Special Instructions (SPIN)

[newsomeTX351]

Hello all,
I am planning an FTX for my squadron and have searched for a special instructions (SPIN) form. Does anyone have a copy you can attach to a reply to this topic? That would be much appreciated!


Thanks,
NewsomeTX351

[RangerConlin]

Can't say as I've heard that term before.  What is it for?

[PHall]

Can't say as I've heard that term before.  What is it for?

Very common in the military. Just a shortened version of SPecial INStuctions.

[Larry Mangum]

SPINS, are overkill for the average FTX /SAREX. SPINS are normally provided by the Army to CAP, when wea re performing missions for them. For example, they are provided for Green Flag missions and for the Battalion CTE that is conducted in EL Paso every summer. The CAP equivalent is pretty much the OPS Plan, that every mission requires before it can be approved in WMIRS.

[TheSkyHornet]

A little late on this...

You don't need Special Instructions for FTX planning. You should have an Operations Order, OPORD (not an Operations Plan, OPLAN), to execute the prescribed tasking and coordinating instructions from the person in charge of the FTX.

I can share some FTX OPORDs and training schedules if you'd like, depending on the scope of what you're training.

[coudano]

SPINS are for instructions that are "special"

In other words, things that are in addition to or above and beyond standard guidance.
Things that have changed since, or maybe change more often than the standard guidance.
--MAYBE items that are of extra elevated interest or attention but that's a bit of a slippery slope, and personally i'd avoid it.

If nothing really fits that description, then you don't really need any SPINS.

[Fubar]

You should have an Operations Order, OPORD (not an Operations Plan, OPLAN)

What's the difference between an operations order and an operations plan? CAP has no documentation for either.

[Eclipse]

"an Operation Plan (OPLAN) is a detailed plan for joint military operations, while an Operations Order (OPORD) is a plan format that helps subordinate units conduct military operations. An OPLAN is developed by the Combatant Commander (CCDR) in response to potential or actual situations that may require military operations. An OPORD is issued by the commander to execute the OPLAN."

I have seen dozens of these over the years - DO and DOS spend weeks writing them, conference calls, in-face meetings, etc.

On game-day they are printed out, taped to a white board, and the majority of members participating never see it, nor is it referred to or updated.

[Paul Creed III]

On game-day they are printed out, taped to a white board, and the majority of members participating never see it, nor is it referred to or updated.

I must be an odd duck since every mission I have been on that had such plans, I had a copy in ForeFlight to refer to when I needed a piece of information that wasn't stuck in my brain or on my tasking order.

[TheSkyHornet]

"an Operation Plan (OPLAN) is a detailed plan for joint military operations, while an Operations Order (OPORD) is a plan format that helps subordinate units conduct military operations. An OPLAN is developed by the Combatant Commander (CCDR) in response to potential or actual situations that may require military operations. An OPORD is issued by the commander to execute the OPLAN."

I have seen dozens of these over the years - DO and DOS spend weeks writing them, conference calls, in-face meetings, etc.

On game-day they are printed out, taped to a white board, and the majority of members participating never see it, nor is it referred to or updated.

At the squadron level, we have an OPORD for every weekly meeting and every activity (including FTXs).

You should have an Operations Order, OPORD (not an Operations Plan, OPLAN)

What's the difference between an operations order and an operations plan?

What Eclipse said...but in laymen's terms...

An OPLAN is generally a broad concept that can be used to prepare for execution, oftentimes as a contingency plan (i.e., if this occurs, then do this...). It's a structure for how to make stuff happen and might include a number of options to choose from based on given scenarios.

An OPORD is a plan which has compiled enough data to be ready for execution with a given date, time, and unit taskings. Think of an OPLAN as being the idea, and the OPORD being the signed order to execute that plan.

Plans often include assumptions in lieu of factual information (what can we expect to be the case...or, this will be the case if we were to execute). Orders are time-stamped and intended to launch based on all of the details prescribed in the order.


For planning an FTX, you would build a plan that would need to be updated closer to the event to serve as a detailed order. If it's months away, you probably don't have enough detail to know how the activity will play out...or, you can construct a standing order and have a contingency plan which can be initiated (e.g., Thunderstorms are disrupting outdoor training, so we'll convert to the indoor plan: Plan Bravo).

CAP has no documentation for either.

CAP actually employs OPLANs formally within the Cadet Staff Duty Analysis program (for cadet officer advancement). It's not covered in great detail, but it's there as an exemplar: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/General_Operations_Plan__Moor_Redac_507D31F56F693.pdf

It's not really laid out to a military standard, but it works.