Naval messages are now being prepared on diskettes, using the MTF Editor software. The greatest difference between diskette message preparation and the previous methods is the use of a personal computer and the medium (diskette) for storing and delivering the message.

Diskettes containing messages must be compatible with formats cited in MIL-STD 1832, as applicable to Navy users. Any diskette received at a naval telecommunications center (NTCC) or an AUTODIN gateway terminal (Gateguard System) that cannot be read because of incompatible media or diskette file format will be rejected.

Gateguard is a backside AUTODIN terminal that provides a command's automated information system (AIS) with both an on-line communication gateway to AUTODIN and a guard device that provides security isolation protection between networks. This circuit is used to move a command's outgoing AUTODIN messages from a connected AIS to Gateguard for onward routing to AUTODIN. When so directed by the operator, Gateguard attempts to establish a logical connection with the attached AIS. Once the link is established, messages are transferred to the AIS as soon as they become available.

Office Codes

Office codes will be used with all Navy shore activity plain-language addressees (PLAs), including those in the From line. An office code will immediately follow the PLA and will be enclosed by double slants. Se . There is no limit on the number of office codes that can be used with a PLA. Message Precedence

The message precedence indicates a desired writer-to-reader time. To the telecommunications

Figure 1-11.-GENADMIN message format.

center, the precedence indicates the relative order of processing and delivery. The precedence of an in-coming message has no direct effect on the time in which a reply must be sent or on the precedence assigned to that reply.

There are four precedence categories: ROUTINE, PRIORITY, IMMEDIATE, and FLASH. The drafter is responsible for determining the precedence, although the releaser may change the precedence assignment. For the precedence system to work properly, precedence assignment must be based on the urgency rather than on the importance of the subject. The time element involved, including the time difference between widely separated geographical areas must also be considered. Complete information and examples of each type of precedence are contained in NTP 3. The four precedence categories are shown into Table 1-2

Speed-of-Service Objectives

The goal of the speed-of-service (SOS) objectives is to provide the most rapid communications support

Table 1-2.-Message Precedence Categories

possible. These objectives apply to the total elapsed communications-handling time from the time of file at the message originator's telecommunications center to the time of receipt at the addressee's telecommunications center. SOS objectives are shown in~

Message Date-Time-Group

The message date-time-group (DTG) is assigned for identification and file purposes only. The numerical portion has six digits: the first two are the day, the second two are the hour, and the third two are the minutes. This portion is followed by the zone suffix, the month, and the year (i.e., 291936ZJUN93).

* The zone suffix ZULU (Z) stands for Greenwich Mean Time. It is used as the universal time for all messages, except where theater or area commanders prescribe the use of local time for local tactical situations. (NOTE: The times 240OZ and OOOOZ are not used to indicate a particular time; instead, either 2359Z or OOO1Z is used, as appropriate.)

The month is expressed by its first three letters.

The year is expressed by its last two digits.

MESSAGE READDRESSAL

A message readdressal is a message that is transmitted to an activity that was not an original addressee. This is a frequent occurrence. The originator or the action addressee of a message may readdress a message for action or information to another activity; however, an information addressee may readdress a message for information purposes only.