On a fundamental basis of earnest thought, mental ability, character, knowledge, and experience, finally rests the soundness of decision. OUTLINE FORM OF AN OPERATION PLAN TITLES OF THE SUPERIOR ECHELONS, File Notations TITLE OF THE FORCE, SECRET (or CONFIDENTIAL) NAME OF SHIP, Flagship. Operation Plan PLACE OF ISSUE, No. ---- Date and hour of issue. TASK ORGANIZATION. (a) Task Force Title, Rank and name of its commander. Composition of Task Force. (b) (Similarly enumerate other Task Forces after appropriate letter (b), (c), etc.) 1. Information. Information of enemy and own forces affecting the Plan and needed by subordinate commanders. If no further information is available, the statement "No further information" is inserted. Distinction is made between matters of conjecture and of fact. If desired, indicate the tasks and general objectives of higher echelons and of coordinate forces of the commander's echelon, and of other forces of the command, not listed in the Task Organization. If desired, include general measures prescribed by the immediate superior for cooperation and security. Assumptions. Statement of the assumptions upon which the Plan is based. Assumptions are things taken for granted as the basis for action. 2. The general plan for the whole force actually under the command of the officer issuing the Plan, and, if desired, the methods of executing it, and its purpose. If additional matter is needed to convey clearly the will and intent of the commander, such matter may be added. 3. (a) Title of Task Force (a), followed by a statement of the principal task, other tasks, and detailed instructions for the particular Task Force. Tasks may be stated, if preferred, in chronological order. Include directions as to cooperation, security, and intelligence activities. (b) Title of Task Force (b), followed by a subparagraph of similar substance and arrangements as in (a) above. (x) Instructions that apply to all Task Forces or that pertain to the general conduct of the operation, including, if desired, coordinating instructions applying to more than one task force. Include, particularly, measures for cooperation, security, and intelligence activities. Include statement of the time and/or manner in which the Operation Plan is to be placed in effect. 4. Broad instructions concerning logistics measures necessary to the operation, or reference to Logistics Annex, if one has been prepared in connection with the operation.