MIL-DTL-83495C (USAF)
3.4.2.1 Style of writing. The material shall be factual, speciic, concise, and clearly worded. Use of common
names shall conform to the requirements of 3.1.2.1. Emphasis shall be placed on steps to be followed.
3.4.2.1.1 Syntax. Normal sentence structure (subject, verb, object) shall be used for narrative text. Task
steps shall be written in the second person imperative (see a., below). Modiiers, if required, shall be used
to deine equipment location and method or direction of manipulation. When a special tool is called out
as a part of a step, the word "using" and the tool name shall precede the statement (see b., below).
The third person indicative mood or second person imperative mood, whichever is more effective,
shall be used for description and discussion statements such as Warnings, Cautions, and Notes. Task
step numbers shall be keyed to the illustration (see 3.4.2.2) to minimize the need for complex sentence
structure and modiiers (adjectives and adverbs).
Examples:
a. "1. Set switch to ON."
(The switch and location are identiied as callout "1" on the accompanying illustration.)
b. "3. Using snap-ring pliers, remove retainer clip."
(The special tool identiier is added.)
3.4.2.2 Format. Electronic media requirement: Textural information shall be presented in one pane
/ window with the related illustration in a separate pane/window at the same time. Function and task
title shall not be underlined.
Print media requirements: Textual information in 5 by 8 inch manuals shall be presented on the left-hand
page and the related illustration on the right-hand page. Textual information for standard size 8½ by 11 inch
manuals shall be presented in double column format with textual information located at the top half of the
page and the related illustration on the bottom.
3.4.2.3 Numbering. Chapters shall be numbered within a JG manual(s) covering a speciic subsystem and
shall be sub-subsystem oriented. Functions shall be consecutively numbered within a chapter. Tasks shall be
consecutively numbered within functions, e.g., the fourth task, in the second function, in chapter three, would
be 3-2-4. Each numerical identiier shall be separated by a dash. Steps shall be consecutively numbered
within a task, e.g., task 6-11-10 might have eight steps numbered 1 through 8.
3.4.2.4 Size. Print media requirement only : JG manuals shall be prepared in either 5 by 8 inch pocket
size, or 8½ by 11 inch standard size, as speciied by the acquiring activity (see 6.2m.). Pocket size JG
manuals shall be limited to 400 pages (200 sheets). Standard size JG manuals shall be limited to 800 pages
(400 sheets). If the proposed JG manual exceeds these page limitations, it shall be divided at lowest level
nearest the complete function. Tasks shall not be divided unless absolutely necessary. The contractors
recommended breakout shall be approved by the acquiring activity on a case by case basis.
3.4.2.5 Nomenclature. Consistency shall be maintained between the irst usage of nomenclature in the text
of each task and illustration callouts on the irst reference of an equipment item (see 6.2n.). The higher
level designator (HLD) shall follow the irst usage nomenclature, if required (see 6.2).
3.4.2.6 Tolerances. Information on how the equipment must respond, either in numerical or qualitative terms
shall be provided. Clearances, low rates, pressures, nonstandard and critical torque values, voltage, frequency,
amperage, resistance, or other measures shall be provided, with applicable tolerances. Measurements shall be
given in the units of the tool(s) or equipment required. If general instructions for installation of standard
hardware must be given, it shall provide complete instructions in the task step, e.g., "Install panel screws
and tighten so that screw heads are lush with the panel and the panel is lush with surrounding surfaces."
Use of general instructions within job guide tasks shall held to an absolute minimum.
3.4.2.7 Foldouts. Print media requirement: Foldout pages shall only be used for tables and illustrations
as approved by the acquiring activity (see 6.2o.). Tables or illustrations may be rotated 90 degrees
counterclockwise to preclude the use of foldouts. When used, foldout pages shall be interspersed throughout
the manual. Turn-pages (text on back) shall not be used.
3.4.2.7.1 Blank aprons. Print media requirement: Foldouts used in JG manuals shall not have blank
aprons if they support a single page task and shall be located opposite the task instruction. Foldouts
supporting multi-page tasks shall have blank aprons and shall be located on the right-hand page following
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