The short form readdressal is always unclassified. However,  it  must  state  the  classification  of  the readdressed message. Messages over 60 days old are routinely deleted from the message center files. If the original message to be readdressed is more than 60 days old, use the long form. Enter the from, to, and information addressees in the fields provided. Unlike the short form, you retype the entire message. Classify the long form the same as the original message. When a sectionalized message is readdressed, each section of the message must be readdressed separately. The headerlines and addressees must be the same on each readdressal. The PSN must match that of the section being readdressed, but the respective section number  is  omitted.  Each  section  of  the  readdressed message should have the same date-time group. The precedence of the readdressal message maybe lower, the same as, or of a higher precedence than the original   message   when   deemed   operationally imperative by the readdressal authority. General  formatting  instructions  and  preparation guidance are available in NTP 3. Message readdressal procedures may vary slightly at different TCCs. The required  procedure  may  be  verified  through  the  local TCC. MINIMIZE  MESSAGES Military  telecommunications  systems  tend  to become overloaded during an emergency. Naturally, it becomes  necessary  to  reduce  unnecessary  traffic volume to clear user circuits for essential traffic. This reduction in traffic is accomplished by use (usually by message) of the word “MINIMIZE.” Minimize means “It is now mandatory that normal message and telephone traffic be reduced drastically so that vital messages  connected  with  the  situation  indicated  will not be delayed.” A message ordering minimize consists of the word “MINIMIZE”^t followed by the area affected (scope), reason, and duration of the minimize condition (when known). Minimize messages must be brought to the immediate  attention  of  the  leading  communications petty officer (LPO) and the communications officer. The  Chief  of  Naval  Operations  (CNO),  fleet commanders  in  chief,  and  area  coordinators  are authorized to impose minimize conditions on users of naval   communications   systems.   Subordinate commanders may impose minimize over elements of their  commands  only  with  prior  permission  from  one  of the three authorities just mentioned. During   minimize   conditions,   FLASH   and IMMEDIATE traffic should be restricted to a maximum of 100 and 200 words, respectively. Message releasers are also kept to a minimum and must be specifically designated  in  writing.  We  briefly  discuss  additional minimize guidelines later in this chapter. NWP 4 (NWP  6-01)  contains  information  pertaining  to  the types of normal, environmental, and supply traffic that may be sent over normal channels and circuits during minimize. SERVICE MESSAGES Service messages are short, concise messages between  communications  personnel.  These  messages have the authority of an official communication and must receive prompt attention. If the action requested in a service message cannot be accomplished within a reasonable time, the station originating the service message should be notified. Service messages are normally assigned a precedence equal to the message being  serviced. Service messages deal with many topics. You will find  that  most  deal  with  corrections,  repetitions, broadcast reruns, and misrouted or missent messages. You must remember that a service message should be promptly dealt with and retained until all actions concerning it have been completed. Once action is complete, it is good practice to attach a copy of the service message to the serviced message when it is filed, or mark it with the DTG of the service(s). Requests  for  information  through  service  messages should be as brief, concise, and accurate as possible. Careful  attention  to  detail  and  the  use  of  proper operating techniques by communications and crypto personnel will reduce the number of service messages required. Service   messages   are   normally   prepared   in abbreviated  plaindress  format  and  may  be  assigned sequential reference numbers. (We discuss plaindress messages later in this chapter.) The service message number  immediately  follows  the  abbreviation  “SVC”  in the message text. If used, sequential service reference numbers  may  continue  throughout  the  calendar  year. When you reply to a service message received with a reference number, the text of the reply should refer to the number. For example: 2-23