5.2.1 Military Writing Style

1.Military writing is characterized by a neutral tone. The neutral tone is similar to formal writing, but it is less restrictive and can be more personal. Military writing is often characterized by language that is clear, direct, and simple. Also, time is usually limited for both the reader and the writer, so sentences and paragraphs are typically short.  This lesson focuses on the neutral military writing style which uses:

• • active voice
  • clear, direct language
  • short and direct sentences

and avoids:

• • phrasal verbs (go out instead of exit)
  • contractions (can’t)

2. Active Voice. Active voice sentences are used in military writing to show who or what has done something. Therefore, the active voice is used more often than the passive voice in military writing because the actor, and the one to hold responsible, is clear.

Exercise A. Rewrite the following sentences from the passive to active voice.

Example: Three enemy fighters were shot down during the skirmish. (Private Williams).

Answer: Private Williams shot down three enemy fighters during the skirmish.

• • The Chief of Police was assassinated just two days ago. (Bill Bobsson)
  • The weapons were hidden in a basket with baked bread. (A child)
  • B company came under attack unexpectedly. (unknown rebels)
  • The convoy was attacked while wadding through the stream. (Insurgents)
  • A mobility corridor will be created to ensure maneuver space. (We)

3. Clear, Direct Language. Use plain language to help all readers to understand. For example, write use instead of utilize, help instead of assistance, or show instead of demonstrate. Avoid non-English words. The same thing can likely be phrased or explained somehow in English. Avoid single-sex language. Instead, use words such as person, staff, officer, commanders, or colleagues. Instead of he or she, use they unless you are referring to a particular individual.

Exercise B. Rewrite the following sentences using clear, direct language.

• • It is of upmost importance that this matter be taken care of properly by the commander and his or her staff.
  • When operating on peace-keeping missions, the purpose is to assist local authorities so it is good to utilize local authorities as much as possible.
  • There were a number of vehicles seen congregating just outside the city at XXX.
  • The landing zone is approximately 50 meters from the nearest building.
  • The local response to these actions will be utilized as a basis for further action.

Suggested answers:

• • The commander and their staff should address this matter quickly.
  • On peace-keeping missions, the purpose is to aid local authorities so they should be used often.
  • Some vehicles were gathered at XXX, outside the city.
  • The landing zone is about 50 meters from the nearest building.
  • Further action will be based on the local response to these actions.

4. Use short sentences without any unnecessary language. Often, people add ‘padding’ to their language without reflecting on it. Padding unnecessarily increases the number of words to read without adding any real information or facts. In military writing, shorten sentences to include only the facts without any unnecessary language.

Exercise C. Shorten the following sentences.

Example: More mortars will be needed in A Company in order for the attack to have a chance of being successful.

Answer: A company needs more mortars if the attack is to succeed.

1. 1. 1. While the attachments in the first platoon are in good addition, there are many other vacancies that need to be filled within our company.
      2. Meanwhile, while the 3rd platoon is redeploying to a more forward position, the logistics platoon will be returning to the supply depot in the rear before returning to the 3rd platoon to resupply.
      3. We will need to position our troops as close to M3 on the map, so we have the ability to affect the enemy with our indirect fire.

5. Phrasal Verbs. Phrasal verbs are common in spoken military language. For example, pull back troops, stand by, dig in, and hold out are a few phrasal verbs. In military writing though, single verbs are more common.

Exercise D: Rewrite the verbs in the following sentences to avoid using the phrasal verb.

• • 1. The private then proceeded to go out of the DEFAC through the south door.
    2. Be prepared to turn in your equipment by Thursday at 1000 hrs.
    3. The IED went off just before we arrived.
    4. Call in air support.
    5. Come up with a plan.
    6. Keep enemy forces out of the AO.

Exercise E: Rewrite the following sentences in a more neutral, military style.

1. 1. 1. The APC has been turned over in a ditch and needs to be rescued.
      2. While the additional reinforcements in the first platoon are a good addition, there are many other vacancies that need to be filled within our company.
      3. There won’t be enough ammo if the resupply is not in time.

6. Final Exercise. Rewrite the following report to use the active tense incorporating the aspects addressed above including the active tense, clear language, and shorter, direct sentences.

On the day before the operation began, some airborne units were dropped by parachute to seize strategic crossings over the River X, located between City X and City Y. The objectives were achieved with very few losses to personnel and minimal loss of equipment. The beach landings on D-Day were preceded by an intensive naval bombardment, which failed to silence all of the enemy coastal batteries. Due to this fact, ten percent of the landing craft in the first wave were either destroyed or disabled. Despite this substantial number, all primary objectives were achieved shortly before 1200 hrs, although there were a few ground forces that continued to rely upon naval gunfire support until the artillery had been fully offloaded. In fact, engineer units suffered particularly high casualties in the breaching of a secondary line of obstacles in the sand dunes. Close to sundown, the beachhead was fully established (around 1900 hours) on D-Day. It’s currently known that the main enemy force has withdrawn to the River Y and is now constructing a strong line of defense between AA and BB. Also, up until today, carrier-based strike aircraft have flown a total of 82 sorties. The enemy air defense has been better than anticipated, and 8 allied aircraft have been shot down. Owing to a shortage of forward air controllers, most Close Air Support has been directed by forward operating officer from the artillery. The 2 and 3 Armored Brigades started crossing the X River at 1030 hours on D+1 and are now preparing to mount a deliberate attack on the Y position at first light on D+2.