the makeup of the classification entry can be found in NTP-3 and local operating procedures. Subject  Line Type  the  word  SUBJ  under  the  classification  line and follow it with the plain language subject of the message. Text The  text  of  a  naval  message  is  prepared  following standard  paragraphing  procedures.  Message  paragraphs are  numbered,  except  for  short  one-paragraph  messages or formatted messages. If the message is classified, it is marked with the proper paragraph and downgrading markings. The punctuation marks that  may be used within the text are as follows: Hyphen ( - ) Question mark ( ? ) Colon ( : ) Dollar sign ( $ ) Apostrophe ( ‘ ) Ampersand ( & ) Parentheses ( ) Period ( . ) Comma ( , ) slant ( / ) Quotation  mark  (“) Punctuation marks that may not be used are as follows: Number symbol ( # ) “At” sign ( @ ) Percent ( % ) Fractions  (1/2,  1/4) Asterisk ( * ) Underscore ( _ ) Cent sign ( ¢ ) Distribution, Drafter Release Blocks These blocks are filled in on the first page only. Local  procedures  determine  block  comments. Security  Classification  Block The unabbreviated security classification is typed in this block. Since the message form is read by computer, each entry must be placed in a predetermined position on the paper. NTP-3 and local procedures define the margin and tab settings you will use in message preparation. UNIT SITREP A  sailor  is  lost  at  sea.  .  . two  jets  collide  while taxiing  on  an  aircraft  carrier’s  flight  deck  .  .  .  an accident aboard a naval station results in the loss of hundreds of dollars worth of equipment...these are some of the incidents that warrant the preparation of a unit situation  report  (SITREP). A unit SITREP is a message transmitted by any unit CO, officer in charge, or other commander to notify appropriate  operational  commanders  and  seniors  in  the chain of command of a significant event or incident. Generally, the unit SITREP is used when an incident does not meet the criteria of the Operational Report (OPREP) 3 reporting system. An OPREP 3 is a higher level  reporting  system  used  to  inform  senior  authority that an incident of national or high U.S. Navy interest has  occurred. Unit  SITREPS  are  most  often  written  by  the operations department of a ship or shore command. However, there are times when a senior journalist is asked to assist in the writing of a unit SITREP. A unit SITREP is transmitted within 20 minutes of knowledge  of  an  event  or  incident  under  the  following conditions: l l l When  directed When  considered  appropriate  by  the  reporting activity When bomb threats have been evaluated as a hoax Included in a unit SITREP is a brief account of the event  being  reported.  Basic  rules  of  journalism  apply  to the  formulation  of  a  SITREP.  Use  clear,  concise statements  that  answer  the  following  questions: . What happened? l Who was involved? l Where did it happen? 1-28