Customer Reviews

The Naval Institute Guide to Naval Writing

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a very good reference book for most types of formal writing, including directives, point papers, award justifications, etc. This is even used in many leadership classes. I keep this very close to my desk. The evaluation and fitrep information is some of the most current available, which isn't very common with this rapidly changing system. If you do any type of formal writing at all, this book is absolutely required.

The Guide to Naval Writing is geared toward the Navy and the Navy's formats for writing different documents. However, if your job requires you to produce and deliver letters, memos, instructions, speeches, briefs, technical studies, and articles for various media then this book might be useful for you as well. As a career Navy Officer, I have used this book more times than I can count.

In the interest of full disclosure, many of the examples are real documents regarding real people (with the names changed for privacy) and this reviewer knows at least two of those individuals personally.

This book can be read end-to-end or used as needed to aid in individual projects. The book is organized into twelve chapters each, except for the introduction, addressing a unique writing requirement. Those are: Letters, Memos, and Directives; Staff Writing; Naval Messages; Performance Evaluations; Awards and Commendations; Speaking and Briefing; Technical Reports, Executive Summaries, and Abstracts; JAG Manual Investigations; Writing for the News Media; The Professional Article; and a handbook for style and format in naval writing.

Each of these is superb. However, the material is becoming somewhat dated, especially the evaluations section. There have been numerous changes since the "new" evaluation system came out in 1996. One should use that section with caution. It would be great if the author or the Naval Institute came out with a new edition of this book to reflect some of the incremental changes to naval correspondence.

If you are not in the Navy, this is still a useful book. The handbook chapter is useful as well as the tips on point papers, briefings, trip reports, and writing for the press that would be applicable for almost any other job that involves writing. It is easy to imagine one using this book to get an idea of how to frame and format a topic for any of the above mentioned requirements.

This book is a must read for those in the Navy. If you have a son or daughter who is going to be commissioned soon, this book should be on their bookshelf.

My Group CO bought this manual for all of his subordinate commands. I received one of the twenty copies and use it almost once a week to assist me with my correspondence duties. It addresses almost everything imaginable from fitness reports to letters to promotion boards and award citations to letters of extra military instruction. Although the Department of the Navy has put out a correspondence manual, it is not in as much detail and does not provide as good examples like the Guide to Naval Writing is. If you plan on being a successful officer, you will have to learn to communicate effectively. Although this book cannot do everything for you, it will get you leaps and bounds ahead of most other officers. Semper Fidelis

From a Navy Chief on Active Duty, I must say this book is worth whatever price you will pay for it.

Clearly explains things where many of the Navy instructions or other publications is lacking... puts wordy and complex jargon into layman's terms (for the most part).

Also, this book is the first that I've read that clearly spells out why flowerly adjectives won't work on enlisted evaluations by giving examples of the "cause and effect" evals that enlisted boards are looking for and then goes on to clearly explain what officer boards are looking for as well.

Not only does it explain the mentality that goes behind the prepartation before writing, this book gives you clear points and examples to remember while doing it. I'm very satisfied- and will refer back to it again often.

Great book to have in your professional library. Ive used it several times to ensure that I was correct in my format for various offical letters in Naval format. Im in the Marines so it applies to us as well! Great purchase!!!

I've seen this book around for years and have used it many times but never had my own copy. I finally broke down and bought it for my book shelf. I can't add much to what's already been said except to say that this book has everything --grammar, instruction, and examples --and addresses about every situation a Navy writer is likely to encounter. And it's so professionally laid out it looks like it was published by the Navy. Five stars from me.

The Naval Institute Guide to Naval Writing is proving to be a great asset. Anyone serious about upping their game in the communication department needs to have this book!

This is an excellent, must have resource for every Navy and Marine Corps officer. It details how to communicate in accurate and professional ways. It leaves no type of written communication to chance. It shows how to write memos, directives, fitreps, instructions, messages and journal articles effectively and correctly. It includes style guides. Especially, this is a very helpful resource when composing evals and fitreps. Junior personnel deserve well informed raters who communicate persuasively and accurately. I highly recommend this book and strongly encourage my peers to purchase it.

Good information but, it is a little out dated. It is still a must have for SNCO's and Officer's personal libraries.

I have owned and used this book since I joined the Navy. It has been an invaluable asset when writing evals, award, Fit-Reps, and correspondence. While some of the formats in the book are outdated, the advice and examples are great. I have found it best to use the Navy instruction to determine the proper way to fill out any form (eval, fit-rep, etc) and this book to determine the "best" way to say something. This book has been passed around every command where I have served and is a useful tool for those just beginning to do Navy paperwork. I think it would make a great gift for that new Ensign, First Class, or Chief.