AR 25-50 Army Writing: Your Guide to Mastering Military Correspondence
Navigating the world of Army writing can feel like traversing a minefield, especially when dealing with the intricacies of AR 25-50. This comprehensive guide will demystify the process, providing you with a clear understanding of Army Regulation 25-50 and offering practical advice on crafting effective and compliant military correspondence. We'll cover everything from understanding the core principles to mastering specific writing techniques, ensuring you produce professional documents that meet the highest standards. Whether you're a seasoned soldier or just starting your military career, this post will equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel in Army writing.
Understanding AR 25-50: The Foundation of Army Writing
AR 25-50, Preparing and Managing Correspondence, is the bedrock of effective communication within the United States Army. It outlines the standards, procedures, and best practices for creating all forms of official Army correspondence. Adherence to AR 25-50 isn't just about following rules; it's about ensuring clarity, accuracy, and professionalism in every communication. Failure to comply can have serious repercussions, impacting operational efficiency and even mission success.
Key Principles of AR 25-50
AR 25-50 emphasizes several core principles:
Clarity and Conciseness: Get straight to the point. Avoid jargon, ambiguous language, and unnecessary wordiness. Every sentence should serve a purpose.
Accuracy and Completeness: Ensure all information is factual, precise, and thoroughly addresses the topic at hand. Omissions can lead to misunderstandings and delays.
Professionalism and Tone: Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout your writing. Avoid slang, colloquialisms, and emotionally charged language.
Correct Grammar and Mechanics: Grammatical errors and typos undermine credibility. Proofread meticulously before submitting any document.
Appropriate Format and Style: AR 25-50 dictates specific formatting requirements for various types of correspondence, including memorandums, letters, and emails.
Mastering Different Types of Army Correspondence
AR 25-50 covers a wide range of correspondence types. Understanding the nuances of each is critical for effective communication.
Memorandums (MEMO): Internal Communication
Memorandums are commonly used for internal communication within the Army. They are typically concise and focused on specific issues or requests. AR 25-50 provides specific guidelines for formatting memos, including the use of headings, subject lines, and distribution lists.
Letters: Formal External Communication
Letters are used for formal communication with external entities, such as other branches of the military, government agencies, or civilians. They require a more formal tone and adhere to a specific format outlined in AR 25-50.
Emails: Efficient Digital Communication
While emails offer efficiency, AR 25-50 emphasizes the need for professionalism and clarity in Army email communication. Security and proper handling of sensitive information are paramount.
Enhancing Your Army Writing Skills: Practical Tips
Beyond adhering to AR 25-50, several practical tips can significantly enhance your writing skills:
Know Your Audience: Tailor your writing style and content to the intended recipient.
Use Strong Verbs: Active voice makes your writing more dynamic and engaging.
Edit and Proofread: Multiple revisions are essential for ensuring accuracy and clarity.
Utilize Templates: Familiarize yourself with standard templates to streamline the writing process.
Seek Feedback: Ask a colleague or supervisor to review your work before submission.
Conclusion
Mastering Army writing, as guided by AR 25-50, is an essential skill for any soldier. By understanding the core principles and applying the practical advice outlined in this guide, you can confidently craft clear, concise, and professional correspondence that meets the highest standards. Remember, effective communication is critical for mission success and reflects positively on your professionalism. Continuous practice and attention to detail are key to becoming a proficient Army writer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where can I find a copy of AR 25-50?
A1: You can access AR 25-50 through the Army Publishing Directorate website or your unit's library.
Q2: Is using email acceptable for all Army correspondence?
A2: No. While email is efficient, some communications require the formality of a letter or memorandum, depending on the recipient and subject matter. AR 25-50 provides guidance on appropriate communication methods.
Q3: What happens if I don't follow the guidelines in AR 25-50?
A3: Failure to comply with AR 25-50 can lead to delays, misunderstandings, and potential disciplinary action.
Q4: Are there specific formatting requirements for different types of attachments?
A4: Yes, AR 25-50 outlines best practices for formatting and handling attachments, ensuring clarity and easy access to supporting documents.
Q5: How can I improve my conciseness in Army writing?
A5: Focus on eliminating unnecessary words and phrases. Use strong verbs and get directly to the point. Regularly review and edit your work to identify areas for improvement.
Army Regulation 25 50
SUMMARY of CHANGE. o Updates guidance for clarity (paras 1 – 23, 1 – 39, and 3 – 5). o Changes proponency from the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army to the Chief Information Officer (title page). Replaces “Soldiers” with “Servicemembers” (para 6–6c).
