Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Style Manual for Intelligence Publication, 2016

March 1, 2017

Background

Defense Intelligence producers are more than analysts; they are also professional writers. Despite various new media and technological developments. writing is still the principal medium through which the Agency conveys its information, ideas, and concerns to customers. If our written products are to have the impact and inspire the confidence they warrant, they need to be delivered in a well-crafted package.

This manual is the authoritative reference to help us create that package. It sets Agency standards for written intelligence production. minimizing the guesswork on capitalization, numbers, abbreviations, and other style points. Consequently. intelligence producers can focus on crafting effective arguments to support analytic judgments.

The DIA Style Manual for Intelligence Production has been in use for decades. The manual’s executive agent. the Directorate for Analysis. refines the guidance as Intelligence Community standards develop and the language evolves. The U.S. Government Printing Office Style Manual served as the basis for most of the guidance in this manual, and other references provided additional direction, notably The Gregg Reference Manual.

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As professional analysts, we focus every day on maintaining subject matter expertise, but communicating that expertise requires us to maintain excellent writing skills. DIA must convey a Defense Intelligence message that is concise, precise. and compelling. This manual is a key tool in our arsenal as we execute our mission and ensure we meet the highest possible standards.