Commanders of divisions or larger units generally use written orders. Simple instructions and brief missions may be communicated orally or through the communications net, but the text should be simultaneously recorded. Commanders of units smaller than a division generally use oral orders, but again, the text must be recorded in writing. While higher commanders usually make reference to points or areas on maps, commanders of small units point out or make such designations actually on the terrain. Although oral discussions with subordinates may contribute to clarity, the leader should not become dependent upon such discussions. Decisions and orders remain the direct responsibility of the leader himself.

32. GENERAL RULES

The following rules embrace accepted fundamentals and help to gain uniformity: (a) Do not issue orders until your plan of action is definitely established. (b) Distribute the order early enough to allow the lower echelons time for further dissemination and full compliance. (c) Create conditions that are conducive to clearness and conciseness, leaving nothing to mutual agreements. (d) Place yourself mentally in the shoes of the subordinates receiving the order. (e) State only what subordinates must know for the proper performance of their tasks. (f) Always state definitely whether the combat is to be attack, delaying action, or defense, and whether the troops must remain "prepared for action" or whether they "may rest." (g) Issue affirmative statements, avoiding ambiguous or vague expressions and statements of exaggeration.¹⁴ (h) Include a brief commendation of a unit for the execution of a difficult or unusual task, particularly when troops are ordered to withdraw, to retire, or to pursue under circumstances difficult for the troops to comprehend. (i) Use prescribed abbreviations. (j) Embody pertinent information for each subject, unit, or weapon in a separate paragraph, underlining key words or phrases. (k) Number all orders successively, also the paragraphs within the order.

33. WARNING ORDERS (VORBEFEHLE)

Warning orders, usually transmitted orally, by telephone, or by radio, are issued to troops to give advance information about the will of the commander. The information contained therein is influenced by existing circumstances--the time available, the situation with respect to the enemy and our own troops, etc.--but in general will include such items as the plan of the commander, arrangements for reconnaissance and security, time and place of departures, march destination, bivouacs, halts, and changes of direction. Warning orders must be followed as soon as practicable by a complete order or an individual order.

34. COMPLETE OPERATIONS ORDERS (GESAMTBEFEHLE)

Complete operations orders present a full survey of the situation with respect to the enemy and our troops, the plan of the commander, the role each unit will play, and pertinent information for the troops. The usual arrangement follows:

Enemy.--Pertinent information of the enemy, including strength, dispositions, condition, losses sustained, defeats suffered, and the commander's expectation of what the enemy may do.

Own troops.--A brief orientation involving the next higher units, neighboring units, and special supporting units.

General plan.--A clear and concise expression of the plan of the commander (not repetition of the plan of the next higher commander), to ensure that subordinates fully understand his intentions.

Detailed plan.--An announcement of the specific details relating to such matters as reconnaissance, missions, supply and evacuation, communication, and the command post.¹⁵

35. SEPARATE ORDERS (EINZELBEFEHLE)

Separate orders (Einzelbefehle) are issued when circumstances render it impractical or unnecessary to issue a complete operations order (Gesamtbefehl). Such circumstances include situations wherein individual units must be given specific or special instructions, or where the time available does not permit the issuance of a complete operations order. The separate order (Einzelbefehl) contains the necessary information to insure coordination of effort; and later the publication of the complete field order will include such information, briefly stated, as was sent out previously in individual orders.

36. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS (BESONDERE ANORDNUNGEN)

Special instructions supplement operations orders with information principally concerning ammunition, communication, equipment, food supply, transportation, medical and veterinary service, construction, and civil population. In general, special instructions are written and are issued direct to the units or agencies that they concern.