Welcome to the MC&FP Style Guide

Contractors are required to adhere to all Department of Defense policies, instructions and guidance surrounding military service uniforms and personal appearance regulations. This guide provides standard sources containing up-to-date information. Download Military Service Uniform Guidance

Use “flyer” versus “flier” for those who fly and for handbills: She is a frequent flyer; the flyers showcase installation events. Use flier in “take a flier,” which means to take a big risk. For more style guidance, see our style guide or the AP Stylebook.

Use the percent symbol – % – when pairing with numerals instead of spelling out “percent.” For more style guidance, see our style guide or the AP Stylebook.

Abbreviation/acronyms are acceptable on second reference. Spell out Exceptional Family Member Program on first reference, for example. For all other references, use EFMP.

Use “free” when the target audience is the military community (service members and family members) but use “no cost” when the audience is leadership. The only exception to the rule is for Facebook: Due to its algorithms, use either “no cost” or use a variation of “take advantage of your benefit.”

Do not use “please” in article content, social media or collateral material. The MC&FP Outreach team will have to clear any exceptions to the rule.

Spell out Department of Defense on first reference. It is then acceptable to use DOD.