Effective Writing

Resources for Effective WritingAR 25-50Army Writing Standards http://docs.usapa.belvoir.army.mil/jw2/xmldemo/r25_50/head.aspDA PAM 600-67 Effective Writing for Military Leaders

Army Writing Standards (AR 25-50)Clear Message in single, rapid readingProper grammar, spelling, mechanicsConcise, organized, to the point Short words, sentences and paragraphs

Army Writing Standards Key Areas to StressBLUF: Bottom Line Up FrontActive VoiceRespectful, Professional Tone

Army Writing Standards BLUFStraight to the PointExplain Reasoning After BLUF

Army Writing StandardsActive VoiceNOT: Three teams were formed…BUT: LTC Jones formed three teams…

Army Writing StandardsActive VoiceNOT: A TDY is requested by…BUT: LTC Jones requests a TDY…

Army Writing StandardsRespectful, Professional ToneAvoid angry or emotional statementsAvoid sarcasm or veiled messagesAddress individuals with respectRequestsDirections

Practical ExerciseRewrite the Statement A computer can help this office speed up actions which is very important to getting all missions accomplished. By using the data base software, we can keep track of all training and not allow repetitive training. WE can use the comptuer to do our adminstrative actions and speed up our ability to do work. We need such and instrument at this time.

Practical ExerciseSpelling & Grammar Problems A computer can help this office speed up actions which is very important to getting all missions accomplished. By using the data base software, we can keep track of all training and not allow repetitive training. WE can use the comptuer to do our adminstrative actions and speed up our ability to do work. We need such and instrument at this time.

Practical ExercisePackaging ProblemsBottom line toward the endUse of Passive VoiceNot Concise

Practical ExerciseRewriteI request a computer for this officeWe need a computer to:Monitor trainingIncrease the amount of work we doHandle our administrative tasks

Written CommunicationsMajor TypesMemorandumsOperations Orders (OPORDs)Endorsements

Types of MemorandumAR 25-50, Chapter 2-1, 2-6, 2-7Formal MemosExternal to HQ, Command, Installation or DODPersonnel actionsAppreciation and CommendationsInformal MemosInternal to HQ, Command, Installation, or DODSpecial Purpose MemosMemorandum of Understanding (MOU)Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)Memorandum for Record (MFR)

Memorandum FormatAR 25-50, Chapter 2-4HeadingBodyClosing

In Class WorkWork in teams of threeRewrite the statements on each handout using the Army writing style5-10 minutes allowed to rewrite each statement

HomeworkReview AR 25-50 OnlineReview a copy of DA PAM 600-67 Write a formal Memorandum to your MSL professor IAW AR 25-50 in which you either:Request a change in assignment orRequest a specific tour of duty orCommend a fellow cadet

Homework Grading CriteriaArmy Writing StandardsClear and Concise MessageCorrect Spelling, Grammar, and MechanicsBLUF, Active Voice, Respectful Memorandum FormatHeadingBodyClosing