*FM 6-99
Field Manual
No. 6-99
Headquarters
Department of the Army

Washington, D.C., 17 May 2021

U.S. Army Report and Message Formats

While U.S. forces are among the most technologically advanced forces in the world, the need for redundancy and interoperability between joint and multinational forces requires the continued use of analog communication systems. Other circumstances that require the use of voice message formats include attacks on communication networks, failures of equipment, and inhospitable locations. This manual provides the Army with an effective means of communicating with joint and multinational forces that do not operate on parallel communication platforms. As U.S. Army communications strategies evolve, the need to communicate expeditiously and succinctly via voice remains. FM 6-99 is the U.S. Army’s doctrinal library for report and message voice templates. It saves units time and resources in developing internal formats. FM 6-99 formats are derived from United States message text format (USMTF), variable message formats (VMFs), command post computing environment (also known as CPCE) systems, NATONATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization standardization agreements (STANAGs), historical Army reports, and allied procedural publications (APPs). The authorities for the United States message text formats in FM 6-99 are MIL-STD-6040B and CJCSICJCSIChairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction 6241.04C. As a user’s manual, FM 6-99 influences future Army information systems, user interfaces, and report and message graphics. Formats included in FM 6-99 are the means through which the Army adapts multiple reporting sources into a user-friendly, standardized message format library. FM 6-99 enables Army units to synchronize with joint and multinational communication structures without modifying their normal mode of operation with similar reports. Units use FM 6-99 report and message formats for all voice reporting. A unit will not modify these formats unless authorized by the unit commander to allow for expanded critical information requirements, which should be articulated in a unit standard operating procedure. This manual does not include many branch-specific or technical report and message formats that are contained in FMs and other publications published by their respective proponents. FM 6-99 does not supersede branch-specific or technical reports, but units should use FM 6-99 formats whenever possible. Chapters 1 and 2 instruct users how to transmit written and voice reports and messages. Appendix A contains message formats. This manual reflects updated changes in doctrine and procedures from previous editions. FM 6-99 now provides users with reports that are easier to transmit and pertinent to the modern battlefield. This revision— z Removes some reports or messages and retains only the most widely used today. z Adds new reports and messages reflecting modern formats and needs. z Modifies existing reports or messages to correspond with evolving battlefield and staff needs. z Consolidates numerous reports to provide effective messaging and reduce repetitive messages. z Eliminates repetitive lines for message brevity and clarity. z Updates references and terminology to reflect the latest doctrine. FM 6-99 deletes, adds, or modifies reports listed in introductory tables 1, 2, and 3 on page xii to adapt to modern needs and as requested from the field, centers of excellence, and the community of interest. Some report and message formats contained in FM 6-99 are similar to USMTFs but vary slightly to accommodate modern U.S. Army needs—these formats do not have associated USMTF numbers.

