NAVY GUIDE
Navy Memorandum Format — MFR, From-To & Decision Memos
Compare common Navy memorandum formats, including memorandum for the record, From-To memorandums, and decision memorandums, and choose the right one.
“Navy memo” can mean several different documents
The right memorandum format depends on what the document is supposed to do. MilAdmin keeps the formats separate so an MFR does not accidentally become a From-To memo—or vice versa.
| Need | Start with |
|---|---|
| Preserve supporting facts, a meeting, conversation, or oral agreement for the file | Memorandum for the Record |
| Conduct routine business within an activity using a From/To format | From-To Memorandum |
| Present a proposed action for one official to approve or disapprove | Decision Memorandum |
Do not choose by appearance
The presence of “From” and “To” lines does not automatically make a document the correct memorandum type. Start with the purpose, audience, routing, and required decision or record.