What the AF 3994 Form Is Used For
The AF 3994 form is submitted by a unit commander to formally nominate an Air Force member for a decoration earned during deployment or contingency operations. Common decorations recommended through this form include the Air Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Distinguished Flying Cross. The nominating unit routes the completed form through the chain of command to the decoration-approval authority, which reviews and approves or disapproves the nomination.
How to Fill Out the AF IMT 3994 Step by Step
Follow these steps to complete the form accurately:
- Block 1 – Organization and Installation: Enter the submitting unit, its parent wing or numbered air force, and the installation where the unit is assigned.
- Block 2 – Operation: Enter the name of the deployment or contingency operation and the inclusive dates of the qualifying service period.
- Block 3 – Nominee Information: Provide the nominee's full name, grade, Social Security Number, Air Force Specialty Code, and unit of assignment at the time of the qualifying action.
- Block 4 – Recommended Decoration: Select the specific decoration being recommended. Check the V Device box if the action involved direct combat engagement with hostile forces.
- Block 5 – Citation: Write a concise narrative, typically 10 to 13 lines, describing what the member did, why it was extraordinary, and what the direct outcome was. Use specific dates, locations, and measurable results.
- Endorsements: Obtain the recommending officer's signature. Route the form through each intermediate commander before submitting to the approval authority within the applicable time limit.
Tips for Writing a Strong Nomination Citation
The citation in Block 5 is the most important part of the AF 3994 form. Use specific dates, mission names, and verifiable outcomes. Quantify impact where possible, for example noting that an action prevented friendly casualties or successfully accomplished a high-priority mission objective. Avoid general descriptors in favor of concrete achievements. Reviewing approved citations for the same decoration level helps calibrate the language and scope of the nomination.
Related Air Force Recognition Forms
The AF 3994 applies only to deployment and contingency nominations. For peacetime and unit-level recognition, use the AF Form 1206 (Nomination for Award). For official memoranda included in the nomination package, the AF Form 1768 provides the standard Air Force format. Personnel deploying overseas who need to assign powers to a representative at home should complete a Military Power of Attorney before departure.