Notice
identification number, it indicates the security
classification of a classified directive; for
A notice has a one-time or brief nature and
example, C indicates Confidential and S
contains a self-canceling provision. Although it has the
indicates Secret [C5212.1 or S5212.1]. Top
same authority and effect as an instruction, it usually
Secret material is excluded from this system.)
remains in effect for less than 6 months. It is not
1 is the consecutive number of the instruction.
permitted to remain in effect for longer than 1 year.
(In this case, .1 is the first directive to be issued
under this subject by this command. The issuing
DIRECTIVE IDENTIFICATION SYMBOLS
authority assigns a consecutive number, in
numerical sequence, to each instruction issued
The directive identification symbols include the
under the same subject identification code,
type of directive, the issuing authority, and the
regardless of its security classification. The
identification number. The primary purpose for the
consecutive numbers that are later canceled are
directive identification symbols is to give naval
not reused. The consecutive number always
activities the following specific advantages in
follows the identification code, separated by a
directives maintenance:
period. [NOTE: Notices are not assigned
Group directives by subject and combine related
consecutive numbers; they are identified by an
subjects.
issuing date.] When an instruction is revised, the
same subject identification code and consecutive
Distinguish between directives of continuing
number contained on the directive being revised
and brief durations.
remains the same.)
Obtain complete sets of instructions when an
C is the revision of this particular instruction. (A
activity is commissioned or activated.
capital letter [beginning with the letter A] is
Determine the current status and completeness
added after the consecutive number to indicate
the revision. For example, the first revision is A;
of directives by using checklists.
the second revision is B, etc.)
File directives and describe them as references
The following example is given to show an
by one easy method.
Use the same numbering system for
5212.1 A
INSTRUCTION
SECNAV
correspondence files and directives.
Originator
Since this system serves many useful purposes, it
Type of directive
is important that you become well acquainted with it.
Subject
The following comments explain the directive
Consecutive number
identification symbols identified as SECNAVINST
5212.1.
Revision
SKf01014
SECNAV is the abbreviation of the Secretary of
the Navy, who is the issuing authority of this
identifying symbol assigned to a directive.
particular directive.
INST (instruction) identifies the type of
DIRECTIVE DISTRIBUTION
directive.
The drafter of a directive has the primary
5212 is the identification code or the file number.
responsibility to determine the distribution
(Department of the Navy File Maintenance
requirement. Since it is essential that policy and
Procedures and Standard Subject Identification
procedural directives receive proper distribution, the
Codes, SECNAVINST 5210.11, contains a list
drafter must check the appropriate distribution list to
of appropriate code numbers to be used with
ensure proper dissemination.
directives. According to that instruction, the
The distribution list is a list of the action and
identification code 5212 indicates that the
i n f o r m a t i o n a d d r e s s e e s o f a d i r e c t ive . T h e s e
subject matter of the directive is Records
Disposal System. If a letter precedes the
addressees are selected on the basis of a need to act or a
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