REPORT AND MESSAGE FORMATS 1-1. The report and message formats in FM 6-99 help users prepare and manually transmit written and voice reports and messages. Each format provides an organized template to record, pass, and store information. To send a formatted voice message, operators fill in the appropriate blanks on the required message template and read the message over the radio or telephone. The receiver knows the received message type and can easily record the information in the proper format. 1-2. FM 6-99 enables standardization of battlefield reporting across all levels of command and throughout different types of units. Every format listed in this publication operates as a voice message format. Standardized voice formats permit a unit to exchange information regardless of the unit’s level of communication infrastructure. Future digital formats will evolve from those found in FM 6-99. MESSAGE ORGANIZATION 1-3. All voice report and message formats consist of three main parts: heading, body, and conclusion. Figure 1-1 on page 1-2 shows a sample message, including parts of the message. 1-4. The heading is the administrative portion of the format. It identifies the message source and type. The heading contains the message addressee, originator, precedence, and classification, if required. All report and message formats in FM 6-99 are unclassified when blank. The unit commander or standard operating procedures determine the classification of a completed message. The sender includes the completed heading when sending both hardcopy and voice messages. 1-5. The body contains information the originator sends to the addressee. In a properly prepared message, the information is in the line-by-line format established for the message type. This information exchange is the focus of FM 6-99. 1-6. The conclusion consists of the message authentication. An authentication is normally an alphanumeric code from the unit signal operating instructions. If the originator requests an acknowledgement, the addressee replies by transmitting the— z Prowords “will comply” (WILCO). z Lines 1 and 2 of the message being acknowledged. z Proword “OUT.” If the originator requires an acknowledgement and read back, the addressee replies by transmitting— z “WILCO.” z Lines for which the read back is required. z Proword “OUT.” UNCLASSIFIED FM 6-99 Voice Message Formats IMPLDATE: Pending VOICE MESSAGE TEMPLATEMESSAGE NUMBER S030 TITLE: Sensitive Items Report (SENITREP) Initially the originator makes radio contact with the addressee “ Alpha 09” THIS IS” India 86” “Over” Once communication is established the originator responds: “ Alpha 09” THIS IS “ India 86” “Sensitive Items Report/ addressee originator OVER” HEADING This allows the addressee time to be ready to copy transmitted report or message. “India 86” THIS IS “Alpha 09” “ROGER SEND IT ”/ OVER” originator addressee At this time the originator will send the report or message in accordance with the FM 6-99 format: “Alpha 09” THIS IS “India 86” addressee originator (Circle and transmit option selected in accordance with unit SOPSOPStandard Operating Procedures) FLASH IMMEDIATE PRIORITY ROUTINE (underline and transmit the precedence of this message.) TOP SECRET, SECRET, CONFIDENTIAL (underline and transmit the security classification of this message.) “ROUTINE/(or slash spoken) SECRET” LINE 1 – TIME “161300JUL 18” (date and time group of report) LINE 2 – UNIT “B CO 3-66AR” (unit making report) LINE 3 – STATUS “RED” LINE 4 – LOSING UNIT “B CO 3-66AR” BODY LINE 5 – ITEM “AN/PVS-14 Serial number 123456” LINE 6 – DTG OF LOSS “160900JUL 18” LINE 7 – “Storage locker left unsecured overnight and item missing from locker upon inspection.” (time of observation) “LINE 8 – ACTION TAKEN “MPs notified and currently searching all company areas.” LINE 9 – NARRATIVE “Will provide update as search continues.” CONCLUSION LINE 10 – AUTHENTICATION “LIW” (report authentication) “India 86 THIS Alpha 09 Acknowledged OUT” CO company LIW example authentication code DTG date-time group MP military police IMPLDATE implementation date SENITREP sensitive items report IAW in accordance with SOPSOPStandard Operating Procedures standard operating procedure

MANUAL ORGANIZATION 2-1. Appendix A contains sample message formats listed alphabetically. The body of each message format is preceded by the report’s title and associated acronym (for example, explosive ordnance disposal support [EODSPT]), report number, and a paragraph of general instructions. REPORT FORMATS NUMBERING SYSTEM 2-2. Each message format has a report number. Report numbers begin with the first letter of the report name followed by a three digit number. Messages with a USMTF number indicate the report was derived from a USMTF message. For brevity and ease of voice transmission reports, do not mirror the associated USMTF messages. Verify the structure and information content of the report before transferring information into a digital format. To maintain standardization across the U.S. Army, do not change report and message format numbers. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 2-3. Instructions briefly describe the report format’s use. When a message is sent at a precedence higher than ROUTINE, notate it. Message precedence is indicated in uppercase letters. To enhance the message sender’s understanding of message format, each format includes a table listing acronyms and abbreviations. L INE N UMBER AND N AME 2-4. Each format lists—by line number, line name, and a description of the type of information—the information the report format transmits. Perform the following when transmitting information: z Transmit the line number when sending voice messages. Do not transmit the line name unless the name itself is necessary information. For example, line 3 of an acknowledge message is the message type and is transmitted. Lines 2 and 3 of an acknowledge message would sound like this when sent by voice: “line 2, 2 39 FA; line 3, acknowledge.” z When standard information is associated with a line, place it in the right column of the format in uppercase letters. For example, the standard entries for line 6 of an acknowledge message are ACKNOWLEDGE and WILCO. z When a line requires detailed instructions, two asterisks precede the instructions (**). z When transmitting information on one line makes the following line redundant, the word “(OR)” is placed between the lines. Do not transmit redundant lines. z Most formats include lines requiring the types of information described below. Follow the instructions below when preparing messages requiring transmission of this information. D ATE AND T IME G ROUP 2-5. The date and time group line of a message identifies the message origination time. Many report and message formats require the date and time group for additional information. Regardless of where the date and time group is used in a report or message, it is expressed as DDHHMM(X) MMMYY where: z DD indicates the day of the month. z HH indicates the hour of the day using the 24-hour clock. z MM indicates the minutes within the hour. z X indicates the alphabetic character that denotes the time zone. In written messages, the time zone is followed by a space. z MMM indicates the first three letters of the month of the year. In written messages, all letters are in uppercase. z YY indicates the last two digits of the year. 2-6. For example, 3 p.m. local time on 16 July 2018 is expressed as “161500(L) JUL18.” In a voice message, say: “one six one five hundred lima (or local) July one eight.” U NITS 2-7. The first line of a format requiring an entry for “unit” is to identify the unit making the report. Occasionally, a subunit line is also provided for reporting information from or about subunits. Unit standard operating procedures dictate the format for the unit name (for example, the call sign). L OCATIONS 2-8. Use the military grid reference system (MGRS) to express all locations unless the format specifies a different coordinate system such as latitude and longitude (LAT/LONG) or universal transverse Mercator (UTM). A complete MGRS location includes a longitudinal zone designated by a number (for example, 32), a latitudinal band designated by a letter (for example, T), a 100,000 meter grid square designated by two letters (for example RW), and a grid coordinate designated by digits. The UTM grid zone designator consists of the longitudinal zone and latitudinal band (for example, 32T). The MGRS grid zone designator is the two letter 100,000 meter designator (for example, RW) (see TC 3-25.26 for further details on MGRS). 2-9. Send all locations as six digit grids preceding the 100,000 meter grid square designator (for example “RW121972”) unless instructions state otherwise. To avoid confusion, do not transmit the zone and band indicators unless requested or required in the message format. If requestors require locations expressed to a greater precision than a six digit coordinate, they must specify the required detail prior to the information exchange. A DDITION OR D ELETION OF L INE N UMBERS 2-10. Originators of voice messages complete only the lines required to pass essential information and omit lines with no information, unless a negative report is necessary. Units may add lines or repeat lines to complete information requirements. While actual message transmissions may vary slightly from formats in this publication, to maintain standardization across the U.S. Army, do not delete lines from message formats when reproducing them in unit standard operating procedures to maintain standardization across the U.S. Army.

