AF Form 1904: General’s Place Card (5″ x 2 1/16″) – If you’re responsible for Air Force protocol, event planning, or administrative support for senior leaders, AF Form 1904 is a specialized tool designed specifically for high-level military functions. This official General’s Place Card ensures proper seating identification and etiquette at formal dinners, ceremonies, and official gatherings involving four-star generals.
What Is AF Form 1904?
AF Form 1904, titled General’s Place Card, is a pre-formatted, physical place card measuring exactly 5 inches by 2 1/16 inches. It belongs to a family of official Air Force place cards used in protocol settings:
- AF Form 1904 — General (4-star)
- AF Form 1905 — Lieutenant General
- AF Form 1906 — Major General
- AF Form 1907 — Brigadier General
These cards maintain consistency in appearance and sizing for formal table settings across Department of the Air Force (DAF) events. The standardized dimensions fit typical place card holders used in official dining facilities, headquarters functions, and special events.
Purpose and Official Use
Place cards like AF Form 1904 play a key role in military protocol. They clearly identify seating positions for general officers at:
- Official dinners and banquets
- Change of command ceremonies
- Retirement functions
- High-level conferences and visits
- Wing or headquarters social events
Proper use of these cards upholds traditions of respect, hierarchy, and decorum that define Air Force customs and courtesies. They help event planners avoid seating errors and ensure smooth execution of formal occasions.
DAFMAN 90-161, Publishing Processes and Procedures (18 October 2023, incorporating Change 1, 14 July 2025) references AF Form 1904 as one of the specialty products ordered for Headquarters Air Force (HAF) organizations through the Department of the Air Force Order Portal.
How to Obtain AF Form 1904?
AF Form 1904 is a physical specialty product, not a fillable electronic form. Authorized personnel (typically HAF organizations or protocol offices) order it via the official Department of the Air Force Order Portal at https://www.orderportal.army.mil.
- SAF/AMOE (Administration and Management, Execution Support) handles ordering for HAF.
- Organizations must maintain an approved DAF Form 1846 on file with the Air Force Departmental Publishing Office (AFDPO) for specialty items like place cards.
- Provide artwork, specifications, and quantities when requesting reprints or new orders.
For the most current guidance on ordering and managing these products, refer to the latest version of DAFMAN 90-161 available on the official Air Force e-Publishing website (www.e-publishing.af.mil).
Direct download links for physical and epub versions of related publishing guidance:
- Physical PDF: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/etc/physical.pdf
- EPUB: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/etc/physical.epub
Note: Always verify the latest forms and instructions directly on e-Publishing, as policies can update.
Key Features of the General’s Place Card
- Precise dimensions: 5″ width × 2 1/16″ height — optimized for standard place card holders.
- Official design: Clean, professional layout with appropriate rank identification for a four-star General.
- Protocol-compliant: Matches the style and format of companion cards for other general officer ranks.
- Specialty item: Produced under controlled DAF publishing and ordering processes to maintain uniformity.
Best Practices for Using AF Form 1904 in Events
- Coordinate early — Work with your unit’s protocol office or SAF/AMOE for ordering.
- Confirm rank accuracy — Use AF Form 1904 only for four-star General positions.
- Table layout planning — Position cards according to precedence and seating charts.
- Backup options — Have extras on hand for last-minute adjustments.
- Storage — Keep cards flat and protected until the event to maintain a crisp appearance.
For comprehensive protocol guidance, consult Air Force instructions on customs and courtesies, as well as your local protocol specialists.
Where to Find More Information?
- Official Source: Air Force e-Publishing (www.e-publishing.af.mil) — Search for DAFMAN 90-161 or related forms.
- Ordering Portal: https://www.orderportal.army.mil (authorized users only).
- Related Forms: AF Forms 1905, 1906, and 1907 for other general officer ranks.
Important: This article provides general information based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications as of 2026. Always check the current version of DAFMAN 90-161 and contact your servicing publications or protocol office for the most up-to-date procedures. Policies and ordering processes are subject to change.
Whether you’re a protocol officer, executive assistant, or event planner supporting U.S. Air Force leadership, AF Form 1904 helps ensure every detail of your high-level event reflects the professionalism and tradition of the service.
Need help with other Air Force forms or protocol resources? Explore the full catalog at e-Publishing.af.mil for additional tools used across the Department of the Air Force and U.S. Space Force.
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