MIL-STD-38784 Manuals, Technical: General Style And Format RequirementsThis standard covers the general style and format requirements for the preparation of standard Technical Manuals \(TM\) and changes thereto intended for military applications. This includes all technical documents assigned a TM identification number and controlled by a TM management information system, or subject to requisition from an inventory control point. This standard provides for Standard Generalized Markup Language \(SGML\) Document Type Definition \(DTD\) usage \(see Appendices B through E\) required for electronic data delivery, including PDF. This standard supplements the performance of detail specifications used for specific TM types and related publications, but does not deliver any technical data. Unless specified otherwise herein, the examples at the end of this standard are typical and may be adapted to fit the specific equipment or situation being covered. All appendices are intended for compliance when applicable.

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MIL-STD-38784A

(M) If there is only one paragraph with a title, a period shall be inserted after the title, then space

over two spaces and start the text. See igure 40.

4.2.9.1 Volumes. (see 3.2.37) Print presentation: Unless otherwise speciied (see 6.2.q.) volumes shall

be used and numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals. When authorized, volumes shall be used

when a publication exceeds 1500 printed pages (750 sheets). Two or more volumes shall be identiied

sequentially by volume numbers and subtitles indicative of volume content and have a unique Technical

Manual Identiication Number System (TMINS) number assigned as provided by the acquiring activity.

Volumes shall be separated by complete chapters, where possible.

(A) (M) Separate volumes shall not be used to distinguish between models, i.e. -10 for basic model, -10-1

for model A, -10-2 for model B, etc.

(F) (M) Electronic presentation: Page limits do not apply to digital manuals; therefore, volumes

are not required.

4.2.9.2 Parts. (See 3.2.25.) (N) When a volume exceeds approximately three inches in thickness, it shall be

divided by complete chapters (where possible) into separately bound parts. Each part shall be numbered

consecutively in Arabic numerals. Each part shall be identiied by both its volume and part numbers and

have a unique TMINS number assigned as provided by the acquiring activity.

4.2.9.3 Chapters. (see 3.2.7) Arabic numerals shall be used to number chapters consecutively throughout all

volumes of the publication. (M) TMs shall be single column only.

Print presentation: Chapters shall begin on a right-hand page. Format shall be as shown on igure 2.

(F) Electronic presentation: Chapters shall start at the beginning of the scrollable view.

4.2.9.4 Sections. (see 3.2.32) Roman numerals shall be used to number sections consecutively within each

chapter. Format shall be as shown on igure 2.

(F) Electronic presentation: If the data is split into sections when applicable, the chapter number and title shall

appear directly above the section number and title for all sections in that chapter, not just the irst section.

4.2.9.5 Paragraphs. Text shall be divided into primary paragraphs and subordinate paragraphs. Paragraphs

may also be divided into procedural steps. Procedural steps may be further divided if necessary. Decimal

paragraph numbering as described in 4.2.9.5.2 shall be used.

4.2.9.5.1 Paragraph headings. Paragraph headings (titles) are identiied as primary sideheads, irst subordinate

sideheads, second subordinate sideheads, etc. Periods shall follow paragraph titles. There shall be two

spaces between the paragraph number and the title.

(M) periods shall not be used after paragraph titles when text does not follow the title (see igure 41).

Acronyms shall not be used in headings. and acronyms shall be deined when irst used in text.

4.2.9.5.1.1 Primary sideheads. Primary sideheads divide text within chapters or sections into two or more

portions. There shall be at least one primary sidehead in each chapter or section. Primary sideheads

stand alone (are not run in with text) and shall appear in capital letters. They shall begin at the

left margin and shall be underscored.

4.2.9.5.1.2 Subordinate paragraphs. Subordinate paragraphs shall be numbered. First subordinate paragraphs

shall have a sidehead. Second and subsequent subordinate paragraphs should, but are not required to,

have a sidehead. The irst letter of the irst word and of each principal word shall be capitalized, and

the title shall be underscored. The text shall begin on the same line as the title/paragraph number

and be separated by a period (if using a title) and two spaces. Carry over lines for all subordinate

paragraphs shall return to the left margin. Breakdowns beyond the third subordinate shall not be used

without the approval of the acquiring activity. Figure 6 shows samples of decimal paragraph numbering and

decimal paragraph numbering with added material.

Print presentation: Single column format shall use the same conventions as double column. (M) Single

column format shall be used.