VARIABLE MESSAGE FORMAT EXPLANATION 3-1. Variable message format (VMF) is a bit-oriented message interface standard with limited character-oriented fields designed to support the exchange of digital data between combat units. VMF supports units with diverse needs for volume and detailed information using various communication modes, including radio. (See MIL-STD-6017 for more information on VMFs.) 3-2. The message sponsor develops and configures VMFs. Where VMFs are required, the sponsor ensures consistency of content in existing messages with the same name. MESSAGE STANDARD FUNCTIONAL AREAS 3-3. The VMF interface primarily supports joint operations in the following joint functional areas: z Network control. Network control messages support the establishment and maintenance of the digital data links or "networks” that use the VMF messages. z General information exchange. General information exchange messages pertain to information that is common to more than one of the VMF functional areas or does not fit into any of the joint functional areas. z Fire support operations. Fire support operations include direct and indirect surface-to-surface artillery and mortar fire, naval surface fire support, close air support, and assault support. z Air operations. Air operations functional area messages support the tactical functions of offensive counterair operations, close air support, air interdiction, air reconnaissance and surveillance, electronic warfare, airlift, aerial refueling, combat search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation, and weather services. z Intelligence operations. Intelligence operations functional area messages support the planning and directing of intelligence operations, collecting, processing, producing, integrating, analyzing, interpreting, and disseminating information regarding the status, capabilities, and intentions of enemy forces and their supporting facilities. z Land combat operations. Land combat operations functional area messages support the coordination and control of land combat operations and planning and controlling tactical ground units and Army aviation units. z Maritime operations. Maritime operations functional area messages support activities such as amphibious operations, convoy operations, naval control and protection of shipping, maritime interdiction, anti-surface warfare, mine warfare, coastal and riverine operations, electronic warfare, combat search and rescue, and antisubmarine warfare. z Combat service support. The combat service functional area supports movement and maintenance of forces, including acquiring, moving, storing, distributing, maintaining, evacuating, and disposing of supplies and material. z Special operations. The special operations functional area pertains to operations conducted by specially trained, equipped, and organized DOD forces against strategic, operational or tactical targets in pursuit of national military, political, economic, or psychological objectives. z Joint task force operations control. The joint task force functional area supports coordination and control of all forces assigned, attached to, and in a joint force. z Air defense/airspace control. Air defense/airspace control functional area messages support all defensive measures designed to destroy attacking aircraft, missiles, and ballistic missiles or to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attacks. These measures include air defense use of aircraft, missiles, air defense artillery, non-air defense weapons in an active air defense role, electronic attack, and electronic protection. VARIABLE MESSAGE FORMAT DEVELOPMENT 3-4. Observe the following practices when developing VMF messages: z Develop VMF messages to satisfy a single purpose, thereby ensuring ease of use, simplified processing, and reduced implementation issues. z Use a consistent, practical, simplistic, and logical approach. z Ensure VMF messages are specific in content and structure. z Design VMF messages simply to satisfy a specific information exchange requirement, task, or purpose. (See MIL-STD-6017 for more information on VMF formats.)

