Forms of Address

Overview

As part of their official duties, Army officers and their spouses may be required to take part in social functions in the United States and overseas. This chapter provides general rules that will be helpful.

High officials

Address high officials such as presidents, ambassadors, and Cabinet members by their titles only, never by name. When addressing the spouse of the President, alone or together with the President, use only the surname, never her full name or initials. Spouses of high-ranking officials, including the Vice President and Cabinet members, do not share their spouse’s official titles; therefore, write and address them in the usual way.

Elected officials

Address all Presidential appointees and Federal and State elected officials as “The Honorable.” As a general rule, do not address county and city officials (excluding mayors) as “The Honorable.”

Use of “His Excellency”

Although the courtesy title “His Excellency” is accorded to high foreign officials, it is rarely used in addressing officials of the United States. However, some Governors within their own States are accorded this title.

Distinguished officials
Table 6–1 shows the titles and forms of address for some distinguished officials of the United States. Locate other listings of titles and forms of address in Protocol by Mary Jane McCaffree and Pauline Innis. For questions concerning titles and forms of address, contact Department of the Army Protocol, Office of the Chief of Staff Army (DACS–DSP), DSN 227–0692.