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

MEMORANDUM FOR
Problem Solving, Staff Studies, and Decision Papers
11-77. Address the decision paper to the decisionmaker. Include thru addressees or on the routing slip, as
specified by command policy.
SUBJECT
11-78. Briefly state the decision’s subject. Be specific as the reader should not have to begin reading the
body of the decision paper to figure out the subject. “Decision Paper” is not an acceptable subject.
FOR DECISION
11-79. Paragraph 1 states, “For DECISION.” (Paragraph headings may be either underlined or bolded,
according to command policy.) Indicate if the decision is time-sensitive, tied to an event, or has a suspense
date to a higher headquarters. Show internal suspenses on the routing slip, if necessary. Do not show them
in this paragraph.
PURPOSE
11-80. In paragraph 2, state clearly the decision required, as an infinitive phrase. An infinitive phrase uses
a verb, but has no subject, for example, “To determine the...,” or, “To obtain....” Include in the purpose
statement who, what, when, and where, if pertinent.
RECOMMENDATION
11-81. In paragraph 3, recommend a solution or solutions to the problem. If there are several
recommendations, state each one in a separate subparagraph.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
11-82. Paragraph 4 explains the origin of the action, why the problem exists, and a summary of events in
chronological form. It helps put the problem in perspective and provides an understanding of the
alternatives and the recommendation. If the decision paper is the result of a tasking document, refer to that
document in paragraph 4 and place it at enclosure 2.
IMPACT
11-83. Paragraph 5 states the impact of the recommended decision. Address each affected area in a
separate subparagraph, for example, personnel, equipment, funding, environment, and stationing. State
parties affected by the recommendation and the extent to which they are affected.
COORDINATION, APPROVAL LINE, POINT OF CONTACT, SIGNATURE BLOCK, AND
ENCLOSURES
11-84. The coordination, approval line, point of contact, signature block, and enclosures follow the same
directions as for a staff study. See paragraphs 11-43 through 11-68.
STAFF STUDY ASSEMBLY
11-85. Action officers assemble a staff study in a manila folder. See Figure 11-4, page 11-4. Clipped to
the front cover is the classification, if needed, and a routing slip. Assemble the decision paper inside the
manila folder with the implementing memo, the tasker, the concurrences and nonconcurrences, and lastly
any background information. Tab the staff actions and clip them to the inside of the back cover of the
manila folder.
14 September 2011 ATTP 5-0.1 11-13