AF Form 1902: Major General’s Invitation – If you support Air Force protocol offices, serve as an aide to a Major General, or handle official social functions, ceremonies, or distinguished visitor events, AF Form 1902 is a standardized preprinted invitation card designed specifically for use by Major Generals (two-star generals) in the Department of the Air Force.
This compact, official form ensures consistency, professionalism, and adherence to military customs and courtesies when extending invitations on behalf of senior leaders.
What Is AF Form 1902?
AF Form 1902 is titled the Major General’s Invitation (Preprinted Format). It measures 5 3/8″ x 4 1/4″ and comes in a preprinted, ready-to-use physical format. It is part of a series of general officer invitation forms:
- AF Form 1901: Lieutenant General’s Invitation
- AF Form 1902: Major General’s Invitation
- AF Form 1903: Brigadier General’s Invitation
These forms provide standardized stationery for formal or semi-formal invitations to events such as changes of command, retirement ceremonies, official dinners, receptions, or other protocol-driven functions hosted by general officers.
The preprinted design includes appropriate formatting, titles, and layout for a Major General’s invitation, allowing quick customization with handwritten or printed details while maintaining a polished, uniform appearance that reflects Air Force standards.
Purpose and Usage in Air Force Protocol
AF Form 1902 supports excellence in protocol, decorum, customs, and courtesies during Air Force ceremonies, conferences, social functions, and distinguished visitor hosting. Protocol guidance emphasizes using appropriate invitation formats to uphold military tradition and respect for rank and position.
Common uses include:
- Inviting guests to official dinners or receptions hosted by a Major General.
- Extending invitations for change of command or assumption of command ceremonies.
- Formal or semi-formal events where a general officer is the host.
- Supporting aides, protocol officers, or executive staff in preparing correspondence for senior leaders.
Only authorized personnel (typically general officers, their executive officers, or aides) handle ordering and distribution of such specialized stationery through official channels, such as the Department of the Air Force Order Portal. General guidance on specialty products like invitation cards appears in DAFMAN 90-161, which covers administration and management of publications and forms.
For broader protocol procedures, refer to current Department of the Air Force Instruction DAFI 90-1201 (Protocol), which replaced earlier versions of AFI 34-1201 and provides detailed guidance on invitations, ceremonies, and social events.
Key Features of AF Form 1902
- Size: 5 3/8″ x 4 1/4″ — compact and suitable for formal card stock.
- Format: Preprinted — ensures consistent layout, typography, and official appearance.
- Purpose-built: Tailored specifically for Major General (two-star) use, with appropriate rank indicators and styling.
- Official: Listed in Department of the Air Force publications and available through e-Publishing channels.
These features help maintain uniformity across the force, reducing errors in formatting and ensuring invitations convey the proper level of formality and respect.
How to Obtain AF Form 1902?
- Official Source: Visit the Air Force e-Publishing website at www.e-publishing.af.mil and search for AF Form 1902 or related publications.
- Physical Copies: Specialty products like preprinted invitation cards are typically ordered through approved channels (e.g., the Order Portal referenced in DAFMAN 90-161). Protocol or services offices often coordinate these requests.
- Downloads Provided: For reference or digital workflows, use these links to access related physical format documentation:
Always verify the latest version on the official e-Publishing site, as forms and instructions can be updated.
Note: These forms are for official U.S. Air Force and Department of the Air Force use. Unauthorized reproduction or use may violate regulations.
Best Practices for Using Major General Invitation Forms
- Coordinate with Protocol: Work closely with your installation or unit protocol office to ensure compliance with current DAFI 90-1201 or applicable supplements.
- Personalization: Add event details, date, time, location, and RSVP information neatly. Handwritten elements (in black ink on appropriate stock) are sometimes preferred for high-level invitations.
- Precedence and Phrasing: Follow established military invitation phrasing, such as “requests the pleasure of your company” or “requests the honor of your presence,” tailored to the formality of the event.
- Guest Lists: Protocol teams often manage “self-invitees” and official guest lists for events hosted by general officers.
- Complementary Tools: Pair with other protocol resources, such as name tags, place cards, or star stationery (flag officer-specific items).
Proper use of AF Form 1902 contributes to seamless, professional events that honor Air Force traditions and the dignity of the host and guests.
Why Proper Protocol Matters?
In the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, protocol is more than etiquette — it reflects respect, readiness, and the high standards of the service. Using the correct form like AF Form 1902 ensures that invitations from a Major General carry the appropriate weight and presentation.
Whether you are a protocol officer, commander’s aide, or administrative professional supporting senior leadership, having quick access to accurate information on these forms streamlines your workflow and helps avoid common pitfalls.
Stay Updated
- Check www.e-publishing.af.mil regularly for the latest forms and publications.
- Review DAFMAN 90-161 for guidance on ordering specialty products.
- Consult the most recent DAFI 90-1201 (Protocol) for comprehensive invitation and ceremony procedures.
For questions about specific events or local procedures, contact your unit’s protocol or services office.
Download AF Form 1902 Reference Materials:
This article is for informational purposes and is based on official Department of the Air Force publications. Always refer to the primary sources on e-publishing.af.mil for the most current guidance.
If you need assistance locating additional protocol resources, sample invitation phrasing, or related forms (such as AF Form 1901 or 1903), feel free to ask. Serving with precision and professionalism starts with the right tools.