Characteristics of Mil Writing

Military Writing demands a certain skill in applying a set of principles to effectively communicate. What are these five principles?
RELEVANCE

ACCURACY

LOGIC

CLARITY

BREVITY

Ref: SOH, Chapter 10, Annex A, Appendix 1

Clarity
Explicit, Definite, Detailed & Complete

CLARITY

Each word, phrase, sentence and paragraph must have a clear and unambiguous meaning. The sense of the text must be easily understood at first reading.

Without Clarity:
No understanding = No Communication
To ensure your writing is clear, try to visualize it through the eyes of your reader. Ask questions such as: "How much do they know? "How much do I need to tell them? "Have I explained the WHAT, WHY, WHERE. WHEN, WHO, and HOW of the situation?"
As a final check, have another person review your finished product. Another person can often detect flaws which are not evident to the writer.

Accuracy

ACCURACY

Precise, Accurate and Complete Names / Titles / Timings / Locations / Quantities The quality of a commanders judgement is only as good as the quality of his information.
Correctness of Information - get all the relevant information; determine the credibility of your information by classifying it (fact, opinion, assumption, deduction, etc.); analyze your information until you understand the situation clearly; and complete all problem solving before you start to write.

Manner of Expression - wording must be precise, exact, and specific whenever possible. Avoid exaggeration, overemphasis and implication. Stay clear of vague expressions such as "a large number", "substantial increases" and "a short time". Be specific!

Relevance
Clear and Singular Purpose
- Only ideas germane to the topic should be included

RELEVANT

The key to achieving relevance is to first state an aim clearly. This simple test should eliminate digressive, extraneous, and redundant ideas, which only serve to impede the clear expression of the subject matter at hand. RED Herrings If words, phrases and ideas contribute towards achieving the aim, they are included. If they do not, they are excluded. Ensure that your work has a singular aim. If you attempt to achieve two or more aims with one memorandum you are asking for trouble

Principles of Logic
Clearly stated premises and evidence

LOGICAL

Ideas developed in an orderly sequence so that the evidence upon which it is based precedes each deduction or conclusion Deductions derived from valid premises ie each deduction and conclusion supported by facts Make sure your argument is balanced rather than biased look at both sides of every issue

Brevity
Brief and Concise

BREVITY

Achieve brevity through critical revision of written work: No redundancy of material Information must contribute to the aim No unnecessary words or phrases Eliminate repetition Use single words instead of phrases

Three-Part Format
Introduction (AIM)
Body Conclusion