AF Form 1906: Major General Place Card (5″ x 2 1/16″) – If you serve in or support U.S. Air Force protocol offices, event planning teams, or headquarters staff, you know how critical precise seating and identification are during official ceremonies, dinners, and distinguished visitor events. AF Form 1906, titled Major General Place Card, is the standardized tool designed specifically for this purpose. Measuring exactly 5 inches by 2 1/16 inches, this small but essential item ensures proper etiquette and rank recognition in formal Air Force settings.
What Is AF Form 1906?
AF Form 1906 is a pre-formatted place card used exclusively for Major Generals (two-star general officers) in the Department of the Air Force. It belongs to a family of specialized protocol items that includes:
- AF Form 1907 – Brigadier General’s Place Card
- Other related forms for higher ranks and stationery
These cards are part of the official specialty products managed under DAFMAN 90-161, Publishing Processes and Procedures (18 October 2023, Incorporating Change 1, 14 July 2025). Headquarters-level organizations (HAF) order them through the Department of the Air Force Order Portal.
The card’s compact size (5″ wide × 2 1/16″ high) makes it ideal for table settings without overwhelming the place setting, while remaining clearly visible to guests and staff.
Purpose of the Major General Place Card
In Air Force protocol, place cards serve multiple critical functions:
- Clearly identify seating assignments for senior leaders
- Maintain proper precedence and customs during official social events, dinners, and ceremonies
- Support smooth execution of events hosted by commanders or for distinguished visitors
- Reinforce military decorum and respect for rank
Protocol offices prepare place cards (along with nametags, seating charts, and menus) for official functions, as outlined in AFI 34-1201 (Protocol) and its successor guidance under DAFI 90-1201. These items help greeters, ushers, and staff seat guests efficiently and avoid protocol missteps.
Key Features and Specifications
- Exact Dimensions: 5″ x 2 1/16″ (standardized for consistency across Air Force events)
- Rank-Specific Design: Tailored layout for “Major General” with space for the officer’s name
- Official Sourcing: Produced and distributed as a physical specialty product via the Air Force Order Portal (not a standard fillable PDF form for local printing in most cases)
- Material: High-quality card stock suitable for formal table settings
- Usage Context: Formal dinners, change of command events, retirement ceremonies, distinguished visitor hosting, and other protocol-driven social functions
Note: These are not general-purpose forms. They are specialty protocol items ordered centrally for Headquarters Air Force and major commands to ensure uniformity.
How to Obtain and Use AF Form 1906?
- Ordering Process:
- HAF organizations submit requests through the Department of the Air Force Order Portal (https://www.orderportal.army.mil).
- Maintain an approved DAF Form 1846 on file listing approved specialty products.
- SAF/AMOE handles ordering for unique items like place cards, invitation cards, and stationery.
- Filling Out the Card:
- Use precise, formal typography (typically all caps or protocol-standard font).
- Include the full rank (“MAJOR GENERAL”) followed by the officer’s name.
- Follow current Air Force protocol guidance for name format, abbreviations, and precedence.
- Integration with Event Planning:
- Coordinate with the installation or unit protocol office.
- Pair with seating charts, “You Are Seated At” (YASA) cards, and menu cards for complete table settings.
- Reference AFI/DAFI 34-1201 / 90-1201 series for detailed event support procedures.
Local units or individuals cannot typically print these themselves; they rely on official channels to maintain standardization and quality.
Why Proper Protocol Items Matter?
Using the correct AF Form 1906 demonstrates attention to detail and respect for Air Force traditions. Errors in rank identification or seating can create awkward situations or protocol breaches during high-visibility events involving general officers, dignitaries, or international partners.
Protocol teams across the Department of the Air Force (including Regular Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve) rely on these standardized tools to deliver flawless execution.
Download and Official Resources
For the most current guidance on publishing and ordering physical products:
- Visit the official Air Force e-Publishing site: https://www.e-publishing.af.mil/
- Review DAFMAN 90-161 for details on specialty products and ordering.
- Consult the latest DAFI 90-1201 (Protocol) for event planning and customs.
Direct links for reference (physical product information):
- https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/etc/physical.pdf
- https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/etc/physical.epub
Always verify the latest version on e-Publishing, as publications are updated periodically.
Need Help with Air Force Protocol?
If you are a protocol officer, commander’s staff member, or event planner looking for:
- Guidance on filling place cards
- Seating precedence rules
- Ordering additional protocol items (e.g., AF Form 1907 for Brigadier Generals)
- Best practices for official dinners
…reach out to your installation protocol office or reference the full DAFI 90-1201 series.
AF Form 1906 remains a small but vital piece of the larger framework that upholds the professionalism and traditions of the U.S. Air Force. Proper use ensures every formal event reflects the excellence expected of America’s Air and Space Forces.
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications as of 2026. Always consult the official e-Publishing website and current directives for authoritative guidance.