GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR
STANDARD MEMO PREPARATION
Date
MEMORANDUM FOR __________________________, U.S. PACIFIC COMMAND
(ATTN: USE TITLE OR NAME)
THROUGH: _______ (e.g., CHIEF OS STAFF), U.S. PACIFIC COMMAND
SUBJECT: Standard Memo Format for Routine Correspondence Within DoD and Federal
Agencies -- Use Upper and Lower Case
Reference: (a) DoD 5110-M, DoD Manual for Written Correspondence, 2 Mar 04
1. DATE: DD Month YYYY –Use long date.
2. ADDRESS LINE: Addressees title and office. Multiple addressees type “MEMORANDUM
FOR: SEE DISTRIBUTION” if more than 14 addressees. Type “DISTRIBUTION:” two lines
below signature block, aligned to the left. Place entire distribution on a separate page if there is
not enough room on first page.
3. MARGINS: Top- 1.7 inches, Bottom, Left/Right – 1 inch. FONT: TNR, 13 point. Submit
to bridge on plain bond paper.
4. PARAGRAPHS: Single space paragraphs and double space between them. Number main
paragraphs. Indent subparagraphs an additional half-inch and identify them with bullets,
numbers, or lowercase letters. Double space between subparagraphs.
5. PAGE NUMBERING: Number pages at bottom centered after the first page.
6. ATTACHMENTS: Normally attachments are identified in the text of the memo. When
identified in text, Type “Attachments(s):” aligned with left margin, double space below last line
of signature block and “As stated” at the left margin on the line below. When not all the
attachments are identified, type “Attachments(s):” Number list one line below the other in the
order they appear in the text.
7. COPY TO: To show that you are sending the correspondence to people other than the
addressee, “Copy to” aligned with left margin, double space below the signature block or any
other notation. May list in alphabetical order rather that protocol rank order.
SIGNATURE BLOCK IN CAPS
Duty Title
Indent a run-over line two spaces
Attachments
As stated
Copy to:
Chief of Staff