DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

HEADQUARTERS TOTAL FORCE PERSONNEL COMMAND

10 Mar 17

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL AIRMEN

FROM: HQ TFPC

SUBJECT: Use of Discouraged Words and Phrases

1. Recently, a leader within the command sent an email to airmen discouraging the use of
certain words and phrases because they might be found offensive by some. The list included
terms that are not offensive in their ordinary meaning, but might become offensive if used in
certain ways or contexts.

2. The email is to be disregarded in its entirety. Airmen are expected to treat one another with
dignity and respect. That is all that needs to be said on the subject.

3. Censorship of words and ideas goes against all we fight to protect, and will not be tolerated
in the ranks of the Air Force. Future instances of leaders abusing their authority to engage in
censorship may well result in loss of position and could lead to disciplinary action.

KIMBALL E. HINES, Lt Gen, USAF

Commander