CLASSIFICATION
COMPONENT LETTERHEAD
UNCLASSIFIED WHEN SEPARATED FROM CLASSIFIED ATTACHMENT
CLASSIFICATION
ACTION MEMO
Month Day, Year
FOR: SECRETARY OF DEFENSE DepSec Action ___________
FROM: Name of Component Head, Title
SUBJECT: Sample Unclassified Action Memorandum with Classified Attachments
• State what the addressee should do using succinct bullet paragraphs. Explain why it is
advisable for the recipient to take the recommended action. Reference Enclosure 6 for
suggested methods for organizing key points.
• Double space between bullets. Set a 2 inch top margin and a 1 inch side and bottom margins
for the first page. For succeeding pages, use 1 inch margins on all sides. Use Times New
Roman, 12 pitch font. Attach signature item at TAB A, incoming correspondence at TAB B,
background or supplemental information at TAB C, and continue sequentially as needed. Do
not include bulky supplemental information; instead summarize key points on a separate
page.
• If the Action Memorandum is “unclassified when separated from classified attachment,”
right justify phrase, in all caps, using 8 pitch font, on first page of memo, above security
classification.
RECOMMENDATION: Sign correspondence at TAB A.
NOTE: If no document for signature use the following:
RECOMMENDATION: Approve subject matter, course of action, release of funds, etc:
Approve: ____________ Disapprove: _____________ Other: __________________
COORDINATION: TAB D (or last tab in package) or NONE
Attachments:
As stated
Prepared by: Author’s Name and Telephone Number