Management Preparing and Managing Correspondence - U.S.
SUMMARY of CHANGE. AR 25–50 Preparing and Managing Correspondence. This administrative revision, dated 6 July 2015--. Makes administrative changes to paragraph text (paras 3-6c, 6-5c, and...
Preparing and Managing Correspondence - ArmyWriter.com
AR 25 – 50 Preparing and Managing Correspondence. This administrative revision, dated 9 November 2022— Replaces “Soldiers” with “Servicemembers” (para 6–6c). Adds a reference to DoDM 5110.04, Volume 2 (para C–2b). Updates proper form for addresses in letters, on envelopes, and for salutations and complimentary closes in letters (table C – 4).
AR 25-50 Army Regulation 2024
Oct 10, 2020 · AR 25-50 is an Army Regulation that guides Army personnel on writing and sending memoranda, letters, emails, and other forms of Army correspondence. It sets up the Army Writing Style, a set of rules meant to make Army …
Army Records Management Directorate - United States Army
Army Records Information Management System record numbers will be placed on memorandums (paras 1–5 and 2–4a(2)(a)). Correspondence, internal to Army, will be approved via digitally signed...
AR 25-50 Preparing and Managing Correspondence - United …
AR 25-50 establishes three forms of correspondence authorized for use: a letter, memorandum, and message. For information on formatting and processing all Army activities (ALARACT) messages,...
US Army Regulation 25-50 - Wikipedia
The Army Regulation (AR) 25-50 Preparing and Managing Correspondence is the United States Army's administrative regulation that "establishes three forms of correspondence authorized for use within the Army: a letter, a memorandum, and a message."
AR 25-50 Preparing And Managing Correspondence
Army Regulation AR 25-50, Preparing and Managing Correspondence, establishes the policies and procedures for the preparation and management of correspondence within the Army, ensuring it is clear, concise, and effective in communication.
AR 25-50: What You Need to Know About This Army Regulation
Sep 10, 2024 · Which publication provides guidelines for Army writing and correspondence apart from AR 25-50? DA Pamphlet 600-67, “Effective Writing for Army Leaders,” complements AR 25-50. It offers guidance on clear, concise writing for various Army documents.
Department of the Army Inspector General Style Tips and …
Reference provides guidance on Army and inspector general (IG) writing style, formatting, plain language, grammar, punctuation, report templates, and other tips to ensure DAIG products meet...
Pu bl i c at i o ns - United States Army
Jul 19, 2019 · (see AR 25-50, paragraph 2-4a(3)(c) - please note the exception) Series Number: Check to ensure that the series numbers and titles for administrative publications match the first digits of the publication number – using ER 25-30-1 . General Format: Check publication format with ER 25-30-1, side-by-side (i.e.
The Army Publishing Program - DTIC
AR 25–30 The Army Publishing Program ... o Combines policy previously contained in AR 25-50 with regards to letterhead and memorandum stationery with AR 25-30 (para 7-7). ... *This regulation supersedes AR 25–30, 27 March 2002. This regulation rescinds DA Form 2028–2, 1 July 1979; DA Form 4575, April 1999; DA Form 4821, ...
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
AR 25-50, chapter 6, section II, provides guidelines on signature blocks. Signature blocks begin at the center of the page, on the fifth line below the authority line or last line of text. See figure 3-1 for CG signature blocks.
USAR Circular 25-18-50 - U.S. Army Reserve
Jan 9, 2019 · CircuUS AR lar 25-18-50 Information Management: Records Management OFFICE SYMBOLS For the Commander: ALBERTO C. ROSENDE Brigadier General, U.S. Army Chief of Staff Official: /))J4J EARHART Colonel, AG Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1 History. This is the initial printing of USAR Circular 25-18-50. Previous edition, USAR Circular 25-15-50,
Decorations, Awards, and Honors Incentive Awards - United …
memorandum must be written using the Army Writing Style according to AR 25-50. h. Biography (required for the DCSM only). A brief biography should include the following: EP 672-1-1 • 22 August 2024 4 (1) Date and place of birth. (2) Education and degrees conferred.
Management Staff Action Process and Correspondence Policies
Orders, AR 10-5, and as further directed by the SA. Those officials authorized to act for the Secretary of the Army (SA) include-(1) Under Secretary of the Army. (2) Assistant Secretaries of the Army. (3) General Counsel of the Army. (4) Administrative Assistant. (5) Chief Information Officer (CIO/G-6). (6) Inspector General. (7) Auditor General.
