What is a Fragmentary Order in military terms?

A Fragmentary Order (FRAGO) is a concise order that provides changes or modifications to a previous Operations Order (OPORD). It is designed to quickly convey updated information without having to rewrite the entire OPORD. The purpose of a FRAGO is to ensure that the mission remains clear and that all relevant personnel are informed of any changes in a timely manner.

In military operations, situations can evolve rapidly, and this flexibility is crucial. A Fragmentary Order allows commanders to adapt to these changes efficiently. For example, if there are alterations in enemy forces or changes in the battlefield environment, a FRAGO can be issued to inform units of the new plan or altered taskings, ensuring that operational continuity is maintained.

The other options represent different concepts within military operations. An Operations Order is a comprehensive document providing detailed instructions for a mission, a Movement Plan lays out the specifics for troop movements, and a Synchronization Matrix is a planning tool used to coordinate actions and resources. However, these do not specifically capture the role or functionality of a Fragmentary Order in responding to dynamic operational environments.