Originator, Drafter, Releasing Officer
The originator of a message is the command
by whose authority the message is sent. The
drafter—usually the communications officer or
a department head—is the person who actually
composes the message for release. The releasing
officer authorizes transmission of the message for,
and in the name of, the originator. Usually the
commanding officer is the releasing officer, but
releasing authority may be delegated if the
commanding officer so desires.
Heading
Figure 3-6 shows a copy of DD Form 173. The
RP will not need to fill in all the blocks on this
form, but should know which parts must be
completed and the function of each of them.
Figure 3-6.—Sample DD Form 173.
3-17
