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