Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he wants to end the military’s overuse of acronyms.

DoD Executive Secretary Michael Bruhn has instructed all Pentagon officials to minimize the use of acronyms in all correspondence prepared for the Secretary, Politico reports.

Bruhn’s letter says while using acronyms is supposed to make things clearer,their misuse or abuse can do exactly the opposite.

According to Politico, Bruhn’s letter says, “Many acronyms have multiple meanings and are not always well known outside a particular organization.”

The directive goes into effect immediately. The letter reportedly goes on to say if officials cannot avoid using acronyms they must include a glossary in any correspondence.

This story is part of Federal News Radio’s daily DoD Report. For more defense news, click here.

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