56 DAFMAN90-161 18 OCTOBER 2023
DoDDs, DoDIs, other DoD publications, and their changes. However, when a
departmental publication, for example, directly implements a specific statute, the
departmental publication must be cited accordingly. (T-1) Referring to the lowest level
publication available is important because when a lower-level entity implements policy or
guidance, it establishes its own internal requirements. If, for example, an Airman or
Guardian refers to a DoD issuance when there is a USAF or USSF implementing
publication, the Airman or Guardian could miss force-specific requirements. This
guidance also applies to the Implemented Publications statement that makes up the first
sentence of the opening paragraph. See Figure 1.2., Hierarchy Flow Chart. Use codified
citations (United States Code) when available, and if the provision is not codified, use the
Public Law citation; e.g., use “Public Law 98-191”, or “Title 41 United States Code
Sections 401-420.” (T-1) Verify proper statutory authority with the servicing legal office
during coordination of the publication. (T-3)
4.6.1.3. When citing a DoD issuance, ensure you also cite any implementing
DAF/USAF/USSF publications. Consider using IDAR database
(https://usaf.dps.mil/teams/12957/idar/sitepages/home.aspx) to determine which
departmental publications implement a given DoD issuance. If no departmental
publication exists, cite the DoD issuance number and include the full reference in
Attachment 1 (designator, number, title, and date). (T-1) Citing references at the
appropriate level reduces confusion and conflicts. For example, if a PD implements a
DoDD, then the PD is cited and there is no need to cite the DoDD. The PD may provide
more restrictive policy than the DoDD, therefore citing the higher-level document could
cause confusion and conflicts. The same applies for DoDIs and DAFIs/AFIs/SPFIs.
4.6.1.4. To refer to another DAF/USAF/USSF publication and/or form, cite the designator,
number, and include the title in italics at first use (e.g., AFI 33-322, Records Management
and Information Governance Program ; DAF Form 673, Department of the Air Force
Publication/Form Action Request). (T-1) For all subsequent uses, refer only to the
designator and number (e.g., AFI 33-322 or DAF 673). (T-1) This guidance also applies
to references to laws, statutes, executive orders, DoD issuances and other publications.
4.6.1.5. To refer to an organization or an office within an organization, use the below
guidelines for publications and forms.
4.6.1.5.1. Use the establishment term for the office symbol when referring to the entire
organizational entity (for example, “AF heraldry” not “HAF heraldry” and “AMC
airlift” not “HQ AMC airlift.”). (T-1)
4.6.1.5.2. Use the HQ prefix only when referring to the entire HQ unit (staff) (HQ
AMC (Air Mobility Command), HQ USAFE (United States Air Forces in Europe), HQ
3AF, etc.). (T-1)
4.6.1.5.3. When referring to a specific office within a HQ unit, use the establishment
term and office symbol separated by a virgule (SAF/AA, SAF/GC, etc.). (T-1)
4.6.1.5.4. Office and Organization Titles. Write out office and organization titles the
first time they are used, and follow the establishment term and office symbol in
parentheses. For example, “The Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for
Management (SAF/MG).” For all subsequent uses, refer only to the office symbol