The five paragraph order is an element of United States Marine Corps and United States Army small unit tactics that specifies instruction to a unit based upon a METT-T Analysis (Mission, Enenmy, Terrainm & Weather, Troops & Fire Support, and Time) using the BAMCIS process (Begin the Planning, Arrange Recon, Make Recon, Compleie Planning. Issue Order, Supervise) (i.e. fireteam, squad, platoon, company, etc.) prior to potential enemy engagement. It provides a structure for the unit to be able to understand and execute the mission of the unit leader. It is different from other instruction from higher authority in that it is given orally, instead of being issued as written orders. Officers and non-commissioned officers also use it informally in order to communicate relevant information prior to a non-combat movement (e.g. administrative travel/convoy, field exercise movements, weapon requalification, liberty, etc.). The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the United States military responsible for providing power projection from the sea,[1] utilizing the mobility of the U.S. Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces. ... The United States Army is the largest branch of the armed forces of the United States. ... A fireteam is a small military unit of infantry. ... In the fire service a Squad is a Engine Company with a compliment of rescue tools. ... Platoon of the German Bundeswehr. ... Standard NATO code for a friendly infantry company. ...

Outline of five paragraph order:

I. Situation

• A. Enemy Forces

1. Enemy Situation

• 1. Size
  2. Activity
  3. Location
  4. Uniform
  5. Time seen
  6. Equipment

2. Enemy's Capabilities/Limitations (DRAW-D)

 Defend, Reinforce, Attack, Withdraw, Delay 

3. Enemy's Most Probable Course Of Action (EMPCOA)

• B. Friendly Forces
  1. Higher
     • Mission
     • Intent
  2. Adjacent
  3. Supporting
• C. Attachments/Detachments

II. Mission
III. Execution

• A. Commander's Intent
• B. Concept of the Operation
  1. Scheme of Maneuver
  2. Fire Support Plan
• C. Tasks
• D. Coordinating Instructions

IV. Administration/Logistics (Service Support in the Army version)
V. Command/Signal

Since Marines and soldiers work in small teams, it is important that each member know and understand the order in its entirety so as to be aware of which parts of the order apply directly to them and the subordinate unit to which they belong without being exceedingly aware of minute details provided for general situational awareness.

Variants

The British Army also uses SMEAC as a template for most types of briefings; the British version differs only slightly from the American one in that "Mission" - a brief and simple summary of what needs to be done, covered in detail in "Execution" - is given twice for emphasis. A and C are also different in the British version, standing for "Any Questions?" and "Check Understanding" respectively. "Any Questions" is to allow the members of the unit to cover any matters they feel may have been missed out, and "Check Understanding" is an opportunity for the person giving the briefing to ask a series of questions regarding key points of the activity to be undertaken, often following the "Pose, Pause, Pounce" method of questioning. The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ...

References

Field Training Manual - Student Handout, United States Marine Corps.

Air Training Corps Non-Commissioned Officer Course