When issuing a WARNORD, what is the most critical step to establish?

The most critical step when issuing a WARNORD (Warning Order) is to establish the Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR). PIR is essential because it defines the most critical information that commanders need to make informed decisions regarding upcoming operations. By identifying these requirements, the command can focus intelligence efforts on collecting and analyzing the necessary data that will support the mission.

PIR helps ensure that the right resources are allocated to gather the relevant information, which in turn aids in understanding the adversaries' capabilities, intentions, and potential actions. This focus on intelligence collection directly influences the effectiveness of the planning process and the execution of the mission.

While the mission statement, tentative time schedule, and operational guidelines are important components of the WARNORD, they are secondary to establishing the PIR. Without the right intelligence, all other planning efforts may be misguided or ineffective, thus emphasizing the paramount importance of establishing clear and concise PIR as part of the WARNORD.