The following items should be accomplished before turning in any technical report
for review/grading.
Item
Title Page
If photographs were used are they credited.
Abstract
Authors listed in order of who made the most signification
contribution. Use rank and full name with initial
Dr. John V. Farr
LTC Gregory L. Boylan
If you use acronyms spell them out – this must be a standalone
document. Must also spell out the first time you use them in a report
Appropriate distribution statement –see
http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/submit/guidance/distribstatement.html
Table of Contents
Agrees with text – double check capitalization
Consistent with the usage of capital letters
Correct font size and type – no mismatches
Consistent and sequential numbers 4-1, 4-1. or 4.1 must be consistent!
Appendices use letters such as A-1
Double check page numbers
List figures, tables, and appendices in there own sections
Preface
Clear titles and names of all involved
Acknowledge all involved to include funding agencies
Acronym List
Double check with report
Consistent format with regards to capital letters
Main Report
Correct chapter, section, subsection, etc., numbering and font size
Numbering matches figures and tables
Always introduce a figure or table with text then include the
figure/table. Never include a figure/table with writing something
about its purpose/content.
In general, figure titles go after the figure and table titles go before the
table; ensure they are numbered sequential and align with chapter
numbers. Double check with table of contents and watch capitalization
Figure 4-1. Process map for GAC treatment
Double check entire report with regards to correct acronyms
Introduce the first time and not needed again
References – consistent format. For technical reports use Farr (2012)
with Chicago format
When space is a concern it is often desirable to use [1] in sequential
order
Check page numbers – section breaks often cause the page numbers to
start over
Typically major sections of a report (Preface, Table of Contents,
Abstract, Chapters, References, and Appendices) always start on the
right or odd pages when complied in the final format. Thus, when you
print the report it is not on the back of a double-sided page. If a blank
page is needed to accomplish this then the following words should be
Initials of
Reviewer
Date
centered on the blank page.
This Page Was Intentionally Left Blank
Miscellaneous
Always compile the entire report into a pdf file, review, and then print.
Never print a report form a .doc file. Different computers and printers
will produce results different than the page layout format
Make sure you can read all figures … if you cannot read it then do not
use it
Be careful with color pictures. Make sure they are readable when
copied in black and white