Which planning directive provides essential planning guidance and directs the development of a plan/order?

The planning directive that provides essential planning guidance and directs the development of a plan or order is the Planning Order (PLANORD). This document serves as a foundational directive for the planning process, outlining objectives, resources, constraints, and the overarching intent that guides the detailed development of operational plans.

The PLANORD typically includes preliminary information necessary for the establishment of the planning framework and indicates the type of operation to be conducted, thereby ensuring that all necessary components are considered in subsequent planning efforts. By directing the planning process and ensuring that all involved parties have a clear understanding of the mission's requirements and constraints, the PLANORD plays a critical role in efficient and effective military logistics planning.

In contrast, other directives like the Execution Order (EXORD) are more focused on the initiation of operations and the execution phase, while the Operation Plan (OPLAN) elaborates on detailed strategies and actions to be taken during an operation. The Deployment Order (DEPORD) specifically deals with the deployment of forces and equipment, which is a more specific subset of the broader planning process initiated by a PLANORD.