AF Form 1903: Brigadier General’s Invitation Card

AF Form 1903: Brigadier General’s Invitation Card – If you’re a U.S. Air Force protocol officer, executive assistant, or staff supporting a Brigadier General, you need the right tools for official invitations. AF Form 1903, titled Brigadier General’s Invitation (Preprinted Format), is the standardized preprinted card used for formal invitations issued by or on behalf of Brigadier Generals in the Department of the Air Force (DAF).

This compact card measures 5 3/8″ x 4 1/4″ and provides a professional, consistent format that aligns with Air Force protocol standards for events such as receptions, dinners, changes of command, retirements, and other official functions.

What Is AF Form 1903?

AF Form 1903 is a specialty preprinted invitation card specifically designed for Brigadier Generals (one-star generals). It belongs to a family of similar forms:

  • AF Form 1902 → Major General’s Invitation (Preprinted Format)
  • AF Form 1903 → Brigadier General’s Invitation (Preprinted Format)
  • AF Form 1904 and others → Related flag officer or assistant secretary-level items

These forms ensure uniformity in official correspondence and invitations across Headquarters Air Force (HAF) and other DAF organizations. The preprinted format includes space for customization while maintaining the dignity and tradition expected in military protocol.

The physical specifications (5 3/8″ x 4 1/4″) make the card easy to handle, insert into envelopes, and pair with RSVP cards, maps, or other event materials.

Purpose and Usage in Air Force Protocol

Official invitations play a key role in military etiquette. AF Form 1903 helps Brigadier Generals (and their staffs) extend formal invitations for:

  • Official dinners and receptions
  • Change of command or retirement ceremonies
  • Distinguished visitor (DV) events
  • Wing or unit-hosted functions

Protocol guidance (including historical USAF Protocol references) emphasizes that general officer invitations often use high-quality card stock, sometimes with flag stationery or organizational emblems. The preprinted format streamlines production while allowing personalization with the general’s name, title, event details, date, time, and location.

Key protocol notes:

  • Invitations are typically sent 2–4 weeks in advance, depending on the event scale.
  • They may include inserts such as RSVP cards, parking/DV passes, maps, or menu selection cards.
  • Only active-duty general officers are generally authorized to use associated “star” or flag stationery; spouses and retirees follow different rules.
  • Wording follows standard military invitation conventions (e.g., “Brigadier General and Mrs. [Name] request the pleasure of your company…”).

These practices support smooth execution of events and proper precedence.

How to Obtain AF Form 1903?

Specialty products like invitation cards are managed centrally:

  1. Official Source: Refer to DAFMAN 90-161, Publishing Processes and Procedures (18 October 2023, Incorporating Change 1, 14 July 2025). This manual details ordering of invitation cards and other unique products for HAF organizations.
  2. Ordering Process:
    • HAF organizations order via the Department of the Air Force Order Portal (https://www.orderportal.army.mil).
    • SAF/AMOE (Administration and Management, Execution Support) handles specialty items such as place cards, invitation cards, and stationery.
    • An approved DAF Form 1846 must be on file with the Air Force Departmental Publishing Office (AFDPO) listing the products.
  3. Downloads and References: The provided links point to resources on the official Air Force e-Publishing site (www.e-publishing.af.mil). While the physical card itself is a printed specialty item rather than a fillable PDF, related publications and form indexes are available there. Always verify the latest version through official channels, as protocol materials are subject to updates.

Important: Do not use unofficial or third-party reproductions for official events. Stick to DAF-approved ordering processes to ensure compliance with standards for paper quality, formatting, and security.

Why Use the Preprinted Format?

  • Consistency: Ensures all Brigadier General invitations follow the same professional layout.
  • Efficiency: Preprinted elements reduce preparation time for busy staffs.
  • Protocol Compliance: Aligns with DAF guidance on official entertainment and invitations.
  • Presentation: The 5 3/8″ x 4 1/4″ size fits standard invitation envelopes and looks polished alongside other event materials.

For larger or more formal events, some units combine preprinted cards with engraved or semi-engraved options, but the AF Form 1903 serves as the baseline for one-star general invitations.

  • DAFMAN 90-161: Covers publishing and ordering of specialty products.
  • Air Force e-Publishing (www.e-publishing.af.mil) → Search for forms and manuals.
  • USAF Protocol guides (historical references available on military sites) for sample wording and etiquette.

Pro Tip: Coordinate early with your base or HAF protocol office. They can assist with artwork, quantities, and integration with event planning.

For official documentation and related materials:

Always cross-reference with the latest edition of DAFMAN 90-161 and the Air Force e-Publishing website for any updates.

Need Help with AF Form 1903?

If you’re preparing invitations for a Brigadier General, start by contacting your servicing protocol office or SAF/AMOE through the Order Portal. Proper use of AF Form 1903 helps maintain the high standards of Air Force hospitality and protocol that reflect well on the service and its leaders.

This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications as of 2026. For official use, consult current DAF instructions and your chain of command.

Keywords: AF Form 1903, Brigadier General Invitation, Air Force preprinted invitation, USAF protocol card, 5 3/8 x 4 1/4 invitation, DAFMAN 90-161, Air Force official invitation, one-star general invitation.