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Numbers and Dates

See the guidelines below for proper use of numbers and dates in content for Military Community and Family Policy:

  • In running text, spell out whole numbers one through nine; use numerals for 10 and above.
  • Spell out numbers when they are the first word in a sentence.
  • Always use numerals for ages and for percentages, except when they are the first word in a sentence.
  • Use the percent sign (%) when pairing with a numeral.
  • Use Arabic numerals with the exception of the sequence of wars, people or animals, which take Roman numerals (World War II, Queen Elizabeth I).
  • When labeling figures, tables, slides, modules, chapters, etc., use numerals: Slide 3 instead of Slide Three.
  • Dates should take the following order: month, day, year: Sept. 7, 2023.
  • Include the year in the date if it will help the reader in any way or if the event spans more than one calendar year.
  • When it is clear that an upcoming event does not extend into the following calendar year, do not include the year. Examples:
    • The Military Community and Family Policy applications will be undergoing maintenance from 9 a.m. EDT Saturday, Oct. 9, to 5 p.m. EDT Sunday, Oct. 10.
    • The event runs from March 15-July 15.
    • The event runs from March 15 to July 15.
    • The event runs from 9 a.m. EDT March 15 until 5 p.m. EDT March 16.
    • The event runs from 9 a.m. EDT Tuesday, March 15, until 5 p.m. EDT Wednesday, March 16.
    • The event runs from Feb. 10-20.
    • Learn about virtual careers at MSEP partner VAUSA at 1 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Oct. 7.
  • Once you introduce the year and the time period is clear, do not repeat the year within the same document: The 2023 Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign is designed to promote the idea that preventing domestic abuse is a shared community responsibility that starts with a message of support for victims. The campaign runs from Oct. 1-31.