and exempted addressees. Plain language address
is the pharse used to denote the format and
ordinary language spelling of command short
titles and geographical locations used in message
addresses. The NTP 3 SUPP-1(K) and the United
States Military Communications Electronic Board
(USMCEB) publication list the authorized plain
language addresses for naval messages.
The FROM, TO, INFO lines of a naval
message contain plain language addresses.
Messages must have only one originator address
but may have unlimited action and information
addressees.
Some messages may be addressed to activities
listed under collective address designators (CADs)
or address indicating groups (AIGs). Only
authorized activities may originate these multiple-
address messages. However, personnel responsible
for determining whether action is required on
incoming message must know which CADs and
AIGs include their command.
Collective Address Designator. —Collective
address designators are single-address, alphabeti-
cally sorted, common-interest groups. Each CAD
represents a predetermined set of activities linked
by an operational or administrative chain of
command. Some examples of CADs are NAV-
FOREUR, NAVFORJAPAN, and CRUDES-
FORSEVENTHFLT.
Address Indicating Group. —Address indi-
cating groups represent predetermined lists of
specific and frequently recurring combinations of
action and information addressees or both. AIGs
are identifed by numbers that expedite message
processing in both administrative and tele-
communications channels and may pertain to the
following:
Alerts, air defense warnings, and
operational or emergency actions
Severe weather or destructive storm
warnings
Logistical transactions or reports
Movement reports
TEXT COMPONENTS. —The text com-
ponents of a message consist of the classification
line, passing instructions line, subject line,
reference line, and the basic text or message.
Classification line. —The classification line of
the security classification and the standard subject
identification code (SSIC). When applicable, the
line also includes special-handling markings. The
security classification or the designation
UNCLAS, for unclassified information, must
appear on all messages.
Certain types of messages require special-
handling in addition to that provided by the
security classification. Markings that indicate
special-handling requirements (for example,
SPECAT, LIMDIS, PERSONAL FOR) are
placed in the classification line immediately
following the security classification. NTP 3(H)
contains specific instructions concerning special-
handling markings.
The standard subject identification code is the
last element of the classification line. It is required
on all Navy-orginated messages, except as noted
in NTP 3(H). The SSIC is used as one method
for the determination of internal message
distribution. Be careful to select the SSIC that
most completely and accurately corresponds to
the message subject matter.
Passing Instructions Line. —Passing instruc-
tions, when applicable, are located on the line
below the classification line. Passing instructions
consist of office codes, symbols, or names.
However, passing instructions may be used on
naval messages only as authorized by NTP
3(H).
Subject Line. —The subject line begins on
the line following the classification line or the
passing instruction line when it is used. Message
subject lines indicate to the reader the basic
contents of the messages text. You may omit the
subject line for tactical messages when the
following occurs:
1.
2.
3.
It will cause otherwise unclassified message
to be classified.
It will noticeably increase the length of a
short message.
The subject is readily apparent in the first
line of the text.
Reference Line. —Reference lines are used as
alternatives to the repeating of lengthy references
within the text of the message. You may use any
identifiable document, all messages, and
telephone conversations in a message as long as
the reference line is clear and specific. Letter each
reference consecutively.
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