The short form readdressal is always unclassified.
However, it must state the classification of the
readdressed message.
Messages over 60 days old are routinely deleted
from the message center files. If the original message
to be readdressed is more than 60 days old, use the long
form. Enter the from, to, and information addressees in
the fields provided. Unlike the short form, you retype
the entire message. Classify the long form the same as
the original message.
When a sectionalized message is readdressed, each
section of the message must be readdressed separately.
The headerlines and addressees must be the same on
each readdressal. The PSN must match that of the
section being readdressed, but the respective section
number is omitted. Each section of the readdressed
message should have the same date-time group.
The precedence of the readdressal message maybe
lower, the same as, or of a higher precedence than the
original message when deemed operationally
imperative by the readdressal authority.
General formatting instructions and preparation
guidance are available in NTP 3. Message readdressal
procedures may vary slightly at different TCCs. The
required procedure may be verified through the local
TCC.
MINIMIZE MESSAGES
Military telecommunications systems tend to
become overloaded during an emergency. Naturally, it
becomes necessary to reduce unnecessary traffic
volume to clear user circuits for essential traffic. This
reduction in traffic is accomplished by use (usually by
message) of the word MINIMIZE. Minimize means
It is now mandatory that normal message and
telephone traffic be reduced drastically so that vital
messages connected with the situation indicated will
not be delayed.
A message ordering minimize consists of the word
MINIMIZEt followed by the area affected (scope),
reason, and duration of the minimize condition (when
known). Minimize messages must be brought to the
immediate attention of the leading communications
petty officer (LPO) and the communications officer.
The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), fleet
commanders in chief, and area coordinators are
authorized to impose minimize conditions on users of
naval communications systems. Subordinate
commanders may impose minimize over elements of
their commands only with prior permission from one of
the three authorities just mentioned.
During minimize conditions, FLASH and
IMMEDIATE traffic should be restricted to a maximum
of 100 and 200 words, respectively. Message releasers
are also kept to a minimum and must be specifically
designated in writing. We briefly discuss additional
minimize guidelines later in this chapter. NWP 4
(NWP 6-01) contains information pertaining to the
types of normal, environmental, and supply traffic that
may be sent over normal channels and circuits during
minimize.
SERVICE MESSAGES
Service messages are short, concise messages
between communications personnel. These messages
have the authority of an official communication and
must receive prompt attention. If the action requested
in a service message cannot be accomplished within a
reasonable time, the station originating the service
message should be notified. Service messages are
normally assigned a precedence equal to the message
being serviced.
Service messages deal with many topics. You will
find that most deal with corrections, repetitions,
broadcast reruns, and misrouted or missent messages.
You must remember that a service message should be
promptly dealt with and retained until all actions
concerning it have been completed. Once action is
complete, it is good practice to attach a copy of the
service message to the serviced message when it is filed,
or mark it with the DTG of the service(s).
Requests for information through service messages
should be as brief, concise, and accurate as possible.
Careful attention to detail and the use of proper
operating techniques by communications and crypto
personnel will reduce the number of service messages
required.
Service messages are normally prepared in
abbreviated plaindress format and may be assigned
sequential reference numbers. (We discuss plaindress
messages later in this chapter.) The service message
number immediately follows the abbreviation SVC in
the message text. If used, sequential service reference
numbers may continue throughout the calendar year.
When you reply to a service message received with a
reference number, the text of the reply should refer to
the number. For example:
2-23