AF Form 1900: General’s Invitation (Preprinted) – Official

AF Form 1900: General’s Invitation (Preprinted) – Official – If you’re involved in Air Force protocol, event planning for senior leaders, or administrative support at a base, wing, or headquarters level, you may need AF Form 1900. This specialized preprinted invitation card is designed specifically for events hosted by U.S. Air Force generals.

What Is AF Form 1900?

AF Form 1900, titled General’s Invitation (Preprinted Format), is an official Department of the Air Force form used for formal invitations issued by general officers (typically one-star or higher, depending on context). It comes in a compact preprinted size of 5 3/8″ x 4 1/4″, making it ideal for elegant, professional correspondence that fits standard envelopes used in military protocol.

This form is part of a series of specialized invitation cards:

  • AF Form 1900 — General’s Invitation
  • AF Form 1901 — Lieutenant General’s Invitation
  • AF Form 1902 — Major General’s Invitation (and similar variants for other ranks)

These preprinted formats ensure consistency, proper military etiquette, and a polished appearance for high-level social or official functions, such as receptions, dinners, change of command ceremonies, or guest speaker events.

Purpose and Usage in Air Force Protocol

AF Form 1900 supports formal invitation protocols outlined in Air Force guidance and longstanding military customs. Invitations for senior leaders must convey essential details clearly and respectfully:

  • Host (e.g., the General and spouse, if applicable)
  • Event type (dinner, reception, luncheon, ceremony)
  • Date and time (including day of the week)
  • Location
  • Dress code (e.g., Service Dress, Mess Dress, Business Attire)
  • RSVP instructions

Proper invitations help maintain the dignity of the event and respect for invitees, including other flag officers, distinguished visitors, dignitaries, or community leaders. Related guidance appears in historical protocol references like updates to Air Force Pamphlet 30-6 and general etiquette resources for USAF events.

Key scenarios where AF Form 1900 is commonly used:

  • Official dinners or receptions hosted by a general officer
  • Change of command or retirement ceremonies
  • Honors for guest speakers or visiting dignitaries
  • Wing or base-level formal functions requiring senior leader hosting

Note: Place cards and related items for the same events are often handwritten in black ink for a personal touch, while invitations may use the preprinted form.

How to Obtain and Order AF Form 1900?

The official source for all Air Force forms and publications is the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing website at https://www.e-publishing.af.mil/. Search the product index for “AF Form 1900” or related forms.

Physical copies of preprinted specialty items like invitation cards are typically ordered through approved channels rather than printed locally:

  • Headquarters-level organizations (HAF) use the Department of the Air Force Order Portal (https://www.orderportal.army.mil) for specialty products such as invitation cards, place cards, and stationery.
  • Units must maintain an approved DAF Form 1846 listing authorized products.
  • Local reproduction may be restricted to ensure the exact preprinted format, paper quality, and embossing/lettering standards.

Downloadable references (PDF or EPUB formats) for the form specifications or related guidance are sometimes available via e-Publishing links, such as:

Always verify the latest version on the official site, as forms and ordering procedures are managed under DAFMAN 90-161, Publications and Forms Management (updated as of October 2023).

Tip for U.S.-based Airmen and civilians supporting USAF events: Contact your unit’s Protocol Office, Administrative Support Squadron, or Publications and Forms Management Office (PFM) for assistance with ordering and proper use. Do not use unofficial templates or third-party printers for official general officer invitations.

Best Practices for Using AF Form 1900

  1. Follow Protocol Guidelines — Include all required elements (who, what, when, where, dress, RSVP). When inviting couples or dual-military members, list names according to rank and custom (e.g., senior member first in certain cases).
  2. Address Formally — Use correct titles, ranks, and full names. For retired officers, include service designation only when appropriate.
  3. Coordinate Early — Protocol offices often prepare guest lists, invitations, and responses well in advance.
  4. Complement with Other Items — Pair with matching place cards (often AF Form series or handwritten) and response cards if needed.
  5. Maintain Professionalism — These invitations represent the hosting general and the U.S. Air Force—accuracy and elegance matter.

For comprehensive protocol training, refer to resources like The Tongue and Quill (DAFH 33-337) for written communication standards and unit-level protocol supplements.

Why Proper Use of AF Form 1900 Matters?

Using the correct preprinted format upholds military customs and courtesies, projects professionalism, and ensures compliance with Department of the Air Force standards. Incorrect or improvised invitations can undermine the event’s formality or create administrative issues.

Whether you’re a protocol officer, executive assistant, or commander’s staff member at a U.S. Air Force installation, having quick access to accurate information on AF Form 1900 saves time and prevents errors.

Ready to get your forms? Visit the official Air Force e-Publishing site today and search for AF Form 1900 or consult your local forms manager.

This article is for informational purposes and reflects publicly available Department of the Air Force guidance as of 2026. Always confirm the most current procedures directly with official sources or your chain of command.