Which statement correctly identifies two core Marine C2 orders and their purposes?

• A. WARNORD provides initial notice of a planned operation; OPORD provides detailed instructions and the plan for execution; FRAGORDs modify an existing OPORD.
• B. OPORD sends a warning of an imminent operation; WARNORD details the execution plan.
• C. FRAGORDs initiate the operation and OPORDs modify sensors.
• D. WARNORD and OPORD are only used for training exercises.

Answer: (A)

Warning orders, operations orders, and fragmentary orders are the standard Marine C2 order types that guide a mission from planning through execution. A WARNO provides the initial notice of an upcoming operation, allowing units to begin preparatory actions while the full plan is being developed. The OPORD then conveys the complete plan with details on the concept of operations, tasks, and execution instructions so units know exactly what to do and when. If changes arise after the OPORD is issued, a FRAGORD is used to modify specific parts of the existing order without rewriting it entirely. This sequence—WARNO for early warning, OPORD for the full plan, FRAGORD for updates—best captures how Marine command and control handles evolving situations.

The other statements misstate the roles: WARNORD isn’t simply a warning of an imminent operation, and OPORD isn’t just an execution plan described in a vague way; FRAGORDs don’t initiate operations or modify sensors; and these orders are used in real operations, not only training.