Which characteristic is crucial when drafting a Marine Corps memorandum?

When drafting a Marine Corps memorandum, conciseness and clarity are essential characteristics. This form of communication is intended to convey important information quickly and effectively, often to individuals who may not have extensive time to read long documents. Clear communication helps eliminate confusion and ensures that the intended message is understood without ambiguity.

Using concise language allows the communicator to distill complex ideas into more digestible parts, making it easier for the reader to grasp the key points. In a military context, effective communication can impact operations and decision-making, making it critical to be straightforward and to the point.

In contrast, informal language may diminish the professionalism expected in military communications, while complex phrasing and jargon can obscure the message, leading to misunderstandings. Lengthy explanations, although they might provide detail, can overwhelm the reader and detract from the primary message. Thus, keeping the memorandum concise and clear is paramount for effective military correspondence.