Order of Battle (OB)

The identification, command structure, strength, and disposition of the forces in a military formation or theater. A naval order of battle lists the ships, submarines, and aircraft by class and hull number, their parent task organization, home ports, and assigned commanders, giving planners and intelligence staff a picture of available combat power. It is the baseline reference for task organization, targeting, and threat assessment; an enemy order of battle drives one’s own force allocation and rules of engagement.