How to use Message Precedence (PRECEDENCE)

URL: ftp://ftp.winlink.org/messageprecedence.txt
About Message Precedence
(Found in WL2K_Help category, item PRECEDENCE)

ABOUT MESSAGE PRECEDENCE (PRIORITY)

Winlink 2000 uses a message precedence system, which follows the United States military procedures for message priority. Messages are always sent by default with routine precedence, using in the subject line //WL2K R/ (or just //WL2K) unless otherwise designated. These designations are listed below and are to be used only when high priority messages are sent. Any precedence higher than ìRî or routine should be carefully considered before sending.

Message Precedence Categories

Precedence categories are Flash (Z), Immediate (O), Priority (P), and Routine (R).

The precedence indicator is included in a Winlink message by adding one of the following to the beginning of the subject line in a message whether originated from Internet email or within the Winlink system.

//WL2K Z/ - Flash (for urgent message use only)
//WL2K O/ - Immediate (for urgent message use only)
//WL2K P/ - Priority
//WL2K R/ - Routine (Default)

On the receiving end, recipients reacting to messages with ìReplyî, ìReply to Allî and ìForwardî will create messages that are treated with the same priority as the original unless the precedence indicated in the subject line is edited when replying or forwarding.

Here are some examples of acceptable subject lines using the precedence indicators:

//WL2K Z/EOC FLOODING
//WL2K 0/SHELTER STATUS - FULL
//WL2K P/Food and bedding inventory request
//WL2K R/Supplies received
Re://WL2K R/Generator manual needed
FW://WL2K R/Please bring Gasoline

Unless there is a special circumstance, routing precedence //WL2K R/ or //WL2K) should always be used.

HOW THE SYSTEM HANDLES MESSAGES USING PRECEDENCE INDICATORS

The CMS servers route messages between themselves, and to and from users connecting through RMS gateways and Telnet connections in the order of priority applied to each batch. Higher priority messages are transferred before lower priority or Routine messages.

Revised, June 26, 2015, W3QA