How to Write a Warning Order (WARNO)

A Warning Order (WARNO) is one of the most impactful documents a leader can produce — not because of what it contains, but because of what it enables. Issuing a WARNO immediately after receiving a mission gives subordinates time to prepare, reconnoiter, and plan before the OPORD is issued. A leader who fails to issue a WARNO wastes time that belongs to their subordinates.

The One-Third / Two-Thirds Rule

Of total planning time available, use no more than one-third for your own planning. Leave two-thirds for subordinates. A WARNO issued as soon as the mission is received puts that two-thirds clock in the hands of the people who need it most.

What a WARNO Contains

A WARNO is brief. It does not require complete information — it requires enough information for subordinates to start preparing. The format mirrors the OPORD five-paragraph structure but is abbreviated.

WARNO Format

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WARNING ORDER [Number] [Unit], [Date-Time Group]

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1. SITUATION

Known enemy activity in the AO — abbreviated:

"Enemy element of unknown size occupied OBJ HAMMER vicinity grid [X] as of [time]. No change to current threat assessment."

Friendly situation — what higher HQ is doing:

"1st Battalion attacks to seize OBJ HAMMER NLT 041800L MAY. Our company is the main effort."

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2. MISSION

The restated mission in 5-W format (Who, What, When, Where, Why). This may be tentative:

"Alpha Company conducts a deliberate attack to seize OBJ HAMMER NLT 041800L MAY to deny enemy use of the logistics cache and enable BN advance."

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3. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Items all subordinates must act on immediately:

• Move to [staging area] NLT [time]
• Conduct PCCs/PCIs by [time]
• Leaders' recon departs at [time] (if applicable)
• Resupply/LOGPAC: class V draw at [location] by [time]
• Coordinate with [adjacent unit] for boundary deconfliction
• Any special equipment requirements (NVGs, breach kit, CASEVAC stretchers)

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4. ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

Critical logistics tasks that must start now:

• Ammunition: draw class V IAW [standard or custom) load by [time]
• Medical: update blood type cards; identify each squad's CLS
• Equipment: all vehicles PMCS complete by [time]

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5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL

Communication requirements that take time to establish:

• Current SOI remains in effect
• Net check [time], command net
• Acknowledge receipt of this WARNO NLT [time]

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Issuing the WARNO

Issue the WARNO in person when possible. If you issue it over the radio, follow it immediately with written confirmation. After issuing, confirm acknowledgement from all subordinate leaders.

Then: begin your planning process. The OPORD will fill in everything that the WARNO left open.

Common Mistakes

Mistake	Consequence
Waiting until the OPORD is ready	Subordinates lose preparation time
Providing false details to fill gaps	Subordinates plan around incorrect information; must re-plan when OPORD corrects it
Not specifying immediate actions	Subordinates don't know what to start doing
Skipping WARNO entirely	Only one-third of time goes to subordinates instead of two-thirds

WARNO vs. OPORD

A WARNO does not replace the OPORD. It is a precursor that buys time. The OPORD provides complete information — scheme of maneuver, fire support plan, sustainment, C2. The WARNO provides enough to start moving.