Memo Writing

Question 1

What is correspondence?

Answer 1

Formal Communication in the forms of

1. Letters
2. Emails
3. Memos
4. Messages (i.e. ALCOAST)
5. Directives

Question 2

Writing Standards for the USCG include:

Answer 2

1. Clear
2. Concise
3. Cordial
4. Organized & Natural

Pneumonic CCCO

Question 3

When do you use a Memo?

Answer 3

Official Correspondence within the DoD

Question 4

what is an SSIC Code

Answer 4

Standard Subject Identification Code - Used to categorize subjects and goes on top right of memo “above” the date.

Question 5

Where are SSIC codes found?

Answer 5

Information and Life Cycle Management Manual COMDINST 5212.12A

Question 6

What is an appropriate date format for a Memo?

Answer 6

7 Aug 2020 and goes below SSIC

If date is within the body spell it out “13 September 2015”

Question 7

When do you leave Reply to Attn of: Blank

Answer 7

When the person in the from line is same as reply to attn

Question 8

List some components of a Memo

Answer 8

Header
From:

To:
Thru:

Subj:
Ref:

Reply to Attn of:

Date i.e 7 Aug 2020

Enclosure

Copy

Blind Copy

Question 9

Delegated Auth vs. By Direction Auth vs. Signature Auth

Answer 9

1. Delegated Auth example: Acting Chief, Officer Candidate School (signing as Chief)
2. By Direction: auth to sign correspondence for another
3. Signature Authority - Has the authority to sign

Question 10

Examples of Signature

Answer 10

1. Sign above name if in from line or besides if in to or thru line in “BLUE” ink.
2. S- Signature example \Steven B. Rising \

Question 11

What is a staff symbol and where is it found

Answer 11

Staff symbols identify someone’s job code and is found in the SDL or Standard Distribution List. Example i.e. (s) for commander of a Sector

Question 12

Subj:

Answer 12

1. 10 words or less
2. 1 space between the to or thru line
3. All CAPS

Question 13

From:

Answer 13

S. B. Rising, ENS

C5ISC

Question 14

Example memo

Answer 14

Header
1530
16 Aug 2020
MEMORANDUM

From: S. B. Rising
C5ISC

To: Platoon Officer, ALFA One
Thru: Executive Commander

Subj: ALL CAPS LESS THAN 10 WORDS

Ref: (a) …, COMDINST M5216

1. Body

Page 2 Subj: Header SSIC and date

#

Enclosures

Copy:

Blind Copy:

Question 15

Enclosures

Answer 15

1. Starts after # 2 spaces
2. Attached to memo
3. Labeling enclose (1) My memo SSIC
4. Enclosure itself stamp 1st page bottom right Enclosure ( )

Question 16

paragraph format

Answer 16

1. Number Main paragraph
2. indent subdivisions/subparagraphs
3. align continuation lines at left margin
4. if needed use at least 2 subparagraphs single space text
5. a. subdivision example
   (1) subparagraph
   (2) must have at least 2
   (a) Don’t go this far
   (b) rarely go this far
   b. Second Subdivision
   2.
   # 2 lines below last text

Question 17

Types of Endorsements

Answer 17

1. Same Page
2. next page - No edits required, same page,
3. Signature