NCO Common Core Competencies for Professional …
The Army training principles provide a broad but essential foundation to guide NCO leaders as they plan, ... you will be able to apply writing and editing principles to develop fluency and accuracy in writing sentences, paragraphs and short essays. ... AR 25-50, Preparing and Managing Correspondence, 17 May 2013, Chapter 1, p. 6, paras 1-36 and ...
Printing Army Publishing Program Procedures - National Guard
Dec 17, 2018 · Contents—Continued Citing forms † 3–24, page 21 Section IV Preparing Figures and Tables for Department of the Army publications, page 21 Preparing figures and tables for technical and equipment publications † 3–25, page 21 Use of figures † 3–26, page 21 General design criteria for figures † 3–27, page 21 Army Publishing Directorate graphic design services …
ADMINISTRATIVE LETTER OF REPRIMAND FACT SHEET
AR 25-50, Preparing and Managing Correspondence, Chapter 2. You will also find on the next page a sample to show some of the information you might wish to includeor use to form at your response. You dont have to use all of ’ the paragraphs, tailor to the way you wish to respond. Don’t forget to put your organizational address in the header.
Constructing HQDA and Command Office Symbols - United …
Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army www.oaa.army.mil. 7/10/2019 POC: Eve Roberts@ 571-515-0229 2 Originally, office symbol policy was contained in AR 340-9, Office Symbols. AR 340-9 was rescinded in 1997 and construction procedures were incorporated into AR 25-1, Chapter 8. AR 25-59 was developed in Dec 04 and ...
FOR THE COMMANDER: THEODORE D. MARTIN OFFICIAL
regulations. The proponent may delegate this approval authority, in writing, to a division chief ... covered in Army Regulations 25-22, 25-50, 25-55, 25-58, 25-59, 25-98, 25-400-2, Executive ... management collections benefit the Army and are in compliance with AR 25-98 and TRADOC Pamphlet 25-53. Information management collection requests (for ...
Information Management Preparing and Managing …
AR 25–50 Preparing and Managing Correspondence Specifically, this revision dated 3 June 2002-o Changes letterhead policy for preparing correspondence. o Removes the requirement for placement of a file number after the office symbol on correspondence (para 2-4a(1)). o This revision-o Supersedes AR 25-50, dated 21 November 1988.
SMARTBOOK - tjaglcs.army.mil
1. AR 165-1, Army Chaplain Corps Activities 2. FM 1-05, Religious Support 3. JP 1-05, Religious Affairs in Joint Operations 4. ATP 1-05 Series 5. ADP 1, The Army 6. ADP 3-0, Unified Land Operations 7. ADP 5-0, The Operations Process 8. ADP 6-0, Mission Command 9. AR 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia 10. AR 623-3 ...
Information Management Army Information Technology
AR 25–1 Army Information Technology This major revision, dated 25 June 2013-- ... authority, in writing, to a division chief within the proponent agency or its direct reporting unit or field operating agency, in the grade of colonel or the civilian equiv-alent. Activities may request a waiver to
MP BOLC Guide Draft 4 - U.S. Army Garrisons
25 29 3 *Weekly schedule varies by class. ... and US Army writing based on doctrine from FM 7–0, Training Units and Developing Leaders and AR 25–50, Preparing and Managing Correspondence. Students also take the supply management exam. Assist. Protect. Defend.
United Nations Command United Nations Command Unit …
Aug 20, 2018 · d. The SCJS Administrative Division will return documents that do not meet the basic writing and formatting guidelines of AR 25-50 for correction. However, staff sections can coordinate with SCJS Admin to make minor corrections to UNCLASSIFIED documents but must provide an electronic version of the document to SCJS Admin.
Creating a Digitized Signature for Signing Letters Using …
AR 25–50 directs that digital signatures (CAC) will not be used on letters (para 3 –6c(2)(b)); however, electronic signatures that are not secured via DoD Common Access Card, such as digitized signatures (for example, a digital image of a handwritten signature) may be used on letters (para 1– 17).
Authorized Abbreviations, Brevity Codes, and Acronyms
to the policy proponent. Refer AR 25–30 for specific guidance. Army internal control process. This r e g u l a t i o n c o n t a i n s m a n a g e m e n t c o n t r o l provisions in accordance with AR 11–2, but it does not identify key management controls that must be evaluated. S u p p l e m e n t a t i o n . S u p p l e m e n t a t i o n o f
Army Regulation 25–30
AR 25–30 • 14 June 2021. i . Contents (Listed by chapter and page number) Chapter 1 Introduction, page 1. Chapter 2 Army Publications, page 11. Chapter 3 Forms, page 22. Chapter 4 Army Publication Types, page 25. Chapter 5 Printing and Distribution, page 33. Chapter 6 Secretary of the Army Awards for Improving Publications and Publishing ...
