Administrative and Office Management
Domain 1 tests control of the administrative workspace: how taskings, correspondence, calendars, visitors, and office security are managed so work is visible, assigned, and completed on time.
Core controls
- Keep one authoritative task register with task, source, OPR (office of primary responsibility), suspense, status, and closure evidence.
- Set internal suspenses earlier than the external due date to leave time for coordination, review, and signature.
- Use version control and a single release authority; avoid parallel edits on the same document.
- Maintain a continuity binder or shared drive with recurring reports, contacts, and procedures.
Security and visitors
Verify need-to-know before releasing information, escort visitors in controlled areas, clear desks of sensitive material, and report lost badges or spills immediately.
Worked example: A tasker arrives Monday 0900, due Friday 1600. The unit chief needs two days for review, and the commander signs Thursday afternoon. Set the OPR draft suspense for Tuesday 1200 and coordination completion for Wednesday 1200. Reasoning: work backward from release and signature, not forward from receipt; the internal suspense protects the external deadline.
Traps that cost marks
- Accepting verbal taskings without recording source and due date.
- Naming two OPRs, which usually means no one owns it.
- Sending a package before required coordination is documented.
- Leaving classified or privacy material unsecured.