ATTP 5-0.1 Commander and Staff Officer Guide - Army Electronic ...

Chapter 11
DECISION PAPERS
11-74. A decision paper is a piece of correspondence that requests the decisionmaker to act on its
recommendation and provides the required implementing documents for signature. Action officers use a
decision paper when they do not need a formal report or the decisionmaker does not require the details a
staff study provides.
11-75. Decision papers are brief. Unlike staff studies, decision papers are not self-contained. For a
decision paper, much of the material that would be included in a staff study is kept in the action officer’s
file. Decision papers contain the minimum information the decisionmaker needs to understand the action
and make a decision. The action officer synthesizes the facts, summarizes the issues, presents feasible
alternatives, and recommends one of them. Action officers attach essential explanations and other
information as enclosures, which are always tabbed.
11-76. Action officers prepare decision papers as informal memorandums (see AR 25-50) in the format at
Figure 11-3. This format also parallels the steps of the Army problem-solving process. Commands may
establish format standards to meet local requirements. Decision papers should not exceed two pages,
excluding the staffing list and supporting documentation. The coordination requirements for a decision
paper are the same as those for a staff study. Follow the procedures in paragraphs 11-43 through 11-68.
Office Symbol (Marks Number) Date
MEMORANDUM FOR
SUBJECT:
1. For DECISION.
2. PURPOSE.
3. RECOMMENDATION.
4. BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION.
5. IMPACTS.
6. COORDINATION.
ACofS, G-1 CONCUR/NONCONCUR_____________CMT______DATE: ______
DPTM CONCUR/NONCONCUR_____________CMT______DATE: ______
7. APPROVAL/ DISAPPROVAL.
a. That the (state the approving authority and recommended solution).
APPROVED____________DISAPPROVED____________SEE ME____________
b. That the (approving authority) sign the implementing directive(s) (TAB A).
APPROVED____________DISAPPROVED____________SEE ME____________
8. POINT OF CONTACT.
[#] Encls (Signature Block)
1. Implementing document (TAB A)
2. Tasking document (TAB B)
SAMPLE
3. Coordination list (TAB C)
4. Nonconcurrences (TAB D)
5–[#]. Other supporting documents, listed as separate enclosures (TABS E through Z)
Figure 11-3. Sample format for a decision paper
11-12 ATTP 5-0.1 14 September 2011