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Quizzes > Society & Culture

SECNAVINST 5216.5 Quiz: Correspondence Manual Essentials

Quick, free correspondence manual quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Leiha NievesUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art illustration with document cutouts pen quiz shield classified stamp score icons on teal background

This SECNAVINST 5216.5 quiz helps you check formats, routing, FOIA, classification, and records rules you use on the job. Get a quick score and see which sections to review before inspections, awards, or memo edits. For broader Navy knowledge, try our BMR practice test and brush up with the navy terminology quiz.

What is the primary purpose of SECNAVINST 5216.5?
To regulate supply chain management.
To set physical fitness standards.
To standardize format and procedure for naval correspondence.
To govern ship navigation procedures.
SECNAVINST 5216.5 provides the official guidelines for preparing, processing, and managing naval correspondence to ensure consistency across the Department of the Navy. It establishes standard format, style, and content requirements for letters, memorandums, and messages. Its focus is strictly on correspondence procedures rather than operational or fitness regulations.
What is the standard paper size specified in SECNAVINST 5216.5 for official correspondence?
8.5 x 14 inches (Legal size)
5.5 x 8.5 inches (Half-letter)
8.27 x 11.69 inches (A4 size)
8.5 x 11 inches (Letter size)
The manual specifies the use of standard U.S. letter size (8.5 x 11 inches) for all official Navy correspondence. Using a consistent paper size ensures compatibility with filing and reproduction systems. International sizes like A4 are not authorized unless specifically directed by a host nation.
Which font style is standard for the body text in SECNAVINST 5216.5 correspondence?
Times New Roman
Courier New
Calibri
Arial
SECNAVINST 5216.5 prescribes Times New Roman as the standard serif font for all official correspondence because of its readability and professional appearance. Sans-serif and monospaced fonts are not authorized for body text. Consistent use of font style helps maintain uniformity across Navy documents.
What is the prescribed margin size on all sides for official correspondence?
1 inch
2 inches
0.5 inch
1.5 inches
The manual requires a one-inch margin on all sides of the page to ensure adequate space for binding, annotations, and official stamps. Smaller or larger margins are not authorized except in specific circumstances stated in the instruction. This standard margin promotes a clean, professional layout.
Where should the date line appear in a Navy letter according to SECNAVINST 5216.5?
At the bottom of the page
On the third line below the letterhead
Immediately above the signature block
On the first line under the subject
The instruction specifies that the date line begins on the third line below the letterhead, aligning with the left margin. This placement distinguishes it from the addressee and subject lines. Correct positioning of the date supports uniform document appearance.
What alignment is used for body text in official Navy correspondence?
Right-justified
Left-justified
Fully justified
Centered
SECNAVINST 5216.5 requires body text to be left-justified to enhance readability and maintain a consistent margin on the left side of the page. Fully justified text can create uneven spacing between words and is therefore not authorized. Centered or right-justified body text is also non-compliant.
How many spaces should be inserted between sentences in SECNAVINST 5216.5 correspondence?
No spaces
Two spaces
Three spaces
One space
The manual stipulates two spaces after a period to clearly separate sentences, which improves readability in block-style correspondence. Using a single space is common in some styles but is not compliant with the instruction. Consistency in sentence spacing is key for Navy documents.
Which section of a Navy letter identifies the approving official's title and signature block?
Signature block
References
Introduction
Enclosures
The signature block section of a Navy letter contains the name, rank or grade, and title of the approving official, along with their signature. All other sections serve different purposes, such as listing enclosures or references. Proper placement of the signature block finalizes the document.
What is the correct format for a Navy memorandum heading under SECNAVINST 5216.5?
Tabbed heading with recipient name and rank
Five-line centered heading under a running header
Six-line block heading with FROM, TO, DATE, SUBJECT and other standard lines
Running header on every page only
Navy memorandums use a fixed six-line block heading format including TO, FROM, DATE, and SUBJECT lines. This structure ensures all essential information is presented consistently at the top of the page. Deviations from this layout are non-compliant.
When is an endorsement required in Navy correspondence?
When forwarding comments or recommendations on another command's letter
Endorsements are never used in SECNAVINST 5216.5
Only for classified documents
Whenever sending to civilian authorities
An endorsement is used to provide comments, recommendations, or approval when forwarding correspondence from another authority. It ensures traceability of actions and accountability. Classified status is not the only trigger - endorsements may be required for routine or administrative documents as well.
Which banner line marking denotes unclassified information?
CONFIDENTIAL
TOP SECRET
SECRET
UNCLASSIFIED
Documents that contain no classified information must be marked with the banner line UNCLASSIFIED at the top and bottom of each page. This clearly indicates that no higher classification controls apply. Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret are higher classification levels.
Under FOIA, how many working days does the Navy have to respond to an initial request?
20 working days
30 working days
45 working days
10 working days
