What kind of tone should official correspondence maintain?

Official correspondence within the Marine Corps is expected to uphold a formal and professional tone. This tone reflects the seriousness and importance of the communication, ensuring that messages are taken seriously and convey respect for the recipient. A formal and professional tone establishes credibility and authority, which is particularly important in military contexts where clarity and respect are paramount.

Utilizing a formal tone helps to maintain the decorum expected in official communications and ensures that the intent of the message is clear and direct. It also fosters a sense of discipline, which is essential in military communications, promoting an environment where professionalism is valued.

In contrast, a casual and friendly tone or an informal and conversational style may undermine the importance of the message and potentially lead to misunderstandings or lack of respect for the content. Additionally, a persuasive and argumentative tone may not be appropriate for official correspondence, where the goal is usually to inform or convey orders rather than debate or persuade the recipient.