GUIDELINES TO NRDC feb 24 2014

Standards and Rules, ContinuedExampleAdhering to standards improves writing:OriginalThis responds to your request for adetermination of eligibility to receiveparachute duty pay during the period28 Aug 2013 to 15 Jan 2014.AR XXX-XX specifically states that"students undergoing training abovethe entry level while undergoing suchtraining are entitled to pay asappropriate."Since the course in question is aboveentry level, you are entitled toparachute duty pay during the periodyou were undergoing training.A copy of this letter and ordersassigning you to the training coursesshould be submitted to your PersonnelAdministration Office (G-1) forpreparation of forms.Revised to standardTraining you participated in from28 Aug 2013 to 15 Jan 2014 entitlesyou to parachute duty pay.To get paid, take these steps:x Go to your PersonnelAdministration Center to apply forpay.x Take copies of this letter andtraining orders with you.Before andafterApplicationHere's what was done to improve the original document:BeforeAfterMain point buried in middle of text. Main point stated in beginning.Wordy and pompous.Minimum words to get point across.Written in passive voice.Written in active voice.Apply Army writing standards to all formats:Standard formats: The standard formats for official correspondenceare :x Informal memorandums (no official letterhead).x Formal memorandums (official letterhead).x Endorsements.x Letters.Nonstandard formats include fact sheets, information papers, decision papers,and other documents used to shape and convey information. For moreinformation, see Appendix C, Writing Formats.NRDC GRC – Staff Handbook 7-4