CHAPTER 3: INSTRUCTIONS
SECNAV M-5215.1 29 Sep 20
3-1 CHAPTER 3: INSTRUCTIONS
1. General. An instruction is a type of directive that is prepared in naval letter format and establishes policy or orders specific action. It remains in effect until canceled by the originator or by higher authority. Table 1 provides guidance for format and content of an instruction. Exhibits 1 and 2 provide examples of unclassified instructions and Exhibits 3 and 4 provide examples for classified instructions.
2. Appearance
a. Stationery. Use standard (8 1/2” x 11”) size paper for both directives and enclosures. Final, signed directive will be formatted with letterhead before signature.
b. Format. Follow the guidance in Table 1 of this manual for details on fonts, margins, page numbering, paragraphs, etc.
c. Capitalization
(1) Do not capitalize the words “instruction,” “notice,” “change transmittal,” “manual,” or “directive,” when used in the body of a communication except when used as part of the identification of a specific directive, such as SECNAV INSTRUCTION 5215.1F.
(2) Commanding officer, officer in charge, command master chief, and ranks and/or rates, e.g., captain, commander, chief petty officer, etc., shall be lower-cased unless being used with an official title or name, e.g., Commanding Officer, Naval Station, Somewhere, or Commander Jones or Petty Officer Smith. The words Sailor and Marine will be capitalized.
3. Preparation of Instructions. The elements of an instruction, both as to content and format, generally in the order that they appear, are contained in Table 1, Preparation of Directives. Unless otherwise indicated, each procedure applies to instructions and notices.
SECNAV M-5215.1 29 Sep 20
3-2 a. Revisions or Reissuances. Revisions or reissuances of instructions, use the next available alphabetical suffix. Do not use “I” and “O” (can be construed as the number one (“1”) and zero (“0”), respectively); instead, skip them and use “J” and “P.” After “Z”, the instruction must receive a new consecutive point number. The new point number can only be assigned by DON/AA DRMD.
b. Point Number. Consecutive point numbers for new instructions are assigned only by the DON/AA DRMD as the directives control point for all SECANAV directives. For records management purposes, consecutive point numbers can never be reused, even if previously canceled.
4. Classified Instructions. Instructions may be classified SECRET or CONFIDENTIAL. TOP SECRET and Communication Security (COMSEC) material cannot be issued by SECNAV directive. Reference (f) contains specific guidance for the issuance of classified information, and it is essential that the sponsor comply with that instruction.