What line must every memo have?

• A. Signer's name only
• B. Signer's name and the CO's abbreviated title
• C. Signer's name, CO's abbreviated title, staff symbol
• D. Signer's name, CO's full title, staff symbol

Answer: (C)

The line on every memo must include three pieces: the signer's name, the CO's abbreviated title, and the staff symbol. The signer's name identifies who authored or is responsible for the memo, establishing accountability. The CO’s abbreviated title shows the official authority backing the document and confirms it originates from the Commanding Officer in a concise form. The staff symbol denotes the originating office or staff responsible, which helps routing, classification, and reference within the command.

If any of these elements are missing, the memo loses clarity about who approved or authored it, which authority stands behind it, or where it originated. Using the CO’s abbreviated title rather than the full title keeps the format concise and standardized, while including the staff symbol ensures the memo can be traced to the correct department. That combination—signer’s name, CO’s abbreviated title, and staff symbol—is the complete, properly formatted closing line.