Is there an online course that I can recommend to my fellow sailors for proper emailing etiquette?

2014-08-05T21:54:01-04:00

Emailing is a large part of our careers and a large part on how we communicate. That being said. There seems to be quite the conundrum in my command about proper email etiquette. As in proper openings and closings, sentence structure or lack of, and my favorite shorthand. I have made a few searches on NKO- navy knowledge online, and found nothing. Would anyone have any guidance on this matter?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 16 at 2014 6:51 AM

2014-08-16T06:51:15-04:00

Elementary School English should have covered all the basics involved in letter writing a.k.a. emailing - opening, body, closing. There really is no "class" on emailing, it all falls on common sense. God, I hate to say come up with an SOP on emails, because this seems like such a simple issue - write an email as you would a letter.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Aug 17 at 2014 8:48 PM

2014-08-17T20:48:44-04:00

PO2 Arrington Unfortunately the English language is very complicated for some especially when they have to write it down. I would recommend that you talk to those that you directly supervise and have them know that they need to use email professionally and that the emails are never truly completely deleted.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Aug 17 at 2014 9:19 PM

2014-08-17T21:19:28-04:00

I'd suggest typing very simple rules on one single word document, no more than page. This isn't to demean anyone in your command but rather it may get through to them more than an actual course or SOP.

Or they can sit in on a fifth-grade class lol.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2014 9:23 PM

2014-08-17T21:23:51-04:00

Shipmate, not much on NKO. The best way to learn is by looking at the structure of incoming emails, particularly from the higher ups and try to emulate their formatting.

After you type it up, read it from scratch and see if it makes sense. Find someone you trust in proofreading your emails for accuracy and clarity. Finally don't forget to R/ if addressing someone at or below you and V/R for someone above.

And if all else fails, feel free to send me a liner for an extra set of eyes. Hooyah!

R/

MA1 Dronzin

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 17 at 2014 10:30 PM

2014-08-17T22:30:22-04:00

Ok, so I am Air Force...and this is an Air Force publication, BUT it has some really good details on almost all types of communication. Try doing a google search for The Tongue and Quill. It is not a course, but is a publication. newest one is old...(early 2000s if I remember, but it is all there is!).

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 17 at 2014 10:42 PM

2014-08-17T22:42:46-04:00

When you find it, email it to me my brother. I hurt feelings and make angels cry sometimes. I'm just a bad bad boy :(

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2014 4:20 PM

2014-08-18T16:20:45-04:00

Forgive me if someone has already posted this, but maybe this could be useful: http://www.crosstalkonline.org/storage/issue-archives/2006/200601/200601-Alford.pdf

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2015 9:02 PM

2015-12-31T21:02:30-05:00

SECNAV 5216.5, DON Correspondence Manual, CH. 4. Go to DON Issuances website. Link is on NKO on the career management page. You can find courses on e-learning by searching: correspondence, 5 courses pop up. Also check out
CNET11456: Preparing a Standard Naval Letter.
CID 002GN01: General Admin Naval Messages.
I think the courses are a great learning tool, however I have come across a few that are out of date so make sure your people refer to the instruction