may be individually identified in the address or addressed as a group. The format of the multiple-address letters is the same as the naval letter. The only exception is in the handling of addressees. When there are four or fewer addressees, the title of the first addressee is typed on the “To” line, with the other addressees listed on succeeding lines, each title flush with the first. For more than four addressees, a “Distribution” line is used. When a “Distribution” line is used, the short title, collective titles, or both collective and short titles of addressees are listed individually at the end of the letter. JOINT LETTERS A joint letter is a naval letter that is signed by officials of two or more activities to establish an agreement or for matters of mutual concern. A joint letter has much the same format as a standard or multiple-address letter. Prepare a joint letter on plain bond paper. In a joint letter, type the command titles of each official who will sign the letter at the top of the page. Ensure that the command title of the most senior official is listed on top. Include the identification symbols (SSIC, originator’s code, and date) along with the short title of both commands on the joint letter. When the joint letter is ready for signature, arrange the signature blocks so that the most senior official is on the right. Type the junior official’s signature flush with the left margin. Place a third cosigner, if any, in the middle of the page. ENDORSEMENTS An endorsement is a brief form of naval letter that is used to approve, disapprove, forward, or comment on the contents of a letter that is transmitted through one or more addressees before it reaches its destination. The contents of a prior endorsement may also be the subject of comment. An endorsement should not be used to reply to the basic communication. Endorsements may be added by one or more of the activities through which an original letter is channeled before it reaches its final destination. An example of a same page endorsement is shown in figure 2-2. The length of an endorsement, the amount of space that remains on the basic letter, and whether or not changes will be made to the endorsement will dictate whether a same page or new page endorsement should be used. If an endorsement will completely fit on the signature page of the basic letter or previous endorsement and will not be revised, then an endorsement may be added to that page. If an endorsement will not completely fit on the signature page or on a previous endorsement page or, if there is a possibility that the endorsement will be revised, then the endorsement should begin on a new page. An endorsement should remain with the basic letter. Plain bond paper is used for the original of an endorsement, but manifold paper may be used for copies. When an endorsement is typed below the preceding basic letter or endorsement, a horizontal dash line is placed two lines below the last line in the preceding communication. Same page endorsements may omit the SSIC, subject, and the basic letter’s identification symbols. The general style of an endorsement is as follows: Endorsements should be numbered in the sequence that they are added to the basic letter. Identify the number of the endorsement by using FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, and so forth. After the number, type “ENDORSEMENT on” and then identity the basic letter by using the same format as a reference line. References that appear in the basic letter should not be repeated in an endorsement. List only new references that are added. Enclosures that are listed in the basic letter should not be included in an endorsement. Send any enclosures that are added to the action addressee. Omit enclosures that the action addressee already has, enclosures that are impertinent to the original correspondence, or enclosures that are impractical to send. Send one copy of your endorsement to the originator of the basic letter. A single copy of your endorsement should also be sent to each prior endorser if your endorsement is significant. Significant endorsements include correspondence “forwarded recommending disapproval” and correspondence that is “readdressed and forwarded.” Routine endorsements include correspondence that is “forwarded,” “forwarded for consideration,” and “forwarded recommending approval.” MEMORANDUMS Memorandums provide an informal means to communicate within an activity or between Department of the Navy (DON) activities. Of the types of memorandum formats that the DON uses, we will discuss four here. Other types of memorandums, such 2-12