Brasidas said:
I have to prepare a briefing note to get higher to sign on to a pet project.
Navy_Pete said:
In particular, looking for some kind of guide on how to write a briefing note.
Have looked through the forum but haven't seen anything about BNs in particular.
Generally find it a bit frustrating that there is no official format, unit standards, or available guidance on how to properly do briefing notes.
Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics (CFSAL)
Example of a Briefing Note
http://www.608dukes.com/uploads/8/5/5/1/8551447/cfsal_-_military_writing_guide.pdf
Page 50.
Example of a Briefing Note
(This example uses 10 pt for demo purposes only,
actual documents should be Times New Roman 12 pt)
1 inch left-hand margin.
SECURITY MARKINGS (if required)
BRIEFING NOTE FOR XXXXXX
SUBJECT OF BN
ISSUE
1. The issue paragraph (2-3 lines) introduces the issue and provides a clear statement of the
intent of the BN. The time-sensitive nature to the BN should be indicated here, if applicable.
BACKGROUND
2. This section explains why the BN was written. The main title is underlined and
capitalized. The subject line and other sub-titles are capitalized.
DISCUSSION
3. The discussion is an examination by argument with essential information. BNs should
run one page, two at the most and should be accompanied by an electronic copy on a diskette.
4. A half-inch indent is used after each paragraph number. The page number is positioned
in the bottom left corner of each page. If the BN is classified/designated, the
classification/designation should be listed as the uppermost and lowermost items on the page. In
the interest of clarity, acronyms and abbreviations should be avoided.
5. The BN is not a decision document and therefore should not include recommendations,
but may include options and options analysis. Any recommendations and/or decisions sought
should be included in the covering letter or memorandum.
CONCLUSION
6. This section summarizes and focuses on the issue at hand and should be kept brief.
Prepared by: Name, Rank, Title, Telephone number
Reviewed by: Name, Rank, Title, Telephone number
Approved by: Name, Rank, Title, Telephone number
Date prepared:
Annex: If included, annexes are to be listed at the bottom of the BN. Extraneous documents
not referred to in the BN should not be included.
SECURITY MARKINGS (if required)
1 inch margin for top, bottom and right-hand margin.