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Military reports
Since a military report is the most frequent task during English exams according to
STANAG 6001 (from level 2 to level 4) you should be familiar with that form of writing. It
is undoubtedly the most popular and the most useful form you will be exposed to in the
military service. That is why it is ‘the must’ during all military English exams, at a writing
part of the exam.

Military reports – principles and rules

To write any report successfully you should bear in mind that it is extremely formalized type
of writing, therefore, there are some basic, core rules to follow. Negligence in complying
with those rules may result (and surely it will!) in a lower score at the writing test.

English
There are at least 9 basic principles any reports writer should be aware of:
1.Reports are the most impersonal kind of writing and this is also reflected in the language
used. It is usually best to avoid expressing personal opinions or feelings except, perhaps, in
a conclusion.

2. Reports, like other kinds of writing, must be divided into paragraphs/sections.

3. Reports should have a clear, factual heading and may also have subheadings which
clearly show what each section is about.

4. Letters and numbers may be used to separate sections from each other.

5. Each section deals with a different aspect of the topic.

6. Generally, the text aims to give information, not to entertain.

7. An introduction either may say what purpose of the report is or may give an outline of the
content.

8. A final section summarises what has been stated and makes recommendation, if
necessary.

9. The style is formal in the whole text.

Military reports – example

FROM:CPT X

TO:MAJ Y
SUBJECT: LEISURE FACILITIES IN ANYTOWN

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this report is to describe and assess the leisure facilities available in Anytown. It is
based on information made available by the Anytown Tourist Office, and on views expressed
by local people who were interviewed.

SPORT

Anytown has a wide range of sports facilities, both public and private. There is a large
modern centre in the High Street and facilities include a swimming pool, a sports hall for
judo, fencing and other activities, and tennis courts. The centre runs courses in all these sports
and these tend to be very popular. Membership costs ₤100 a year, which was felt rather
expensive, but a special temporary membership is available to visitors. The public swimming
pool on the outskirts of town at Downmarket is older, less attractive and often overcrowded,
but entry is only 50p.

THEATRES

There are two theatres in town, the Kings Theatre in Bee Street which offers mainly serious
drama and has a reputation for its productions of Shakespeare plays, and the Little Theatre in
Sea Street which specialises in lighter entertainment and the occasional pop concert. In
general, it seems that the Kings Theatre is more popular with the older members of the
community while the Little appeals more to people in their teens and twenties.

MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES

The City Museum has an extensive collection of maps, pottery and other articles connected
with Anytown’s history. The attendants are said to be very friendly and helpful and there is
also a small café with reasonably-priced snacks. Interestingly, few of the local Anytowners
interviewed had ever been to the museum.

CONCLUSION

Anytown is well-provided with leisure facilities for a town of its size and these are well-used
by the townspeople, on the whole. Sport seems to be the most popular leisure activity while
cultural activities like visiting the museum or art gallery appeared to be the least popular
amongst the Anytowners. Perhaps the City Council should consider launching a publicity
campaign to show how much these facilities have to offer.

Military reports – must-know vocabulary

English
The aim of this report is to
This report is intended to
This report looks at/describes
It is based on
It draws on
It seems/appears that
It was found that
It was felt that
According to
As X said
In the words of
It may/might/could be that
It may/might/could have been that
In general
On the whole
It is recommended that
It is/would be advisable (for X) to
X might/should consider +ing
To sum up/To summarise
On balance
In short

Task One

Part A

While on a mission you organized training for the local military. The training was very
successful. As you are responsible for contacts with the local military you have been tasked
with writing a letter to the CO of the participants of the training. In your letter 1) praise
participants for good results, 2) offer another training, 3) ask for their suggestions for it. Use
the notes below and write between 100 and 120 words. Remember not to copy the exact
phrasing of the task instructions or input! Otherwise, you will be penalised.

Polish-Afghan Training event!

Your notes:
(22-29.11.2012)
Sangin Training Centre Another one in August
Content – mine awareness Trainees – how many?
No. of trainees – 125 Field training this time
Outstanding soldiers – Khan and Khanin Content?

Part B

During the meeting with the representatives of the local military you discussed the next
training event. Write a memorandum to your CO 1) explaining what was decided at the
meeting (dates, place, content), 2) saying what has to be prepared, and 3) appointing a person
in charge. Write between 60 and 80 words. Remember not to copy the exact phrasing of the
task instructions! Otherwise, you will be penalised.

Task Two

A military agency is going to publish a report on cooperation between civilian authorities and
the military in helping victims of natural disasters. You were asked to contribute. Use the
recent action in fighting the flood in Poland, which your unit was involved in, as an example
to outline the current state of such cooperation in Poland. Write a report 1) describing the
action your unit was involved in, 2) mentioning the good and bad points of military
cooperation with local authorities and other services, and 3) suggesting ways of improving
the cooperation in the future. Write between 200 – 250 words. The information below is
given to help you but does not have to be used. Remember not to copy the exact phrasing of
the task instructions or input! Otherwise, you will be penalised.

CRISIS MANAGEMENT
CENTRE
THINGS TO IMPROVE
EARLY WARNING SYSTEM
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
ASKING FOR MILITARY
HELP – EARLIER
EVACUATION –
PROCEDURES
MORE SUPPLIES
(From presentation in the Town
Hall)

CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTERS RECEIVE 5 TONS OF FOOD FROM THE

MILITARY.

Military Helicopters to Deliver Humanitarian Aid.

Soldiers Set Up Temporary Pontoon Bridge.

Amphibious Vehicles Ready to Transport Flood Victims.

(Newspapers headlines)

“After receiving a request from a governor,

the Minister of Defense decides whether to
provide military support. Then, military
forces fulfill any necessary tasks in close
cooperation with local authorities and other
emergency services.” An excerpt from a legal act