DAF Form 174 at a glance
What it is: DAF Form 174 is the Record of Individual Counseling.
Who signs: Enter the SIGNATURE in box 11 for the COUNSELOR, in box 15 for the COUNSELEE and in box 19 for the COMMANDER.
A filled-in DAF Form 174 example: a flight chief records a counseling session
How to fill out DAF Form 174, box by box
Personal data
Enter the NAME (Last, First, MI), the PAY GRADE, the AFSC and the DUTY PHONE.
Enter the UNIT/OFFICE SYMBOL and the REASON FOR COUNSELING.
Enter the OTHER INFORMATION (i.e., marital status, course graduation date, date assigned, etc.).
Summary of counseling and recommendations
In the SUMMARY OF COUNSELING, give details, facts, specific dates, times, names, sequence of events, etc.
Enter the RECOMMENDATIONS AND ADVICE OF COUNSELOR.
Counselor name, signature and date
Enter the NAME, RANK AND DUTY TITLE OF COUNSELOR and the DATE.
Acknowledgment of counseling
In the SUMMARY OF COUNSELEE'S COMMENTS, indicate if none.
Enter the NAME AND RANK OF COUNSELEE and the DATE.
Referral/follow-up
In the REFERRAL AGENCIES RECOMMENDED, enter agencies (Personal Affairs, Chaplain, Legal Assistance, Medical, Social Actions, Red Cross, etc.).
Commander's comments
Enter the NAME AND RANK OF COMMANDER and the DATE.
More rules for DAF Form 174
AUTHORITY: 10 U.S.C. 9013, Secretary of the Air Force, and Executive Order 9397 (SSN), as amended. PRINCIPAL PURPOSE: Reviewed by commanders and personnel officials to assure appropriate assignment, promotion and reenlistment considerations prior to effecting such actions. UIFs also provide information necessary to support administrative separation when further rehabilitation efforts would not be considered effective. ROUTINE USES: Disclosure generally permitted under 5 U.S.C. 522a(b) of the Privacy Act. DISCLOSURE: Voluntary, failure to provide SSN may impede proper placement in member's military personnel file. SORN: F036 AF PC L, Unfavorable Information Files (UIF).
COUNSELING TIPS: 1. Determine the objective of the counseling before the session begins. 2. Hear the individual out. 3. Treat the member as having worth and dignity. 4. Show sincerity, courtesy, and personal interest in the individual. 5. Give the individual the facts, whether they are pleasant or unpleasant. 6. Don't brush off any problem as being too trivial. 7. Don't make snap decisions.
COUNSELING TIPS: 8. Don't make promises if you can't keep them. 9. Don't force decisions on the person - there may be other equally good and acceptable solutions. 10. Refer to other agencies. 11. Make contact for the individual with the referral agency. 12. Follow up referrals to make sure there is a continuity of action and that referrals are completed as soon as possible.
When filled in, the information on this form is CONTROLLED UNCLASSIFIED INFORMATION. Protect IAW the Privacy Act of 1974.
Sources
[1] DAF Form 174 (20221014), Record of Individual Counseling, Department of the Air Force (the Official source link on this page).