How to write an MFR

During your ROTC career you may be asked to write an MFR for various reasons.
For example you might miss a PT session or be required to report in to a Cadre member.
A MFR is a formal document that delivers a professional message in a very specific
format that must be followed very carefully.

How to interpret the MFR Format
After opening the MFR Format document you will see various symbols and word blocks
all over the document. Dont worry; they are all supposed to be there. This might look a little
confusing at first, dont worry though! In a few minutes you will be able to churn out perfect
MFRs as if you were born with the skill.
1) Notice the various symbols at the top of the document. The Depart of Defense seal
and our local AFROTC detachments address. Leave these untouched as you write
your MFR.

2) When looking at the top right of the document you will see the date formatted in
military manner with the day the MFR is being written first followed by the month
and finally the year. Notice and pay particular attention to how the month is
completely spelled out and the current year as well. You can either use this format, or
you may use the shorthand month and shorthand year as well. Your choice! Just do
not combine the two!


3) Continuing down the page you come upon the MEMORANDUM FOR section. This
can be easily referenced to WHO you are addressing your MFR to. Following the
MEMORANDUM FOR you have two choices. You may either place the persons
position, such as A/FLT CC for Alpha Flight Commander OR their rank and name,
such as C/4C PATRICK J. HIPELIUS. Notice how the name is completely
capitalized and there is a period right after the middle initial. If you have any
questions regarding any positions, refer to the CoC (Chain of Command). This can
be found in the Hog Hanger.

4) Following the MEMORANDUM section is the FROM: section. In this section you
place your rank and name, such as C/4C PATRICK J. HIPELIUS. Follow the same
rules for capitalization found in number 3.


5) In the SUBJECT: line you give a BRIEF description on why you are writing your
MFR. Examples may range from Personal Grooming Standards to The
Importance of Attention to Detail in Everyday Life. Notice how NORMAL
capitalization is used throughout the subject line. Words such as of, the, to, and in are
NOT capitalized.

6) The next few word blocks below the SUBJECT: line house the meat of your MFR. In
the first section you write what you hope to accomplish with your MFR. An example
purpose for an MFR about your lack of attention to grooming standards might be
The purpose of this MFR is to address my personal grooming standards and attain a
feasible solution. This word block is written exactly the same way any normal
English sentence is written.


7) In the second section you explain why you are writing your MFR. This section is
normally the largest. Most of your information will be conveyed here. Plans,
meeting notes, and disciplinary action are all perfect examples of why you could be
writing an MFR. Try to keep your MFR as short and to the point as possible. This
helps you maintain a professional image. REMEMBER acronyms are not permitted
in the body of your MFR. Acronyms such as AF (Air Force) and AFROTC (Air
Force Reserve Officer Training Corp) must be completely spelled out. This is done
so readers who are unfamiliar with the subject material can understand what is being
addressed.

8) In the third section you explain the practical solution you have come up with to solve
your problem. This section is usually only included in disciplinary MFRs.


9) In the fourth section you give your contact information. Keep it simple and use the
format provided by the MFR format. Please remember to substitute your information
for the example. Also, remember to remove the hyperlink created when you enter
your email address.

10) Below and to the right is the signature block. This contains YOUR first and last
name capitalized exactly the same as the SUBJECT: line. Followed by a comma and
your Cadet rank. This is followed by a comma and the AFROTC. Below and in line
is either your position or flight name, this is completely capitalized. Your flight
would look something like ALPHA FLIGHT.


11) After you CAREFULLY check your work, print out your MFR and sign your name in
between the signature block and your contact information. Please remember to use
either a black or blue pen. NO colored pencils or crayons please. Remember you are
making a professional and to the point document.