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13.1 Written Communication

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Air Force PFE Promotion Fitness Examination

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1 Introduction & Exam Overview

1.1 PFE Exam Facts & Format 1.2 The WAPS Scoring System 1.3 The Tested AFH 1 Chapters & Study Strategy

2 Professionalism (AFH 1, Chapter 1)

2.1 The USAF Professional & the Profession of Arms 2.2 The Air Force Core Values & Their Virtues 2.3 Ethical Standards & the Airman's Creed

3 Military Organization & Command (AFH 1, Chapter 5)

3.1 The United States Armed Forces 3.2 The Military Departments & Services 3.3 Military Command Structure & Combatant Commands 3.4 The Air Force Total Force 3.5 Air Force Organizational Structure

4 Enlisted Force Development I (AFH 1, Chapter 7A–7D)

4.1 Leadership Levels 4.2 The Enlisted Force Structure & Tiers 4.3 Duty Titles & Special Positions 4.4 Force Development & the Competency Framework

5 Enlisted Force Development II (AFH 1, Chapter 7E–7H)

5.1 Training Responsibilities & Upgrade Training 5.2 Professional Military Education 5.3 The Community College of the Air Force 5.4 Continuing Education & Voluntary Programs

6 Assessments & Recognition (AFH 1, Chapter 8)

6.1 The Airman Comprehensive Assessment 6.2 Performance Evaluations & the EPB 6.3 Reenlistments, Retention & Continuation 6.4 Awards & Decorations

7 Enlisted Promotions (AFH 1, Chapter 9)

7.1 Promotion Systems & Programs 7.2 Promotion Cycles & Eligibility 7.3 Preparation & Individual Responsibilities 7.4 Promotion Testing & Test Control 7.5 Evaluation Boards & Central Selection

8 Personnel Programs & Benefits (AFH 1, Chapter 11)

8.1 Benefits & Services 8.2 Leave & Authorized Absences 8.3 Military Associations & Civilian Programs

9 Finance, Manpower & Resources (AFH 1, Chapter 12)

9.1 Individual Finances & Allowances 9.2 Official Travel Expenses & Allowances 9.3 Manpower Management 9.4 Resource Management & Stewardship 9.5 Environmental Commitment

10 Developing Organizations (AFH 1, Chapter 13)

10.1 Strategic Thinking & Results Focus 10.2 Resources & Organizational Structure 10.3 Change Management & Problem Solving

11 Developing Others (AFH 1, Chapter 14)

11.1 Teamwork & Team Dynamics 11.2 Develops People: Mentoring, Coaching & Feedback 11.3 Service Mindset & Fostering Effective Relationships 11.4 Leadership: Styles, Power & Influence

12 Developing Self I (AFH 1, Chapter 15A–15C)

12.1 Accountability & Self-Management 12.2 Military Communication 12.3 Preparing to Communicate

13 Developing Self II (AFH 1, Chapter 15D–15F)

13.1 Written Communication 13.2 Spoken Communication 13.3 Electronic Messaging

14 Developing Ideas (AFH 1, Chapter 16)

14.1 What We Know: Priorities & Innovation 14.2 Cognitive Processes & Critical Thinking 14.3 Informed Decision-Making 14.4 What We Don't Know: Uncertainty & Assumptions

15 Emergency Management (AFH 1, Chapter 17)

15.1 Air Force Emergency Management, Disasters & Hazards 15.2 Preparedness, MOPP & Individual Protection 15.3 Crisis Response & Recovery 15.4 Department of the Air Force Mishap Prevention 15.5 Risk Management

16 Security (AFH 1, Chapter 18)

16.1 Integrated Defense & Force Protection Conditions 16.2 Operations Security (OPSEC) 16.3 Information Protection & Classification 16.4 Information Access, Cybersecurity & Mobility 16.5 Antiterrorism

17 Standards of Conduct (AFH 1, Chapter 19)

17.1 A Way of Life: Oaths, Standards & Off-Duty Conduct 17.2 The Law of War 17.3 The Code of Conduct

18 Enforcing Military Standards (AFH 1, Chapter 20)

18.1 The Air Force Inspection System 18.2 Individual Accountability & Corrective Action 18.3 Appropriate Working Relationships & Fraternization 18.4 Addressing Misconduct & Prohibited Behavior

19 Fitness & Readiness (AFH 1, Chapter 22)

19.1 USAF Fitness & Comprehensive Airman Fitness 19.2 The Official Fitness Assessment 19.3 Nutrition & Performance 19.4 Substance Use, Abuse & Treatment Programs 19.5 Readiness State of Mind & Resilience

20 Military Customs & Courtesies (AFH 1, Chapter 24)

20.1 Honored Traditions: Saluting, Titles & Reporting 20.2 Respect for the Flag 20.3 Respect for Individuals 20.4 Ceremonies & Events 20.5 Drill & Formation 20.6 Preserving Our Heritage

21 SJT Format & Competencies

21.1 SJT Format & Mechanics 21.2 Airman Leadership Qualities (ALQs) 21.3 Foundational Competencies & Behaviors

22 SJT Reasoning, Scenarios & Traps

22.1 SJT Reasoning Strategies 22.2 Sample SJT Scenarios 22.3 SJT Traps & Best Practices

13.1 Written Communication

Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI

The six types of Air Force papers are the point paper, talking paper, bullet background paper, background paper, position paper, and staff study.

A point paper is a single-page memory jogger for extemporaneous use; a talking paper is slightly more detailed and provides notes for planned oral presentations.

The personal letter is used when communication needs a personal touch, should be brief — preferably no longer than one page — and should avoid acronyms.

The purpose of a staff study is to analyze a problem, draw conclusions, and make recommendations.

The AF Form 1768, Staff Summary Sheet, is the cover page of a staff package and summarizes purpose, background, discussion, views of others, and recommendation.

