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 – 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.

times – Use figures except for noon and midnight: 1 a.m., 10 p.m. Separate hours from minutes with a colon: 11:30 a.m.

time change – In 2023, Daylight Saving Time started Sunday, March 12, and ended Sunday, Nov. 5. On Sunday, March 12, at 2 a.m., clocks turned forward one hour to 3 a.m., as daylight saving time (EDT, CDT, MDT, PDT). On Sunday, Nov. 5, at 2 a.m., clocks were turned back one hour to 1 a.m., as local standard time (EST, CST, MST, PST). In 2024, Daylight Saving Time will begin Sunday, March 10, and end Sunday, Nov. 3. In 2025, Daylight Saving Time will begin Sunday, March 9, and end Sunday, Nov. 2.

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 reference, refer to the platform as X, formerly known as Twitter. Use X after that. The term tweet remains acceptable as a noun and a verb. However, continue to use the blue bird logo instead of using the X logo.