LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completing this chapter, you should be able to do the following:

1. Describe the types of naval correspondence used within the Navy and the Mine Force.

2. Describe the use of instructions and notices, and describe the use of the directives issuance system used within the Navy and the Mine Force.

3. Describe the different types of messages used within the Navy and the Mine Force.

4. Describe the different security classifications, the purpose of marking classified material, the degree of protection required, and the means of declassification used within the Navy and the Mine Force.

5. Describe the procedures followed within the Mine Force for the routing, handling, and filing of Navy correspondence.

6. Describe automatic data processing and how it is used within the Mine Force. 7. Describe the procedures of maintaining and requesting changes to mine publications.

As a Mineman, you will find that, from time to time, you will be assigned various jobs, including administrative functions. Many of these assignments will include reports and other paperwork that you must complete and file or submit to another activity before the job is complete.

To help you successfully learn how these items are accomplished, this chapter discusses naval correspondence; instructions, notices, and the Directives Issuance System; naval messages; security classifications; the standard Navy filing system; automatic data processing; and basic administrative functions.

NAVAL CORRESPONDENCE

Naval correspondence covers abroad spectrum of material, including standard naval letters, multiple-address letters, joint letters, endorsements, and memorandums. Official naval correspondence

includes all recorded communications sent or received in the Navy in the execution of official duties. Some of the more common types of communications are directives outlining policies and procedures, naval letters requesting and furnishing procedural information and authority, and letters and memorandums assigning duties and individual responsibilities.

This chapter is primarily concerned with the correct format of official correspondence. The samples shown are based on the general instructions contained in the Department of the Navy Correspondence Manual, SECNAVINST 5216.5. When you are assigned to a billet requiring the preparation of correspondence, you must consult local command instructions outlining the specific details pertaining to the preparation of official correspondence in that command. For basic procedures to follow when drafting or typing naval correspondence, consult SECNAVINST 5216.5.