How to Address Envelopes for Military Names
Sending a letter, invitation or other type of correspondence to a member of the military requires addressing the envelope properly. This is proper etiquette, it shows respect and will make the addressee feel honored if you are sending an invitation to an event, such as a wedding.
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Instructions
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Determine who you will be addressing on the envelope. Addressing an envelope is slightly different for enlisted persons than for officers.
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Write the individual's full name, with salutation, on the envelope if the person is a non-commissioned officer or enlisted person. The correct way to do the is by writing Mr. and Mrs. (if writing to a military member and spouse) followed by the first and last name as the first line of the address.
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Write the individual's rank and full name on the envelope if only the male is a commissioned officer. This would be written, for example, as Major and Mrs. John Smith as the first line of the address.
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Write a female officer's name first followed by the full name of the male if only the female is a commissioned officer. This would be written as Major Jane Smith and Mr. John Smith as the first line of the address.
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Write the rank and full name of both individuals if they have different ranks. This would be written as Major John Smith and Captain Jane Smith.
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Write the individual's full name with middle initial and PSC number, unit number or ship number when sending military mail. You will need to use a special ZIP code, replace the city with "APO" or "FPO" and the state with "AA", "AE", or "AP."
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Tips & Warnings
You can include the branch of service directly under the name, but it is not required.
Remember to include the city, state and ZIP code for regular mail before mailing the envelope.
Addressing an envelope improperly may be seen as a sign of ignorance.
