FM 5-0, The Operations Process - Federation of American Scientists

Military Briefings
Collect Information and Construct the Briefing
1. Collect materials needed.
• Use the Seven-Step Army Problem Solving Method.
• Research.
• Become familiar with the subject.
• Collect authoritative opinions and facts.
2. Prepare First Draft.
• Prepare draft outline.
• Include visual aids.
• Review with appropriate authority.
3. Revise First Draft and Edit.
• Verify facts, including those that are important and necessary.
• Include answers to anticipated questions.
• Refine materials.
4. Plan Use of Visual Aids.
• Check for simplicity and readability.
5. Practice.
• Rehearse (with assistants and visual aids).
• Refine.
• Isolate key points.
• Memorize outline.
• Develop transitions.
• Anticipate and prepare for possible questions.
DELIVER THE BRIEFING
Figure J-4. Considerations during preparation
J-20. The success of a briefing often depends on how well it is presented. A confident, relaxed, and
forceful delivery that is clearly enunciated helps convince the audience. Conciseness, objectivity, and
accuracy also characterize good delivery. The briefer should remain aware of the following:
• The basic purpose is to present the subject as directed and ensure the audience understands it.
• Brevity precludes a lengthy introduction or summary.
• Conclusions and recommendations must flow logically from facts and assumptions.
J-21. Interruptions and questions may occur at any point. If and when they occur, briefers answer each
question before continuing or indicate that the question will be answered later in the briefing. When
briefers answer question later in the briefing, they make specific reference to the earlier question when they
introduce material. They anticipate possible questions and are prepared to answer them.
FOLLOW UP AS REQUIRED
J-22. When the briefing is over, the briefer must follow up as required. To ensure understanding, the
briefer prepares a memorandum for record (MFR). This MFR records the subject, date, time, and location
of the briefing as well as the ranks, names, and positions of audience members. The briefing’s content is
concisely recorded to help ensure understanding. The briefer records the decision. Recommendations and
their approval, disapproval, or approval with modification are recorded as well as instructions or directed
actions. Recommendations can include who is to take action. When a decision is involved and any
ambiguity exists about the commander’s intent, the briefer submits a draft of the MFR for correction before
preparing the final document. Lastly, the briefer informs proper authorities. The briefer distributes the final
MFR to staff sections and agencies required to act on the decisions or instructions, or whose plans or
operations may be affected.
26 March 2010 FM 5-0 J-5