Correspondence drafting and UN briefing techniques

1. Unit 4.2 Correspondence drafting and UN briefing techniques

2. Aim The aim of this Unit is to provide Military Experts on Missions with the necessary information to understand and apply the drafting techniques in UN operational reporting system, and briefing procedures in a complex United Nations peace operation

3. On completion of this section, participants will be able to: • Outline the importance of drafting techniques and apply them in UN correspondence. • Understand and apply the UN military briefing procedures. Learning Outcome

4. Drafting correspondence • Briefings techniques Structure of Presentation

5. Guidelines for drafting The correspondence of the United Nations must be concise, clear and accurate in content, direct and dignified in style, correct in form and attractive in appearance

6. Think before drafting

7. Once we know what we want to communicate, to whom and why, we can draft correspondence clearly, correctly and concisely using a simple style. It is unadorned, and therefore is easily understood. Write simply, clearly and concisely

8. Dos and Don’ts in writing

9. Well-constructed papers present reasoned propositions, • Introductory paragraphs should normally begin with a statement of the proposition to be presented in the paper. • The narrative should be developed in a series of intermediate • Concluding paragraphs should be very brief, recapitulating the analysis, drawing conclusions and making recommendations Well-constructed papers; well-constructed paragraphs

10. Briefings are either intended to provide general information or information to a specific audience. • Do not unnecessarily repeat information. • Present facts • Describe shortfalls, critical constraints or • Recommendations for action should include What, When, Where, Who and Why • An agenda has to be established, and the areas of responsibility of each individual briefer Some Guidelines for Briefings

11. Military Information Briefing Aim: To inform superiors or subordinated commanders on the current situation. Mission Situation of the parties to the conflict, capabilities and `presumable intentions Situation of superior formation, adjacent units and other `organizations Situation of friendly forces in all basic functional areas Friendly intentions Special command and control problems Requests / recommendations Summary

12. Aim: To inform visitors or guests about the current situation or a specific topic • Introduction and purpose of the briefing • Mission • Situation of the parties to the conflict • Situation of other organizations as applicable • Situation of friendly forces in all basic functional areas as applicable • Friendly intentions • Summary Visitors Information Briefing

13. Aim: To inform staff personnel and to coordinate the workflow and planning process. Several staff conferences may be needed to develop courses of action or coordinate the planning process. • Introduction, purpose and agenda • Mission • Development of the parties to the conflict, capabilities and presumable intentions • Situation of other organizations as applicable • Development of friendly forces in all basic functional areas • Decisions and guidelines • Further friendly intentions • Summary Staff Conference Briefing

14. Decision Briefing Aim: To inform about courses of action and to prepare a commander’s decision Introduction and purpose Mission and mission analysis Situation, estimate of the parties to the conflict, Situation, estimate of superior formation, adjacent units Situation, estimate of other organizations as applicable Situation, estimate of friendly forces in all basic functional areas Environmental conditions and their appreciation Comparison of forces (Force Ratio) Assessment and comparison of possible Courses of Action (COA) Recommended decision

15. QUESTIONS?