I have recently been placed in the office but I am a mechanic and have no idea what I am doing. Is there anyone who is good at writing memos?

2018-02-14T11:03:19-05:00

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Feb 14 at 2018 11:09 AM

2018-02-14T11:09:40-05:00

Who ever placed you there must know you are probably not a stellar admin guy. Just do your best and you will pick a lot up along the way.
I was an arty guy for most of my career. My last 4 years I was placed in the EKMS vault dealing with crypto keys. I was lost. But the people who put me there gave me time to learn my job.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2018 11:22 AM

2018-02-14T11:22:46-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Look at previously written memos to get a general idea of the format and content. If you have a co-worker that you can ask to look over your memo, that would be great. Always run spell check so there are no misspelled words. As you write more memos, you will gain confidence and your memos will improve. Good luck.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Feb 14 at 2018 11:23 AM

2018-02-14T11:23:50-05:00

Whatever you do, pull out a copy of AR 25-50, the regulation for writing memos. Thank the lord above there is a thing called a computer now, get several to standard memos saved with proper spacing and letterhead and tuck them away to work with to save time. When we used typewriters, it was not so easy! Just give it what you can, I was moved to the office when winning Soldier of the Year, the command thought it was a reward, it was not, rather have been doing my job. Make the best of it and it should turn out real good for you, maybe it is a sign that you're squared away and they think you compliment it as you are competent at your basic skills already and capable of being away. Look at the half glass full approach to things.

Response by TSgt David Desmarais made Feb 14 at 2018 11:26 AM

2018-02-14T11:26:44-05:00

I agree with SSgt Dan M, I've been in your situation also (prior to the "google"!) You might find some examples of what you need to do on-line. Don't sweat it, learn it! it'll give you more leverage for future jobs too! Good luck !

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2018 11:29 AM

2018-02-14T11:29:22-05:00

There are good books on Business English and Business Communication. Ask bookstore or librarian to help you find them - skim them - pick one or two that appeal to you. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Feb 14 at 2018 11:31 AM

2018-02-14T11:31:58-05:00

Unfortunately Lauren, I am a knuckle dragging barbarian so it was always a huge task for me as well. However, it was part of the job so I buckled down and I always kept one or two the smart kids close hahaha

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 4:22 AM

2018-02-15T04:22:24-05:00

Have someone mentor you or you shadow them to learn what’s going on in the office.