The state code AP stands for Armed Forces Pacific. It is one of the military "state" abbreviations used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to facilitate mail delivery to service members stationed in the Pacific region.
Understanding Military "State" Codes
The USPS utilizes specific two-letter abbreviations for military addresses to streamline mail processing and ensure accurate delivery for personnel serving overseas or in remote locations. These codes function similarly to traditional state abbreviations, but they indicate a broader geographical area of military operations rather than a specific U.S. state.
These military "state" abbreviations are essential for anyone sending mail to service members, ensuring that letters and packages reach their intended recipients efficiently.
Here's a breakdown of the common military "state" codes:
| Code | Meaning | Area Covered |
|---|---|---|
| AA | Armed Forces Americas | Americas (except Canada) |
| AE | Armed Forces Europe | Africa, Europe, Middle East, and Canada |
| AP | Armed Forces Pacific | Pacific (including Asia and parts of the Pacific) |
For more information on state and possession abbreviations used by the USPS, you can refer to the United States Postal Service's official guidelines.
Why These Codes Are Used
These specialized codes are crucial because military personnel are often stationed in various countries and territories that do not have standard U.S. state abbreviations. By using AA, AE, or AP, along with a military Post Office (APO/FPO) box number, the USPS can route mail through military postal facilities, which then handle the final delivery to service members, their families, and other authorized personnel. This system simplifies addressing and ensures that mail can be processed domestically before being transferred to the military mail system for international distribution.
