NCO Primary Leadership Subjects
Army Writing Standards, Continued
The Army writing style has the following advantages:
Advantages
Saves writing and reading time (the primary advantage).
Highlights important information by putting the main point up front.
Decreases information overload.
Reduces writers' anxiety and allows them to be themselves.
Sets a clear standard.
AR 25-50 contains rules for constructing Army correspondence to improve the
AR 25-50
effectiveness of Army writing. These rules are similar to those used by the other
guidance
services and by business communication textbooks.
This table shows the ten rules.
Number
Rule
Element Incorporated
1
Put the main point up front.
Structure
2
Write in the active voice.
Style
3
Use short words.
Style
4
Keep sentences short.
Style
5
Write short pararaphs.
Structure
6
Avoid jargon.
Style
7
Use correct spelling, grammar, and
Accuracy
8
Use personal pronouns.
Style
9
Use one page for most correspondence.
Structure
10
Avoid sentences that begin with "It is,"
Style
"There is;" or "There are."
3-8
Writing Mechanics and Composition
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