MIL-DTL-87268D
task or providing a description in broader terms, requiring a higher level of theoretical knowledge. Both
levels shall contain all pertinent warnings and cautions. The expert user shall be given the ability to access
information at the novice level, but, the novice user shall not be given the capability to access information
at the expert level unless otherwise speciied by the acquiring activity (see 6.2e).
3.3.3 Comprehensibility. To ensure comprehensibility of the IETM data, the following principles shall
be followed in authoring technical information:
a. Essential information in narrative text shall:
1. Describe the system, components, etc., identifying special or outstanding features.
2. Describe what functions are performed, including inputs, outputs, interface with other
systems, etc.; emphasize end results.
3. Describe how the functions are performed, including associated principles of operation.
4. Describe at what point in an overall system process the function is performed.
5. Describe the location of the component or part.
b. When procedural text is combined with graphics, the following rules shall be used to abbreviate,
so long as the meaning is not altered or obscured.
1. Eliminate articles.
2. Begin sentences with transitive verbs (action verbs).
3. Use the imperative mood whenever appropriate. The only time subjects shall be implied
is when they are unknown and the passive voice is being used or when the imperative
mood is being used to give an instruction, order, or command, in which case the
subject shall always be omitted (i.e., implied).
c. When it is necessary to indicate time, begin sentences with "when" clauses. Example: "When
power supply voltage stabilizes..."
d. Limit paragraphs to a single idea. Limit sentences to a single thought; use no compound or
complex sentences. Whenever possible, limit words to those that are short and familiar to the
target audience. Eliminate long, complex sentences and paragraphs through the use of lists. The
resulting parallel portions of sentences shall be individually listed as in the following example:
"The beat frequency oscillator has three components:
(1) ...
(2) ...
(3) ..."
e. Average sentence length shall not exceed 20 words. The average paragraph shall not exceed six
sentences. The desired paragraph length is three to four sentences. Each paragraph shall have a
topic entry or sentence. All material in the paragraph shall relate to and develop the topic sentence.
f. Except in unusual circumstances, text modules, e.g., construct steps and explanations, shall be
fully integrated with graphics modules. Associate explanatory text to the graphic.
g. Present descriptive text in a logical order, e.g., in operational sequence or in signal low sequence,
and include summary headers for individual paragraphs whenever needed for clarity.
h. Keep descriptive text consistent in terminology, style, and format throughout the IETM.
3.3.4 General style requirements for text. IETM text shall be developed in accordance with the
following style requirements.
3.3.4.1 Language considerations. Writing shall be factual, speciic, terse, clearly worded, and simply
illustrated, so that a user who has the required aptitude, training, and experience will understand it.
3.3.4.2 Proper amount of technical information. The IETM shall provide all the technical information
required by a technician to perform the task. It shall not contain extraneous material. Helpful, but not
required, information shall be included only in the form of user accessible HELP (see 3.2.1).
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