Re: *Best* On-line Military...[long]

[Joe Sokohl <jsokohl -at- CAMPBELLSOFT -dot- COM>]

     Though I know the implementation of policy many times doesn't reflect the
     policy's intent, since the early '80s the U.S. military has instituted
     policies of effective writing.

     Here are a couple of sources:

     * TRADOC Regulation 25-30 -- Great well-written regulation about how to
     write training materials.
     http://www-tradoc.monroe.army.mil/tpubs/regs/r25-30a.htm

     EXCERPT:
        (h) Choose words carefully. To communicate
     effectively, use simple, direct words. For example, staff
     car is almost always better than administrative vehicle
     and M16 better than individual weapon....

            (i) Use personal pronouns whenever possible.
     When writing to a specific audience, as in a trainer's
     guide, use the second person pronoun you....
           ...
            (k) Be clear. Avoid sentences like the follow-
     ing which, even when reread, may not be clear:

        The fewer the number of weak links and the less the
        weakness of any one link, the longer is a unit able to
        function usefully (with, at least, some effectiveness).

        Knowledge of support-level partial and complete
        operations by using units expedites setting up the
        facility and enables more effective decontamination
        of personnel and equipment.

     * TRADOC Pamphlet 25-70 -- Homepages and Websites
     http://www.monroe.army.mil/tpubs/pams/p25-70.htm

     joe
     Joe Sokohl
     Manager of Documentation
     Campbell Software, Inc.
     http://www.campbellsoft.com
     "It ain't the end of the world
     It's just the wreck of the Barbie Ferrari."
     _______John Hiatt

     The opinions expressed in this mail are mine.
     They don't necessarily represent Campbell Software or any of its
     affiliates.

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