What is the correct format for an Army memorandum header?

• A. Date, subject, reference, distribution.
• B. Name and rank only.
• C. Salutation followed by body.
• D. Casual note without date.

Answer: (A)

The header of an Army memorandum should provide the essential administrative information at a glance. The date stamps when the memorandum is issued, the subject states the topic or purpose, the reference links to any related orders or documents, and the distribution line identifies who is intended to receive the memo. This combination ensures proper timing, clarity of purpose, traceability to related guidance, and correct dissemination across units. Without a date, the memo loses official timing and accountability; without a subject, readers may not quickly grasp the memo’s intent; without a reference, readers have no readily available connection to related guidance; without distribution, recipients may not know who should see it. In contrast, including only a name and rank would omit purpose and routing; putting a salutation and body in the header misplaces content that belongs in the main text; a casual note without a date lacks the formality required for official correspondence.