Here is the format and content for an information or decision paper.
OFFICE
SYMBOL (MARKS NUMBER) DATE
THRU Chief of Staff
FOR Commanding General
SUBJECT:
1. FOR: Information
2. PURPOSE: (Briefly state the issue or problem being addressed)
3. BOTTOM LINE: (State if the project is on track or major problems are being addressed.)
4. ASSUMPTIONS:
a. (State assumptions (for example, it is assumed that current funding levels will remain constant)
b. (If there are no assumptions, state, "none.")
5. FACTS:
a. Background. (Provide a brief background of the issue or problem)
b. Facts. (Provide a brief description of the current status of the issue or problem)
6. IMPACT OF SUCCESS OR FAILURE: (State the impact of success or failure of the issue or problem upon the command. For example, if data pattern traffic is not removed from AUTODIN, we will be forced to continue spending $25 million per year on AUTODIN maintenance.)
7. COORDINATION: (If coordination is not required, state, "not required.") Draw a line through "concur" or "nonconcur", date, and write the name of the person with whom coordination was made.)
ACofS, G3 Concur Nonconcur Name and Date:
ACofS, G4 Concur Nonconcur Name and Date:
8. APPROVED ______ NEED MORE INFO ______ SEE ME ______
DRAFTED BY: Typed name/Position Title/Telephone
RELEASED BY: Typed name/Position Title/Telephone