that   use   letters   of   the   alphabet   to   indicate   a prearranged   subject   matter.   If   all   elements   are required, they appear in the following order: 1.  Classification  or  the  abbreviation  UNCLAS. The highest classification authorized for visual means, regardless of method, is Confidential. 2.  Special  category  marking  (EXCLUSIVE, COSMIC, and the like). 3. Special handling security markings (NOFORN, RESDAT, and so on). 4.  Exercise  identification  (EXERCISE  MAIN BRACE). 5. Code name or nickname of special projects or operations. 6. Flag word (EXPRESS, REDLINE, and so on.) 7. Passing instructions and other indications of message  distribution  (FOR  ) 8. Subject line, concise and untitled. 9. References, identified by letter(s). 10. Text: a.  Paragraphs  are  numbered. b. Subparagraphs are indented and lettered or numbered as appropriate. c.   In   a   one-paragraph   message,   any subparagraphs are lettered. d.  If  a  message  is  classified,  proper declassification markings are included. If   unclassified   paragraphs   or   subparagraphs appear  within  a  classified  message,  each  number and/or  letter  will  be  followed  by  the  abbreviated classification  in  parentheses;  for  example,  A.(C), l(U). Following is an example of a message using most of the elements of the standard text format: UNCLAS//N01430// COMTWELVE PASS TO VADM SMITH REVISED  CONFERENCE  SCHEDULE A. MY/091700-Z MAR 95 B.  COMTHIRTEEN 131530-Z MAR 95 1.  REQUEST  DESIGNATED  COMMITTEE 2. AGENDA: ARRIVE COM TWELVE 24 HOURS PRIOR CNO A.  ADD  “LOGISTICS  OF  PROJECT.” B.   DELETE   “POSSIBLE   LOCATION 3. CNO ITINERARY, 19 AUG, TIMES UNIFORM: If FACILITIES.” ETA ETD LOCATION ORIG 1300 NAS SEATTLE 1515 1800 NAS ALAMEDA 2300 TERM CHICAGO-OHARE a message does not require all elements, the format   is   adjusted   accordingly   by   omitting nonessentials.  Certain  other  exceptions  are  allowed when using the standard format. The subject line may be omitted if it requires that an otherwise unclassified message be classified; if it noticeably increases the length of what would be a brief message; or if it increases commercial charges   when   the   message   is   addressed   to activities  served  by  commercial  communications facilities. If a short message consists of only one paragraph, the paragraph is not numbered. When there is only one reference, the reference identification is included in the body of the paragraph. For example: UNCLAS  YOUR  100915Z  MAR  95.  BUDGET APPROVED SUBJECT TO CNO CONCURRENCE. The   first   word   of   all   plain   language   text messages must be either the abbreviation UNCLAS (unclassified), or the security classification of the message. Each message will be authorized by the commanding  officer  for  transmission  by  directional visual  communications.  As  a  Signalman,  you  must be alert to prevent the transmission of any classified message  not  authorized  for  transmission. Ending  Procedure The  procedure  component  of  the  ending  of  a message  contains  three  elements:  time  group,  final instructions, and ending prosign. Normally a time group  is  not  used  in  a  plaindress  message.  The elements of the ending procedure are assigned by communications personnel to complete delivery of the message or signal. In figure 3-2, the ending is C WA DEBARK TROOPS K. The first two prosigns and the two words constitute  the  final  instructions  of  the  message. 3-9