This appendix contains voice message format templates in alphabetical order, beginning on page A-2. Each format has an abbreviation and acronym key to assist the user when interpreting information in the format. ACCIDENT REPORT/SERIOUS INCIDENT REPORT [SIR] REPORT NUMBER: A001 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: Use to convey flash traffic to the commander and command post related to an accident or serious incident within the command. This report is similar to NATONATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization incident report (INCREP) STANAG 2020, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Allied Tactical Publication (NATONATONorth Atlantic Treaty Organization ATPATPArmy Techniques Publications)-105. Reference: AR 190-45 and AR 385-10. Pu __ _ _ ___ LINE 1 – DATE AND TIME _____(DTG of report) LINE 2 – UNIT _______(unit making report) LINE 3 – CATEGORY ______(category 1 or 2) LINE 4 – TYPE ______(type of incident) LINE 5 – TIME OF INCIDENT ______(DTG of incident) LINE 6 – WEEKEND/HOLIDAY ____(YES or NO and include holiday name) LINE 7 – LOCATION ______(UTM or six-digit grid coordinate with MGRS grid zone designator) LINE 8 – PERSONNEL _____(personnel involved) A. (SUBJECT) B. (VICTIM) LINE 9 – SUMMARY ______(summary of incident) LINE 10 – PUBLICITY _____(adverse or anticipated publicity) LINE 11 – COMMANDER _____(commander reporting) LINE 12 – POCPOCPoint of contact _______(unit POCPOCPoint of contact and duty position) LINE 13 – DOWNGRADE _____(downgrading instructions) LINE 14 – NARRATIVE ______(free text for additional information required for report clarification) LINE 15 – AUTHENTICATION_____(report authentication) _ _ _ _ __ ___ _ _ _ __ Y __ __ Accident Supplement (Ground[GRND]/Aircraft[AC]) LINE 15A – POCPOCPoint of contact ______(e-mail, phone, DSNDSNDefense Switching Network) LINE 15B – ARMY COMMAND _____(TRADOCTRADOCU.S. Army Training and Doctrinal Command, FORSCOMFORSCOMU. S. Army Forces Command, USAREUR) LINE 15C – ACCIDENT CLASS ____(GRND or AC) **Continued on next page. ACCIDENT REPORT/SERIOUS INCIDENT REPORT [SIR] (continued) REPORT NUMBER: A001 LINE 15D – WEATHER _____ (visibility, light level, precipitation, wind) LINE 15E – NIGHT VISION DEVICE ____ (YES, type, nomenclature, or NO) __ _ _ __ ** Repeat lines 8A (1-10) through 8B (1-10) up to four times to transmit multiple data sets. Assign sequential lines to succeeding iterations. For example, first iteration is A (1) through A (10) or B (1) through B (10) and second iteration is A (11) through A (20) or B (11) through B (20). LINE 15F – MILITARY INSTALLATION ____ (nearest site) LINE 15G – EXPLOSIVE, HAZARDOUS MATERIAL __ (involved: YES or NO, secured: YES or NO) LINE 15H – ACCIDENT SITE SECURED IAW AR 385-10 _ (YES or NO) LINE 15I – ACCIDENT SITE DISTURBED ___ (YES or NO) LINE 15J – PHOTOS OF DISTURBING SCENE ____ (YES or NO) LINE 15K – FLIGHT DATA RECORDER INSTALLED __ (YES or NO) LINE 15L – LOCAL ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BOARD APPT (YES or NO) LINE 15M – NEAREST AIRFIELD ____ (4,000 feet minimum runway) LINE 15N – NEAREST COMMERCIAL AIRFIELD __ (name, town, state) LINE 15O – TYPE OF EQUIPMENT ____ (equipment involved) LINE 15P – AC SERIAL NUMBER ____ (serial, tail number) LINE 15Q – TYPE MISSION ______ (training, service) LINE 15R – NAP OF THE EARTH ____ (YES or NO) LINE 15S – FLIGHT RULES _________ (VFR or IFR) h 8B (1 - 10) up to fo example, first i TI