Tips please on writing an NCO white paper?

2016-01-12T17:04:25-05:00

I am starting to write an NCO white paper but beside AR 25-50 I am unsure of where to go; I am hoping that some here have experience writing this style of paper and can give me some pointers.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 5:15 PM

2016-01-12T17:15:09-05:00

Better use AR 25-50 to ensure that you use the military writing style!

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Jan 12 at 2016 5:26 PM

2016-01-12T17:26:28-05:00

White paper is a term that has come into vogue over the last few years and there is not a standard format. What I recommend is that you use the AR 25-50 memorandum format. In the first paragraph put your BLUF-bottom line up front which is the purpose for the paper. For example, if you are looking for a decision, that goes in the BLUF. If you are providing information or a summary of an issue, that goes there. A white paper is a relatively short document and in my experience, most of what I wrote were to provide information to a higher staff or commander. For example, when I was in Afghanistan on my last tour, I was chief of C-IED. The 3ID Chief of Staff would request a white paper on a new piece of equipment or TTP. So I had to keep it short enough for him to read but clear enough so he could understand. I hope this helps.