Introduction to Tactical Leadership Effective Army …
Army Regulation (AR) 25-50 . The University of Akron Army ROTC The 42nd Ohio Volunteer Battalion Spring Semester, 2014 ... Also, be sure to skim AR 25-50 and Action Officer-Staff Writing. Army Regulation (AR) 25-50: Preparing and Managing Correspondence
PUBLICATIONS AND FORMS MANAGEMENT - United States …
USACC Regulation 25-35 • 1 February 2020 i . Department of the Army USACC Regulation 25-35 . Headquarters, U.S. Army Cadet Command . 1. st Cavalry Regiment Road . Fort Knox, Kentucky 40121-5123 . Effective 1 February 2020. Information Management . PUBLICATIONS AND FORMS MANAGEMENT . FOR THE COMMANDER: JOHN R. EVANS, JR. Major General, U.S ...
Pre Class Readings NOTE: Table of Contents - James Madison …
Read AR 25-50, Preparing and Managing Correspondence, 17 May 2013, Ch 1 and 2 Read TRADOC Action Officer Staff Writing; pp 11-1 to 11-17 ... The DCS, G–3/5/7 will incorporate effective Army writing into training courses and fund any special requirements. c. Headquarters, Department of the Army principal officials and commanders or heads of ...
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY *POM Pamphlet 25-59
AR 25-50, Preparing and Managing Correspondence, 10 November 2020 . AR 25-51, Official Mail and Distribution Management, 20 March 2020 . AR 25-400-2, The Army Records Information Management System (ARIMS), 2 Oct 07 . DA Pam 25-403, Guide to Recordkeeping in the Army, 11 Aug 08 . POM Pamphlet 25-59 . 5.
WRITING AND SPEAKING SKILLS FOR ARMY LEADERS - U.S.
Effective Army writing transmits a clear message in rapid readinga single and is generally free of , errors in grammar, mechanics, and usage. Good Army writing is concise, organized, and right to the ... Army Regulation 25-50 requires that writers incorporate the following principles into their communications– VOCABULARY, AND IMAGES. Figure 1 ...
HEADLINES NUMERALS PROPER UNIT NAMES STATE …
NOTE: Styles are taken from the 2017 AP Stylebook and Defense Imagery Style Guide, along with established Army Public Affairs style AR 360-1.When not mentioned, adhere to the AP Stylebook. If AP ...
*Army Regulation 1 19 Department of the Army 27 March 2024
Refer to AR 25 – ... AR 1 – 19. Secretary of the Army Delegations of Authority This major revision, dated 27 March 2024— • Changes the series number from 10 (Organization and Functions) to 1 (Administration) (title page). ... If allowable and the decision is to do so, delegate in writing to a subordinate within Army, the author-
HIP-POCKET GUIDE A U.S. ARMY LOGISTICS, G-4 PRODUCT …
Review of AR 25-50 PAO Talking Points, Rehearsals, AARs What to do after command; Promoting character development in your unit Ethical Climate, Decision-Making Military Professionalism Effective Writing Media Engagements Culture of the BCT and how to succeed; Importance of being physically fit Mission Command Establish mutual trust
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HEADQUARTERS, UNITED …
Army Regulation 25-50, Preparing and Managing Correspondence, 10 Oct 20. 7. For additional information, contact the Director, USARC, G-35, at (910) 570-9169 or ... Staff (ACS). Guidance and policies for real estate, installation support agreements, and other agreements outlined in AR 405-80 remain in effect. Partnerships Force Modernization ...
Army Command Policy
*This regulation supersedes AR 600-20, dated 6 November 2014; DA Pam 600-26, dated 23 May 1990. The following Army Directives rescind upon publication of this regulation; AD 2011-19, dated 3 October 2011; AD 2013-17, dated 22 July 2013; AD …
United States Army
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Army Regulation 1–201 - Army Inspector General
*This regulation supersedes AR 1–201, dated 25 February 2015. AD 2023–15, dated 22 September 2023, is rescinded upon publication of this AR. ... 1 and governed by the 50–series and other Army standards. ... that are consistent with controlling law and regulations. The proponent may delegate this approval authority, in writing, to a ...
