How to Write a Military Report

Writing a military report is much the same as writing a report in the civilian sector. While the format of a military report may be different, the general information-gathering and writing process is similar. Military reports may be more technical and written at a higher reading level, but the purpose of a military report is to disseminate information, just as in a civilian report.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pen or pencil
• Computer with word processing software
• Source material

Instructions

1. Determine your audience. Will your report be read by officers or enlisted members? Are you writing the report for individuals who are familiar with the subject matter, or will you need to write for those with a limited understanding of your topic? By writing with your audience in mind, you will keep your readers engaged in your report.

2. Gather the information for your report. It is best to have all of the necessary information before starting the report writing process. You may also wish to make a list or outline of the sources and documentation that you will use in your report, to help organize the information.

3. Determine what format you will use for your report. There are several different report formats for military reports. You may wish to write a "White Paper," a "Seven-Point Memorandum," a traditional Position Paper or a bullet-style list. You may wish to clarify this with your supervisor, or the individual or office requesting the report.

4. Draft your report. During the drafting process, you may wish to simply write down ideas as they flow, and clean your work up later. Ensure that you include all of the requested information.

5. Proofread your report and submit it to the requestor. You may wish to wait several hours or an entire day after drafting your report before you proofread it. It is also helpful to have a friend or colleague look over your report to find any errors that you might have missed.

Tips & Warnings

• The best resource for formatting information for military reports and other military documents is the "Tongue and Quill," or Air Force Handbook (AFH) 33-337. This handbook can be found online, and while Air Force-specific, applies to all branches of the military.

References

• AFH 33-337 "Tongue and Quill"