MIL-HDBK-63038-1A, MILITARY HANDBOOK: TECHNICAL MANUAL WRITING HANDBOOK (15 MAY 1984)., This handbook is a general guide for a technical writer. It contains guidelines and criteria for selecting the optimum type and amount of TM (technical manual) coverage for military equipment, and related components under all mission conditions. This handbook has been developed for use in conjunction with the technical content specifications to provide the additional guidance material needed to produce usable, user-oriented TM.