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Air Force Letterhead
There are only two types of letterhead authorized for use: standard (pre-printed stationary) and computer-generated.
Pre-printed Letterhead
MAJCOMs may elect to use generic two-line command letterhead for command-wide use. MAJCOMs may authorize letterhead below wing-level if the quantity needed justifies the printing cost or other circumstances warrant. Any unit without its own letterhead uses its parent unit’s letterhead stationery and identifies its organization and standard office symbol in the FROM caption.
Ink. Print the letterhead and seal using either blue or black ink.
Seal. The DoD seal is one inch in diameter. Align the seal 1/2-inch from the upper left and top edge of the paper. Do not use any other emblem, decorative device, or distinguishing insignia with or in place of the DoD seal.
Format. Center organization name and address on the letterhead using no more than four lines:
First Line. DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE. Center this line leaving 5/8-inch from the top of the sheet. Print it in 12 point uppercase using copperplate letters, heavy plate Gothic letters, or equivalent.
Second Line. Center the name of the organization as shown in the G-series special order that established it. If G-series orders do not exist, the MAJCOM Director of Communications decides the second line. Put HEADQUARTERS before the organization’s name only if it appears in the activation order. Print it in 10.5 point uppercase using copperplate letters, heavy plate Gothic letters, or equivalent. If the name is more than fifty characters, you may use an additional line.
Third Line. If used, center the location without the ZIP+4 code on this line. Print it in 10.5 point uppercase using copperplate letters, heavy plate Gothic letters, or equivalent. The bottom of the third line should be 1 1/16 inches from the top of the sheet. If your unit is overseas, do not show the Army and Air Force Post Office (APO) or Fleet Post Office (FPO) number and a geographical location together. You may use the two-letter state abbreviation or spell out the state name. Do not use punctuation in the last line of the address element.
EXAMPLES:
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS AIR EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
AIR EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS AIR EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE TEXAS
Computer-Generated Letterhead
Computer-generated letterhead allows for the use of plain white bond paper and high production rates. It also permits an organization to generate its own letterhead stationery.
You may use computer-generated letterhead the same as printed letterhead when the design satisfies all specifications in AFM 33-326, Preparing Official Communications, paragraph 3.3. (the format described above). Use computer-generated letterhead only for correspondence within the DoD. Do not use for the signature of the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Defense, or Executive Secretary of the DoD. MAJCOMs may direct the use of printed letterhead for headquarters and subordinate units.
Format. When using computer-generated letterhead, you may identify the office name as approved in organizational designation documents. Center the office name below the organization name. You may identify the complete mailing address including ZIP+4 code. Do not use more than four lines for the letterhead.
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89th Airlift Wing Example of Letterhead
This MS Word document can be used to size the DOD Seal.