PAM 25-53 — Official Mail And Distribution Procedures
PAM 25-53 governs the Department of the Army's Official Mail and Distribution Management Program and its administration.
- Publication number: PAM 25-53
- Title: OFFICIAL MAIL AND DISTRIBUTION PROCEDURES
- Date: 12/04/2025
- Proponent: G-1
- Status: ACTIVE
View PAM 25-53 on armypubs.army.mil
PAM 25-53 covers official and personal mail, military post offices, postage, mail preparation, distribution operations, and security. It requires compliance with postal statutes, controls on appropriated fund postage, and procedures for mail processing and recovery planning.
Applies to: This pamphlet complies with Part 102 192, Title 41, Code of Federal Regulations (41 CFR 102 192), and establishes the procedures for all elements of the Department of the Army (DA) to administer the Official Mail and Distribution Management Program (OMDMP).
Topics covered
- Official mail resources
- Mail preparation
- Appropriated fund postage
- Military post offices
- Diplomatic pouch mail
- Mail distribution
- Mail center security
- Business recovery plans
Questions and answers
When does official matter become official mail?
Official matter becomes official mail when it is postmarked by a distribution center or is placed under USPS control, whichever occurs first. (paragraph 4-4)
What is personal mail under PAM 25-53?
Personal mail is any correspondence that does not pertain solely to the business of the U.S. Government. (paragraph 2-2)
What does PAM 25-53 require for Private Express Statutes compliance?
The U.S. Army will comply with all provisions of the Private Express Statutes. (paragraph 3)
When may official mail be searched or seized?
USPS inspection, search procedures, and postal laws apply to official mail only while it is mail. (paragraph 2-5)
What penalties can result from violating the Private Express Statutes?
Violation of the Private Express Statutes may subject the offender to administrative sanctions, action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), or penalties under other Federal law. (paragraph 2-6)