Use memos for what?

• A. The body text and attachments
• B. The date and the subject line
• C. Subject line (Subj), the date and the SSIC
• D. The subject line only

Answer: (C)

Memos use a formal heading to identify and file the document. The heading must include the subject line (Subj), the date, and the SSIC. The subject line tells readers what the memo is about, letting them gauge relevance at a glance. The date records when the memo was issued, which helps with filing, chronological ordering, and quick reference. The SSIC, the Standard Subject Identification Code, classifies the memo for security and easy retrieval within Navy records. Together, these elements let recipients know the purpose, timing, and where to file the memo before they even read the body.

The body text contains the actual message, and attachments carry supporting materials; they come after the heading and aren’t what you use to identify or file the memo. If you include only the subject or omit the SSIC, you lose important filing and classification information. So, the essential heading elements are the Subj, the date, and the SSIC.