Brand and Style Guide

Our Name

Correct Uses

USING OUR OFFICIAL NAME

Our official name is the United States Air Force Academy. This name is appropriate for introducing us in formal situations and official documents, such as on diplomas, stationery, business cards or letterheads. United States or U.S. must be included in all names. Using Air Force Academy alone is unacceptable.

IN ACADEMY COMMUNICATIONS

When creating mailing labels or when the name is part of a paragraph of text or in more casual communications such as brochures or posters, it is preferred to write U.S. Air Force Academy. Additionally, when the name appears in repetition and in more casual communications, it is acceptable to colloquially shorten to the Academy. First instance should use U.S. Air Force Academy and maintain consistency throughout document.

Incorrect Uses

USING USAFA IN EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

The acronym USAFA (United States Air Force Academy) should only be used for internal communications as it is unfamiliar to outside audiences and is not appropriate for external communication. “USAFA” is never appropriate in videos or scripts. In extremely informal, yet externally facing instances – such as social media handles, hashtags or web URLs – USAFA may be appropriate. USAFA may also be appropriate for promotional items where space is a concern, such as coins and pens.

ALTERING CAPITALIZATION

In print and digital communication, ensure all capitalization is consistent and correct. It should always be written as United States Air Force Academy or U.S. Air Force Academy, using proper capitalization and periods where appropriate. It is not permissible to format the name as U.S. air force academy, usafa or academy. Even in the shortened versions, USAFA and Academy should always be capitalized since they refer to the proper name of our institution.