The Freedom of Information Act requires agencies to respond to requests within 20 working days. This timeline begins when the request is properly received. Extensions are allowed under certain circumstances but must be justified.
Which FOIA exemption primarily protects personal privacy?
Exemption 6
Exemption 4
Exemption 2
Exemption 9
Exemption 6 of FOIA protects personnel, medical, and similar files whose disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Other exemptions address different concerns like law enforcement or trade secrets. Privacy protections are a common reason for redactions.
What does "For Official Use Only (FOUO)" indicate in Navy correspondence?
Controlled unclassified information not authorized for public release
Classified at the Confidential level
Reserved for Secret-level documents only
Information available for unrestricted public distribution
FOUO is used to designate controlled unclassified information that may be exempt from public release under the Privacy Act or FOIA. It is not a classification level like Confidential or Secret. Proper handling ensures sensitive but unclassified data is protected.
How should enclosures be noted at the end of a Navy letter?
Encl: (number) (title of enclosure)
See Encl
List of Encls
Attachment: (number)
The instruction specifies using "Encl:" followed by the number and title of each enclosure in the enclosure line. This provides clarity on the exact documents included. Other terms like "Attachment" are not compliant with SECNAVINST 5216.5.
What color ink is standard for signatures on official Navy correspondence?
Blue
Red
Green
Black
Blue ink is preferred to provide visual verification that an original signature exists. Black ink may be used if blue is not available, but red or green inks are not authorized. Consistent signature ink color aids record authenticity.
Where must the classification banner line appear in a classified Navy document?
At the top and bottom of each page
After the signature block
In the footer only on the last page
In the header only on the first page
Classified correspondence must display the banner line classification marking at both the top and bottom of every page to prevent unauthorized disclosure. This requirement safeguards sensitive information throughout the entire document. Single-side or one-page markings are non-compliant.
How should a redaction for a partial paragraph exemption be indicated under FOIA?
Black blocker bars with bracketed explanation
Highlight and annotate "Redacted"
Replace text with asterisks **
Leave the space blank without notation
Under FOIA guidelines, exempted material must be redacted using solid black blocker bars, with a bracketed notation indicating the FOIA exemption. Highlighting or using asterisks is not authorized. Leaving blank spaces can confuse readers and is non-compliant.
In a Navy message, where is the address indicator (ADDRESSEE) placed?
In the footer of the message
Directly below the signature
In the subject line
In the heading above the text
The address indicator or ADDRESSEE line in Navy messages appears in the heading section before the body text, ensuring the recipient is clearly identified. Placing it elsewhere would violate the structured format required for message traffic.
Which line in a letter contains the office symbol in SECNAVINST 5216.5 format?
Reference line
Enclosure line
Signature block
Date line
The office symbol, identifying the originator's command or department, is placed in the reference line of a Navy letter. This provides a unique coding for routing and filing. Other lines like the date or enclosures serve different functions.
How many classification levels are defined by SECNAVINST 5216.5?
Two (Secret, Top Secret)
Three (Confidential, Secret, Top Secret)
Four (Unclassified, Confidential, Secret, Top Secret)
Five (adding Special Access Programs)
The instruction recognizes three classification levels - Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret - for controlling sensitive information. Unclassified is not a classification level but a non-protected status. Special Access Programs are handled under separate guidance, not as a classification level here.
When forwarding classified correspondence, what must be included according to SECNAVINST 5216.5?
All original classification markings and portion markings
Only date and originator information
Classification markings can be omitted if encrypted
Only the highest classification level present
Forwarding classified documents requires retaining all original classification banner lines, portion markings, and control markings to maintain proper safeguarding. Removing any markings can lead to unauthorized disclosures. Encryption does not replace classification markings.
What is the required mailing method for Confidential correspondence?
First-class mail with USPS label
Double-lined envelope marked CONFIDENTIAL
Priority mail without markings
Standard envelope with no special marking
Confidential materials must be mailed in a double-lined envelope conspicuously marked CONFIDENTIAL to protect the information in transit. Standard or unmarked envelopes do not meet security requirements. Priority mail alone does not satisfy the protective marking requirement.
What is the standard record retention period for administrative correspondence under SECNAVINST 5216.5?
Five years
Two years
Permanent
Six months
Administrative correspondence is generally retained for two years in official record systems per the manual's retention schedule. Longer or shorter retention must be authorized by Records Management guidelines. Adhering to the retention period ensures accountability and proper archival.
According to SECNAVINST 5216.5, how often must the Correspondence Manual be reviewed and updated?
Annually
Every five years
Every two years
Only when major policy changes occur
The instruction mandates a formal review at least every two years to ensure content remains current with evolving policies and technologies. Scheduled updates prevent outdated procedures from persisting. Ad-hoc updates alone do not satisfy this requirement.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Official Formats -

