How to Write a Presidential Directive

The format of the presidential directive is simpler than that of a position memo. A directive contains a record of the policy option or options that the president has chosen as well as the accompanying orders to various parts of the government with details on how to carry out these decisions.

• Start with a short paragraph describing the purpose of the memo. Everyone you are writing to was in the NSC meeting, so only brief context is needed.
• Explain in numbered paragraphs the decisions you have made, why you have made them, and any details regarding how you want the decisions carried out.
• Explain the communications strategy for the decision, considering both relevant foreign governments and the public. Also, consider that you may wish to keep certain elements of the decision secret from the public.
• Include any additional details before you sign.
• Be sure to include all the information necessary for NSC members to understand and carry out your intentions.

Click here to see a sample presidential directive.