirm safe arrival and absence of third parties.