text: Chapter 2
  How to Use This Publication
  MANUAL ORGANIZATION
  2-1. Appendix A contains sample message formats listed alphabetically. The body of each message format
  is preceded by the report’s title and associated acronym (for example, explosive ordnance disposal support
  [EODSPT]), report number, and a paragraph of general instructions.
  REPORT FORMATS NUMBERING SYSTEM
  2-2. Each message format has a report number. Report numbers begin with the first letter of the report name
  followed by a three digit number. Messages with a USMTF number indicate the report was derived from a
  USMTF message. For brevity and ease of voice transmission reports, do not mirror the associated USMTF
  messages. Verify the structure and information content of the report before transferring information into a
  digital format. To maintain standardization across the U.S. Army, do not change report and message format
  numbers.
  GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
  2-3. Instructions briefly describe the report format’s use. When a message is sent at a precedence higher
  than ROUTINE, notate it. Message precedence is indicated in uppercase letters. To enhance the message
  sender’s understanding of message format, each format includes a table listing acronyms and abbreviations.
  LINE NUMBER AND NAME
  2-4. Each format lists—by line number, line name, and a description of the type of information—the
  information the report format transmits. Perform the following when transmitting information:
  (cid:122) Transmit the line number when sending voice messages. Do not transmit the line name unless the
  name itself is necessary information. For example, line 3 of an acknowledge message is the
  message type and is transmitted. Lines 2 and 3 of an acknowledge message would sound like this
  when sent by voice: “line 2, 2 39 FA; line 3, acknowledge.”
  (cid:122) When standard information is associated with a line, place it in the right column of the format in
  uppercase letters. For example, the standard entries for line 6 of an acknowledge message are
  ACKNOWLEDGE and WILCO.
  (cid:122) When a line requires detailed instructions, two asterisks precede the instructions (**).
  (cid:122) When transmitting information on one line makes the following line redundant, the word “(OR)”
  is placed between the lines. Do not transmit redundant lines.
  (cid:122) Most formats include lines requiring the types of information described below. Follow the
  instructions below when preparing messages requiring transmission of this information.