D
DeCA – Acceptable for second and subsequent references to the Defense Commissary Agency. Note the lowercase “e” that is part of the acronym but doesn’t stand for a separate word.
Department of War/War Department – U.S. Department of War and Department of War refer to the proper name and legal entity of this cabinet-level government department. Reserve these for use in formal and official correspondence, documents, reports and testimony. In all other cases, use War Department on first reference.
The correct acronym for War Department is DOW, with an uppercase “O” in the center. Use DOW on second reference after War Department or when the stand-alone acronym suffices depending upon use.
Do NOT use DoW (with lowercase “o”) except when otherwise directed, such as a War.gov news release which should follow the formal title Department of War and DoW on second reference.
Department of War publications – When referencing Department of War or Department of Defense publications, including directives, instructions, manuals, service publications, DD forms or memorandum of understanding, cite the publication number and the document title. Put quotation marks around the title. For example: JCS Pub 1, “Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States.”
Verify the most recent version of the publication type (for example: DODI vs DOWI) and title by visiting the Washington Headquarters Services DOW Issuances website and selecting DOW Issuances, DOW Forms or Directives Home from the menu.
For more DOW publications guidance, review the most recent DOW Issuances Style Guide PDF, which you can access through the Washington Headquarters Services Plain Language page. Also see composition titles and Capitalization section.
Department of War seal and logo use – The Department of War seal and DOW logo are not interchangeable. Do NOT use the DOW seal, as it has restricted usage and is limited to official DOW leader correspondence, legal documents, reports, memoranda, ceremonial booklets, certificates and awards. There is no substitute for the DOW seal, and there is no optional graphic that represents the DOW.
Do NOT use service seals for products, as those seals have restricted usage limited to the individual services.
The DOW logo consists of the Pentagon icon and is typeset in Crimson Text Regular. It should be used for the majority of MC&FP and Military OneSource print and digital content. When applying the DOW logo to existing or new Military OneSource signatures (i.e., brand, properties and program marks), always position the DOW logo to the left.
For more information, consult the DOW logo and DOW seal usage guidelines.
dependent – Use family member unless usage is in conjunction with a formal description of military benefits.
dial – Use dial when asking the user to dial a number that requires pressing additional numbers for specific options after making the call: Dial 800-xxx-xxxx, then select 1 for Independent Living Military OneSource services.
Use call when asking the user to call a direct number that takes the user to the intended support service and does not require selecting any additional options once the call is made: Call 800-xxx-xxxx.
DMDC – Appropriate for all references to the organization formerly known as the Defense Manpower Data Center. Due to their broadening business, the agency shortened its name to DMDC.
DoDEA – Acceptable for first and subsequent references to Department of Defense Education Activity, including in headings, chapter titles and tables of contents. When writing for new-to-the-military audiences, write out Department of Defense Education Activity early in the body copy for audience convenience. Note the use of lowercase “o” in this acronym, per the program’s preference.
DODDS – Acceptable for second and subsequent references to Department of Defense Dependents Schools. Note the plurals and lack of apostrophe. DODDS and DOD Dependents Schools refer to the school system. Use Defense Department dependents school or schools when referring to any of the system’s schools in constructions that don’t use a formal name.
DOD MWR Libraries – Formerly offered through Military OneSource as the MWR Digital Library, the updated DOD MWR Libraries reside at DODMWRLibraries.org. Because this is a service-wide integrated library, treat the title as a collective noun that takes a singular verb. Use DOD MWR Libraries on first reference, as this is the formal title. When referring to eResources, the library, libraries or digital library is acceptable on second and subsequent references.
drop-down, dropdown – Use drop-down as a modifier: Use the drop-down menu to select your role. Use dropdown as a noun: Select Service Member from the dropdown.
domestic partner – Use domestic partner or spouse as the preferred wording. Use spouse when writing about programs available only to married spouses of service members. When referring to the policy, use the official terminology, domestic partner.
Domestic Violence Prevention Month – MC&FP's official name for this recognition.
