AR 25-50 — Preparing And Managing Correspondence
AR 25-50 governs Department of the Army policies, procedures, and standard formats for preparing and processing Army correspondence.
- Publication number: AR 25-50
- Title: PREPARING AND MANAGING CORRESPONDENCE
- Date: 10/10/2020
- Proponent: CIO
- Status: ACTIVE
View AR 25-50 on armypubs.army.mil
It covers communication methods, routing, writing quality, memorandums, letters, mail, signatures, digital signatures, enclosures, and classified correspondence. It requires clear, concise, well-organized writing and establishes formats for official correspondence.
Topics covered
- Communication methods
- Correspondence routing
- Army writing standards
- Memorandum formats
- Letter formats
- Digital signatures
- Classified correspondence
- Signature blocks
Questions and answers
When should a memorandum for record be used?
Use a memorandum for record (MFR) to document any decisions or agreements reached during voice communications (see para 27 for the proper use of an MFR). (paragraph 1-8)
When should the memorandum format not be used?
Do not use the memorandum format when corresponding with the Families of military personnel or private businesses (see para 22 for the proper use of the memorandum). (paragraph 1-8)
When should a letter be used for correspondence?
Use the letter for correspondence addressed to the President or Vice President of the United States, members of the White House staff, Members of Congress, Justices of the Supreme Court, heads of departments and agencies, State Governors, mayors, foreign government officials, and the public. (paragraph 1-8)
When can routine correspondence bypass intermediate headquarters?
Routine correspondence may bypass intermediate headquarters when (1) It is apparent the intermediate headquarters is not concerned. (2) No action is required. (3) No controls need to be exercised. (paragraph 1-10)
What writing standards apply to Army correspondence?
In accordance with Plain Writing Act of 2010, Public Law (PL) No. 111274, DA writing will be clear, concise, and well-organized. (paragraph 1-11)