is signed. An operational plan already issued that contains appropriate tasking may be executed as an order with changes as necessary. In such cases, issuing a separate operation order is not required. OPERATIONAL MESSAGES Operational  messages  convey  operational instructions in a standardized format. The Navy most commonly uses the following types of operational messages: • Formatted  general  operational  (OPGEN)- OPGEN messages convey general matters of policy,  general  instructions,  and  general information about aspects common to all forms of warfare. They also contain detailed instructions about the warfare responsibilities of the officer in tactical command (OTC). • Operational   task   (OPTASK)–OPTASK messages convey detailed information about specific aspects of individual areas of warfare and about tasking of resources. • Operational  statistics  (OPSTAT)–OPSTAT messages  convey  information  about  the operational  status  of  commands  and  other pertinent information. WARNING ORDER A warning order is a preliminary notice of action that will follow. It alerts subordinate commands to impending operations so that they will have time to plan and prepare for the action and other pertinent information. LETTER OF INSTRUCTION A letter of instruction (LOI) provides planning guidance to major commanders of forces taking part in an impending operation. Normally an LOI states the concept, mission, command relationships, and areas of operation. It may also give general policy guidance of an operational nature when a formal OPLAN or OPORD is not required. NAVAL MESSAGES In this section of the chapter, we will briefly discuss those aspects of telecommunications involving senior and master chiefs as message drafters and releasers. Your specific responsibilities concerning messages depend on your involvement with each message. Detailed procedures for drafting and preparing telecommunications, or naval messages, are contained in the Telecommunication Users Manual, NTP 3(H). NTP 3(H) provides guidance concerning overall message content, instructions for preparation, and example messages. Following the instruction contained in NTP 3(H) is mandatory. USER RESPONSIBILITIES The  user  of  a  naval  message  is  any  person authorized to draft, release, or process electronically transmitted messages. NTP 3(H) provides guidance and procedures for users of the naval telecommunications system (NTS). Users are responsible for referring to Joint Army, Navy, and Air Force Publications (JANAPs) and Allied communications publications (ACPs) for additional or amplifying information not contained in NTP 3(H). ORIGINATOR RESPONSIBILITIES The originator of a message is the authority (command or activity) in whose name a message is sent. The originator is responsible for the functions of the message drafter and releaser. You may be responsible for drafting and releasing messages, especially if you are assigned as the chief petty officer in charge of a unit, an organization, or a detachment. DRAFTER RESPONSIBILITIES The drafter composes the message and must have a detailed  knowledge  and  understanding  of  the procedures contained in NTP 3(H). The drafter is responsible for the following actions: • • • • • 8-8 Composing clear and concise text Applying proper security classification, special handling, and declassification markings Selecting the appropriate precedence Coordinating message staffing Ensuring the message is correctly formatted and error-free