Last updated: August 2026

Why Format Matters

AFH 1 states that the Air Force "has adopted common, basic formats of written communication for official and personal correspondence and memorandums," and that "understanding the purpose of these formats will best serve your superiors, yourself, and your subordinates." Detailed instructions live in DAFH 33-337 ( The Tongue and Quill ) , though various organizations may have adopted internally preferred styles .

The governing principle: "One key aspect for choosing the appropriate format to use for written communication is consistency in your approach." And the reason it matters: "Attention to detail, proper format, and pertinent information will ensure written communication serves as a professional representation of your organization."

The Official Memorandum

Official memorandums are used to communicate throughout the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. They are also used to conduct official business outside the government with vendors or contractors when the personal letter is not appropriate.

Addressing options: to specific officials , single offices , multiple offices , multiple offices IN TURN , or to DISTRIBUTION lists . The IN TURN convention — routing sequentially through offices — is the detail most often asked about.

Details on heading, text, and closing sections are in DAFH 33-337, Chapter 14 .

  • The Personal Letter
  • "Use the personal letter when communication needs a personal touch or when warmth or sincerity is preferred."

AFH 1 names three uses: writing to an individual on a private matter, such as for praise, condolence, or sponsorship .

Two format rules are directly testable: keep the personal letter brief, preferably no longer than one page , and avoid using acronyms . The acronym prohibition is the discriminator between the personal letter and every other Air Force written product.

Details are in DAFH 33-337, Chapter 15 .

The Six Types of Air Force Papers

AFH 1 lists them together: the point paper, talking paper, bullet background paper, background paper, position paper, and the staff study. Learn them by length , format , and function .

Paper Length Format Function

Point paper Single page Bullets or phrases requiring minimal data A memory jogger — a minimal text outline of a single issue , used to quickly inform others, often extemporaneously (with little or no notice) . Can give the same short message many times, or cue a speaker to recite something from memory

Talking paper Single page Bullets or phrases providing key reference data — slightly more detailed than the point paper Notes for a presenter or speaker , used as an outline or narrative for a single issue to inform others during planned/scheduled oral presentations . A quick reference on key points, facts, or positions , such as frequently asked questions; can stand alone for basic understanding

Bullet background paper Single page or multi-page Bullet statements Provides the background of a program, policy, problem, or procedure using a concise chronology ; can explain or provide details regarding an attached talking paper

Background paper Multi-page Full sentences, details, and numbered paragraphs A multi-purpose staff communication instrument to express ideas or describe conditions requiring staff action. Uses detailed chronology ; condenses and summarizes complex issues ; informs decision-makers with important details

Position paper Multi-page Full sentences, details, and numbered paragraphs Used when working with proposals for a new program, policy, procedure, or plan — to circulate a proposal to generate interest, evaluate a proposal, or advocate a position to decision-makers

Staff study Multi-page research paper Detailed discussion with a conclusion and applicable recommendations Analyze a problem, draw conclusions, and make recommendations

How to Tell Them Apart Under Exam Pressure

Three discriminators cover nearly every item:

Bullets versus full sentences. Point, talking, and bullet background papers use bullets ; background, position, and staff study papers use full sentences with numbered paragraphs .

Extemporaneous versus planned. The point paper is for speaking with little or no notice ; the talking paper is for a planned, scheduled presentation. That single word — planned — separates them.

Describes versus advocates. The background paper describes conditions and chronology; the position paper advocates a position on a proposal.

AFH 1 also emphasizes the obvious but tested instruction: "Be sure that the type of format used is appropriate for the task." Samples are in DAFH 33-337, Chapter 16 .

The Staff Study

Because it is both a paper type and a thought process , AFH 1 gives the staff study its own paragraph.

Purpose: "to analyze a problem, draw conclusions, and make recommendations." Format varies depending on the need or complexity of information required . Staff studies assist decision-makers and leaders in initiating research, inform and recommend change, and serve as a problem-solving thought process in written form.

AFH 1 adds a note that is itself testable: "Not all organizations routinely use the staff study, but it is an accepted format for a problem-solution report for both the USAF and Joint Staff. The value of using a staff study as a thought process often outweighs the particular format used to communicate findings."

That last clause connects Section 15D back to Chapter 13's practical problem-solving method — both are structured ways of moving from a problem statement to a validated recommendation.

The Staff Package and the Staff Summary Sheet

The staff package is "a writing format commonly used in the USAF for routing or coordinating correspondence through a staffing process."

Its most recognized element is the AF Form 1768, Staff Summary Sheet , known as "the SSS," "the Triple-S," or "the e-SSS." It is the cover page — the first page — of a staff package , and provides a condensed summary of:

  • Purpose
  • Background
  • Discussion
  • View of others (when applicable)
  • Recommendation
  • Signature blocks
  • Overall contents of the staff package

Memorize the form number: AF Form 1768. It is the single most likely recall item from this section, and "cover page of a staff package" is the definition the exam pairs with it.

Putting the Formats to Work

A practical way to hold the whole section: imagine the same issue moving up a chain.

  • Situation Right product
  • Your commander may be asked about a maintenance backlog in a hallway conversation today Point paper
  • Your commander is briefing the wing on that backlog next Tuesday Talking paper

The wing wants the chronology of how the backlog developed Bullet background paper (bullets) or background paper (full sentences, more detail)

  • You are proposing a new scheduling policy to fix it Position paper
  • You are asked to research the problem and recommend a solution Staff study
  • Any of the above needs to route for coordination and signature Staff package , fronted by an AF Form 1768

That progression — short and reactive → planned and spoken → historical → advocacy → research → routing — is the logic AFH 1 is teaching, and it makes the format questions answerable even when the wording is unfamiliar.