What Is a Marine Corps Warning Order?
Each U.S. Marine Corps operation begins with the issuing of orders by each troop leader to the men under his command. Warning orders are the most basic type of such initial orders, and are very common.
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Timing
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A warning order is issued after the mission's plan has been developed and after resources have been allocated for its execution. It is the last step in a troop leader's preparation checklist before the actual execution of the mission. The Marine Corps break down this checklist using the acronym BAMCIS, in which the "I" stands for "Issue Order" and the "S" for "Supervise."
Function
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Warning orders are the most basic possible BAMCIS orders, and can be given orally or in writing. They provide the Marines under a troop leader's command with maximum time to prepare for a mission, and provide the Marines with basic details about the forthcoming operation. They cover the entirety of the operation from inception to completion, unlike fragmentation orders.
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Format
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Every BAMCIS order follows a basic five-paragraph format (though this isn't rigid and orders for some operations may go under or over.) The first paragraph of the order describes the physical situation, including the number and position of enemy forces; the second states the mission itself, describing what exactly is to be accomplished and when; the third outlines a plan for accomplishing the mission, covering the troop's overall approach as well as that of smaller groups or individuals; the fourth covers logistics, noting the availability and location of ammunition, medical supplies, administrators, etc.; and the fifth lays down rules for "command and signal," noting frequencies, established call signs, and other ways of communicating with companions, as well as the precise command hierarchy of the mission.
Adherence
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Warning orders given to troops are designed to adhere as closely as possible to the orders being given by higher officers at the battalion or company level. In this way company-wide operations orders can be made specific on the troop and individual level while remaining faithful to the original purpose of and information contained in the order.
Other Types
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Other types of orders given as the penultimate step in BAMCIS include operation orders-- which derive directly from the orders of commanding officers and interpret those orders for the troop--and fragmentation orders--which are used in time-sensitive situations to provide the troop with an incomplete but useful picture of the situation, to be filled in later during the execution of the operation with further fragmentation orders.
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References
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