Signalman 1 & C - Historic Naval Ships Association

that use letters of the alphabet to indicate aprearranged subject matter. If all elements arerequired, they appear in the following order:1. Classification or the abbreviation UNCLAS.The highest classification authorized for visual means,regardless of method, is Confidential.2. Special category marking (EXCLUSIVE,COSMIC, and the like).3. Special handling security markings (NOFORN,RESDAT, and so on).4. Exercise identification (EXERCISE MAINBRACE).5. Code name or nickname of special projects oroperations.6. Flag word (EXPRESS, REDLINE, and so on.)7. Passing instructions and other indications ofmessage distribution (FOR ) .8. Subject line, concise and untitled.9. References, identified by letter(s).10. Text:a. Paragraphs are numbered.b. Subparagraphs are indented and lettered ornumbered as appropriate.c. In a one-paragraph message, anysubparagraphs are lettered.d. If a message is classified, properdeclassification markings are included.If unclassified paragraphs or subparagraphsappear within a classified message, each numberand/or letter will be followed by the abbreviatedclassification in parentheses; for example, A.(C),l(U).Following is an example of a message using mostof the elements of the standard text format:UNCLAS //N01430//COMTWELVE PASS TO VADM SMITHREVISED CONFERENCE SCHEDULEA. MY091700-Z MAR 95B. COMTHIRTEEN 131530-Z MAR 951. REQUEST DESIGNATED COMMITTEEARRIVE COM TWELVE 24 HOURS PRIOR CNO2. AGENDA:A. ADD “LOGISTICS OF PROJECT.”B. DELETE “POSSIBLE LOCATIONFACILITIES.”3. CNO ITINERARY, 19 AUG, TIMES UNIFORMETA ETD LOCATIONORIG 1300 NAS SEATTLE1515 1800 NAS ALAMEDA2300 TERM CHICAGO-OHAREIf a message does not require all elements, theformat is adjusted accordingly by omittingnonessentials. Certain other exceptions are allowedwhen using the standard format.The subject line may be omitted if it requiresthat an otherwise unclassified message be classified;if it noticeably increases the length of what wouldbe a brief message; or if it increases commercialcharges when the message is addressed toactivities served by commercial communicationsfacilities.If a short message consists of only one paragraph,the paragraph is not numbered. When there is only onereference, the reference identification is included inthe body of the paragraph. For example:UNCLAS YOUR 100915Z MAR 95. BUDGETAPPROVED SUBJECT TO CNO CONCURRENCE.The first word of all plain language textmessages must be either the abbreviation UNCLAS(unclassified), or the security classification of themessage. Each message will be authorized by thecommanding officer for transmission by directionalvisual communications. As a Signalman, you mustbe alert to prevent the transmission of any classifiedmessage not authorized for transmission.Ending ProcedureThe procedure component of the ending of amessage contains three elements: time group, finalinstructions, and ending prosign. Normally a timegroup is not used in a plaindress message. Theelements of the ending procedure are assigned bycommunications personnel to complete delivery of themessage or signal.In figure 3-2, the ending is C WA DEBARKTROOPS K. The first two prosigns and the two wordsconstitute the final instructions of the message.3-9