    Learn to distinguish the prescribed Navy correspondence formats outlined in SECNAVINST 5216.5 to ensure all documents adhere to official layout and style requirements.

  2. Analyze Submission Procedures -

    Examine the step-by-step processes for submitting correspondence under SECNAVINST 5216.5 guidelines and improve your accuracy in preparing memos and letters.

  3. Identify FOIA Handling Requirements -

    Recognize the key Freedom of Information Act provisions within the Correspondence Manual and apply proper protocols when dealing with FOIA requests.

  4. Apply Classification Marking Rules -

    Master the rules for marking and handling classified information according to SECNAVINST 5216.5 to maintain security and compliance.

  5. Navigate Compliance Checks -

    Develop the skills to perform effective compliance reviews of Navy correspondence, ensuring all documents meet SECNAVINST 5216.5 standards before release.

  6. Evaluate Response Protocols -

    Test your ability to select the correct response actions and timelines as specified in the Correspondence Manual test, enhancing your operational readiness.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Standard Correspondence Formats -

    Under SECNAVINST 5216.5, letters follow a fixed layout: a heading, date line, from/to blocks, subject line, body, and signature block. Remember the mnemonic "H-DF-SB" (Heading, Date, From, Subject, Body) to keep your format crisp. For example, Naval messages add a precedence indicator like IMMEDIATE or ROUTINE above the subject.

  2. Classification and Marking -

    The instruction mandates clear banner lines and portion markings for classified documents; always use top and bottom banners like "SECRET//NOFORN" and portion markings such as "(U)" for unclassified. Use the "B.I.S.C." mnemonic - Banner, Indicator, Security Classification, Caveat - to remember each element. This ensures compliance with DoD Manual 5200.01 and prepares you for the SECNAVINST 5216.5 quiz.

  3. FOIA and Privacy Act Handling -

    When responding to FOIA requests under SECNAVINST 5216.5, adhere to the "20/10 rule" - 20 working days for initial response with a possible 10-day extension. Apply proper exemption codes (e.g., Exemption 5 for deliberative process) and cite them clearly in your acknowledgment. For comprehensive guidance, cross-check with DoD Directive 5400.07 and the official FOIA website.

  4. References, Enclosures, and Attachments -

    Use "Ref: (a), (b)" for references and "Encl: (1), (2)" for enclosures, listing in order and matching attachments exactly. A handy tip: alphabetically sort references by letter and number enclosures consecutively to avoid mix-ups in multi-point memos. This aligns with official Navy correspondence guidelines and helps nail the Correspondence Manual test.

  5. Signature Blocks and Recordkeeping -

    Ensure signature blocks include grade, name, and contact info, such as "/s/ C. A. McGee, LCDR, USN, (555) 123-4567", following the manual's standard SNDL format. Maintain a correspondence register or electronic record as specified to track outgoing and incoming mail - Navy Publishing Service recommends digital logs for audit readiness. This final step solidifies compliance and boosts confidence ahead of your SECNAVINST 5216.5 quiz.

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