The Army Library Program
Army Resources and Programs Agency, agement Office (AARP – ZA), 9301 Chapek Road, Building 1458, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 – 5527. Further, if it is determined that an established “group” identified within this regulation, later takes on the characteristics of a committee, as found in AR 15 – 1, then the proponent will follow all AR 15
US ARMY SERGEANTS MAJOR ACADEMY FORT BLISS, TEXAS
25 NO : YES (minus 5 ... According to AR 600-70, the stan dard for Army writing is writing you can understand in a single rapid reading, and is generally free of errors in grammar, mechanics. and usage. b. Good Army writing is clear. concise, organized, and right to the point. Chapter 2
Preparing and Managing Correspondence - Maine
*This regulation supersedes AR 25-50, dated 17 May 2013. AR 25–50 • 10 October 2020 UNCLASSIFIED i Headquarters Department of the Army Washington, DC *Army Regulation 25–50 10 October 2020 Effective 10 November 2020 Information Management : Records Management Preparing and Managing Correspondence History. sion (AAHS
Information Management Army Information Technology
Jul 15, 2019 · – A ” (the Army’s portion of the Department of Defense Information Network) (throughout). o Relocates previous detailed governance and network implementation guidance, processes, and procedures from AR 25 – 1 to the supporting DA Pam 25 – 1 – 1 and other Army regulations and pamphlets (throughout).
Training Army Training and Leader Development - United …
o Supersedes Army Directive 2017–13, Department of the Army Senior Enterprise Talent Management Program and ... thority, in writing, to a division chief within the proponent agency or its direct reporting unit or field operating agency, in the rank of ... Refer to AR 25 –30 for specific guidance. Army internal control process. This
TRADOC Regulation 1-8 - United States Army Training and …
The proponent may delegate this approval authority in writing to a division chief with the ... and identifies key management controls that must be evaluated in accordance with Army Regulation (AR) 11-2 (Manager's Internal Control Program). ... to be reported are defined in AR 25-2, para 4-21. (10) PII breaches. ...
This page intentionally blank. - Army University Press
The central idea of this guide is that writing is a process, not a product. 0F 1 We avoid distinguishing academic writing from professional writing. Although the products are different, the process is the same. Once writers understand the process, they can use it to produce whatever product circumstances demand. 1F
Department of the Army *TRADOC Regulation 1-11 …
Army Regulation (AR) 25-50 is the Army guide for preparing and managing Army correspondence. It is available in portable document format on the Army Publishing
MCCC-RC Writing Rubric (May 2024) - United States Army
May 8, 2024 · BLOCK TITLE: Army Profession . ASSIGNMENT: Information Paper Requirement: Write a two-page information paper as defined by the Army standard is “understoodby the reader in a single, rapid reading and is free of errors in substance, organization, style, and correctness in accordance with ST 22-2 and AR 25-50. Use the attached format.
Pre Class Readings NOTE: Table of Contents - James Madison …
Read AR 25-50, Preparing and Managing Correspondence, 17 May 2013, Ch 1 and 2 Read TRADOC Action Officer Staff Writing; pp 11-1 to 11-17 ... The DCS, G–3/5/7 will incorporate effective Army writing into training courses and fund any special requirements. c. Headquarters, Department of the Army principal officials and commanders or heads of ...
Version 5 06112020 Smart Book 2020 - National Guard
3099. (See AR 25-50 and AR 25-51 for use of office symbols in mailing addresses.) b. The complete office symbol will be used for the following: (1) All correspondence for mailing. (2) On all official forms when an office symbol is required for identification. (3) All facsimile and electronically transmitted messages.
PROFESSIONAL WRITING - Army University
Professional Writing: The Command and General Staff College Writing Guide. Fort Leavenworth, KS: US Army Command and General Staff College, 2023. If you have an idea to improve this guide, please let us know: US Army Command and General Staff College Attn: Communications Skills Working Group
PUBLICATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT …
ENG FORM 6077, JAN 2020. Page 1 of 2. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers . PUBLICATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST . For use of this form, see Engineer Regulation (ER) 25-30-1; the proponent agency is CECI-PID-IS.
Ar 25 50 Army Writing (Download Only) - netsec.csuci.edu
you with the knowledge and skills to excel in Army writing. Understanding AR 25-50: The Foundation of Army Writing AR 25-50, Preparing and Managing Correspondence, is the bedrock of effective communication within the United States Army. It outlines the standards, procedures, and best practices for creating all forms of official Army correspondence.
Army Regulation Ar 25 50 (Download Only) - archive.ncarb.org
Army Regulation Ar 25 50 Book Concept: The Writer's Guide to AR 25-50: Mastering Military ... intertwining excerpts from AR 25-50 with practical writing exercises and examples demonstrating how the regulation's principles—such as proper formatting, clear subject lines (analogous to narrative hooks), and logical ...