With only slight variations, the same format is used to prepare the joint letter, multiple-address letter,  and  the  endorsement.  It  is  also  used  to prepare memoranda and to a lesser extent such other  special  types  of  naval  correspondence  as  the speedletter and the telecommunication message. Since the style of the standard naval letter sets the  pattern  for  all  types  of  correspondence, including the business letter, it is important for the  RP  to  be  familiar  with  the  procedures  used in  preparing  a  naval  letter.  The  proper  procedures and format for the preparation of the naval letter are explained in the next sections. Stationery The first page of a naval letter is written on letterhead  stationery  of  the  activity  of  the  chief official under whose title it is written. Figure 5-1 shows examples of various letterhead stationery. If printed letterhead stationery is not available, the letterhead is typed or stamped in the top center of the page beginning on the fourth line from the top of the page. Second and succeeding pages are typed on plain bond paper which is similar to the letterhead  stationery  in  size,  color,  and  quality. Copies White  and  colored  tissues  (manifold  sheets) are  used  for  additional  copies  of  naval  letters.  The required  number  of  copies  of  a  naval  letter  is determined  by  the  type  and  number  of  addressees and   the   local   processing   and   filing   practices. Although  the  necessary  number  of  copies  must be  determined  separately  for  each  letter,  the following  copies  are  normally  required: GREEN.—One  copy  is  required  for  the official   files.   NOTE:   A   designated   reproduced copy may be used as the file copy when colored tissues are not available. WHITE.—One  copy  is  required  for  each “via”  addressee  and  each  “copy  to”  addressee. as for the first page. NOTE: Figures 5-2 and 5-3 are  used  for  explanation  purposes  for  the remainder  of  the  discussion  in  regard  to  the  naval letter. General Style No salutation or complimentary close appears on a naval letter. The letter is prepared in block style without indenting except for the first lines of  subparagraphs  or  for  extensive  quotations. Identification Symbols The  location  of  the  identification  symbols  is governed by the “refer to” line when it is printed on the stationery. Figure 5-1 shows three examples of  letterhead  stationery  with  printed  “refer  to” lines  and  one  example  where  the  “refer  to”  line is  not  printed  on  the  stationery.  The  following entries  may  be  contained  in  the  identification symbol: ORIGINATOR’S  CODE.—An  originator’s code serves as a basic identification symbol and is  formed  according  to  local  instructions.  It appears  on  all  outgoing  correspondence  except correspondence  that  is  prepared  for  the  Secretary of  the  Navy’s  signature.  The  group  of  letters “PBX:ABC:PLM”   is   the   originator’s   code   in figure  5-2.  Hull  numbers  may  be  used  as  the originator’s  code  for  ships. FILE  NUMBER.—The  use  of  a  file  number is optional on the naval letter. It is blocked below the  originator’s  code  when  used.  A  file  number is  normally  used  when  the  originator  wishes  to  be included on return correspondence. The number “5216” is the file number in figure 5-2. A listing of file numbers is contained in  Department of the Navy   Standard   Subject   Identification   Codes (SECNAVINST  5210.11).  The  specific  contents of this instruction are contained in Chapter 3 of this  module. Margins SERIAL  NUMBER.—A  serial  number  is  an optional entry on unclassified naval letters. It is On the first page of a naval letter (figure 5-2), blocked  below  the  file  number  or  below  the the left and right margins are one inch and the originator’s  code  when  there  is  no  file  number. bottom margin is at least one inch. On the second The   purpose   of   a   serial   number   is   to   assist and succeeding pages (figure 5-3), the margin at commands   in   identifying   and   locating the top is one inch and other margins are the same correspondence. There is no serial number in the 5-2