the makeup of the classification entry can be found in
NTP-3 and local operating procedures.
Subject Line
Type the word SUBJ under the classification line
and follow it with the plain language subject of the
message.
Text
The text of a naval message is prepared following
standard paragraphing procedures. Message paragraphs
are numbered, except for short one-paragraph messages
or formatted messages. If the message is classified, it is
marked with the proper paragraph and downgrading
markings.
The punctuation marks that may be used within the
text are as follows:
Hyphen ( - )
Question mark ( ? )
Colon ( : )
Dollar sign ( $ )
Apostrophe ( ‘ )
Ampersand ( & )
Parentheses ( )
Period ( . )
Comma ( , )
slant ( / )
Quotation mark (“)
Punctuation marks that may not be used are as
follows:
Number symbol ( # )
“At” sign ( @ )
Percent ( % )
Fractions (1/2, 1/4)
Asterisk ( * )
Underscore ( _ )
Cent sign ( ¢ )
Distribution, Drafter Release Blocks
These blocks are filled in on the first page only.
Local procedures determine block comments.
Security Classification Block
The unabbreviated security classification is typed in
this block.
Since the message form is read by computer, each
entry must be placed in a predetermined position on the
paper. NTP-3 and local procedures define the margin
and tab settings you will use in message preparation.
UNIT SITREP
A sailor is lost at sea. . . two jets collide while
taxiing on an aircraft carrier’s flight deck . . . an
accident aboard a naval station results in the loss of
hundreds of dollars worth of equipment...these are some
of the incidents that warrant the preparation of a unit
situation report (SITREP).
A unit SITREP is a message transmitted by any unit
CO, officer in charge, or other commander to notify
appropriate operational commanders and seniors in the
chain of command of a significant event or incident.
Generally, the unit SITREP is used when an incident
does not meet the criteria of the Operational Report
(OPREP) 3 reporting system. An OPREP 3 is a higher
level reporting system used to inform senior authority
that an incident of national or high U.S. Navy interest
has occurred.
Unit SITREPS are most often written by the
operations department of a ship or shore command.
However, there are times when a senior journalist is
asked to assist in the writing of a unit SITREP.
A unit SITREP is transmitted within 20 minutes of
knowledge of an event or incident under the following
conditions:
l
l
l
When directed
When considered appropriate by the reporting
activity
When bomb threats have been evaluated as a
hoax
Included in a unit SITREP is a brief account of the
event being reported. Basic rules of journalism apply to
the formulation of a SITREP. Use clear, concise
statements that answer the following questions:
. What happened?
l Who was involved?
l Where did it happen?
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