JOINT LETTERS

The joint letter (fig. 1-3) is a variation of the standard letter. where two or more commands wish to issue information that establishes an agree- ment or discusses a matter of mutual concern. When you type a joint letter, refer to SECNAVINST 5216.5.

BUSINESS LETTERS

The business letter is used to correspond with agencies or individuals outside the Department of

Figure 1-3.-Joint letter. 1-4

the Navy who arc unfamiliar with the standard MESSAGES letter. It also may be used for official correspondence between individuals within the Department of the Navy when the occasion calls for a personal approach. See figure 1-4 for an ^{example of a business letter.} 

_{Messages are the quickest form of writ}ten communications in the Navy. Our tele_{communications system is designed to get} time-sensitive or critical information to

Figure 1-4.-Business letter.

addressees rapidly for effective use of information.

Messages are prepared on the Joint Message Form, DD Form 173/2 (fig. 1-5), to be sent by electrical telecommunications. Since the DD Form 173/2 is read by optical scanner, it must be prepared in a double-spaced format using an OCR typeface. Complete procedures are contained in the Telecommunications Users Manual, Naval Telecommunications Publication 3.