Multiple-Address Letter Naval Message The multiple-address letter is the same as the standard letter with one exception. It is addressed to two or more action addressees. There are three ways to list the addressees in this format. Use the To block by itself, the Distribution block by itself, or use both blocks. An occasion for using both blocks in the same letter occurs when there is a group title but the distribution is unknown. For example, you may write the group title (Area Supply Officers) in the To block and identify each member in the Distribution block. Endorsement An endorsement is a brief form of correspondence used by via addressees to approve, disapprove, or comment on the contents of a letter or earlier endorsements. An endorsement can be done on the letter page or a new page. Refer to the SECNAVINST 5216.5 for examples. Memorandum A memorandum provides an informal means of correspondence within an activity or between activities on routine business. There are four types of memorandum formats. The printed memorandum form is the most informal, and is used among individual and offices of the same activity. The plain paper memorandum is used within the activity and is no more formal than the printed memorandum, but it provides more flexibility when there are multiple addressees. The letterhead memorandum provides more formality. When direct liaison is authorized and the matter is routine, a memorandum (on letterhead paper) may be sent outside the activity. The memorandum for is the most formal memorandum. It maybe used in writing to senior officials, such as the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy. Because the memorandum for lacks a from block the signer’s title is typed below the name. A message is an official communication in brief form transmitted by rapid means, such as radio, telegraph, or satellite. A message is used where speed is of primary importance. Naval messages are prepared in accordance with communications instructions and related publications issued by CNO Subject, paragraph, downgrading, and declassification markings used in classified messages are described in OPNAVINST 5510.1. Procedures for drafting and handling messages are furnished by the local communication activity. The USN Plain Language Address Directory (PLAD) lists the abbreviated addresses of activities within the U.S. Navy. The PLAD is a part of the Message Address Directory (MAD), which is an official Joint Chiefs of Staff publication. It is updated four times a year, in January, April, July, and October. The abbreviated addresses listed in the PLAD must be used when drafting messages. The text of the message contains the thought or idea the sender desires to relate. This must be clear, accurate, and concise. Brevity must not be achieved with the loss of accuracy; brevity should be achieved through the proper choice of words and good writing techniques. The text also includes the standard subject classification code (SSIC). This is a six-digit code starting with the letter “N,” followed by five numbers. The “N” indicates that the numeric group was taken from the Navy list. The five number group is taken from SECNAVINST 5210.11. The SSIC appears after the classification and special handling instructions; for example, UNCLAS EFTO//N04400//. Naval messages are identified by originator and date-time group (DTG). For example, “USS NEVERSAIL” (typed in the From line of the message) is the originator. The DTG “1022332” (10th day at 2233 hours in Zulu time), “OCT 93” (the month and year) will be typed as “102233Z OCT 93.” The “Z” represents Greenwich meantime and is standard throughout DOD. The DTG is assigned by the communication office at the time the message is released. Messages are filed by month in DTG sequence. Directives Business Letter A business letter is used to correspond with agencies or individuals outside DON who are unfamiliar with a standard letter. Also, it may be used for official correspondence between individuals within DON when the occasion calls for a personal approach. A directive prescribes or establishes policy, organization, conduct, methods, or procedures. It requires action or sets forth information essential to the effective administration or operation of activities concerned. It may also contain authority or information that must be issued formally. The types of directives 2-8