Use of Terms A-Z

Military Community and Family Policy writing guidance aligns with The Associated Press Stylebook with a few exceptions. Definitions of military-specific terms appear below, along with editorial guidance for certain commonly used words for MC&FP and our programs. See additional writing guidance in the Writing Best Practices section. Find program-specific guidance in the Program Content Guides section.

T

Taps – As an exception to the AP Stylebook, uppercase without quotation marks for the bugle call sounded for lights out and at military funerals.

TAPS – An acronym for the military service organization, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.

time change – In 2025, daylight saving time starts Sunday, March 9, and ends Sunday, Nov. 2. On Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m., clocks turn forward one hour to 3 a.m. During daylight saving time, use the following time zone abbreviations, as applicable: EDT, CDT, MDT, PDT. On Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 a.m., clocks turn back one hour to 1 a.m., as local standard time (EST, CST, MST, PST). In 2026, daylight saving time will begin Sunday, March 8, and end Sunday, Nov. 1. In 2027, daylight saving time will begin Sunday, March 14, and end Sunday, Nov. 7.

TRICARE – TRICARE is the Defense Department’s premier health care program, serving 9.6 million service members, retirees and their families around the world. It provides military health benefits and health care support to ensure mission readiness. Do not refer to TRICARE as health insurance since it is an entitlement. Instead, say health benefit.

24/7 – Written as shown.

Twitter; X – On first and subsequent references, refer to the platform as X. The term tweet remains acceptable as a noun and a verb. Discontinue use of the blue bird logo and use the X logo instead.