DAF Form 1310: Exceptional Civilian Service Award Guide – The Department of the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service stands as the premier honorary award granted by the Secretary of the Air Force to civilian employees. It recognizes profound, Air Force-wide impact through exceptional achievements, leadership, innovation, or acts of courage that significantly advance the mission of the U.S. Air Force and the Department of the Air Force (DAF), which includes the United States Space Force.
Civilian employees play a critical role in supporting Airmen and Guardians. This top-tier decoration honors those whose sustained excellence or groundbreaking contributions set them apart. DAF Form 1310 serves as the official certificate accompanying this prestigious medal and ribbon.
What Is DAF Form 1310?
DAF Form 1310 is the standardized certificate titled “Department of the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service.” It formally documents the award, including the recipient’s name, citation, and approving authority (typically the Secretary of the Air Force). A variant, DAF Form 1310A, provides two signature lines for additional flexibility in presentation.
The award package generally includes:
- The gold-colored medal featuring the DAF coat of arms encircled by a laurel wreath.
- A dark blue ribbon with golden-orange (or yellow) dashed vertical stripes.
- The official certificate (DAF Form 1310 or 1310A).
- An optional lapel emblem (pin).
Subsequent awards may be denoted with oak leaf clusters or similar devices, consistent with DAF civilian awards protocols.
Download the official forms here:
These files are hosted on the official Air Force e-Publishing site and reflect the most current prescribed formats under DAFI 36-1004.
Eligibility and Criteria for the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service
This award is reserved for truly outstanding contributions. Nominees must typically demonstrate a pattern of excellence, often including prior recognition such as the Meritorious Civilian Service Award (except in cases of bravery or heroism).
Key qualifying achievements include:
- Performing assigned duties of major program significance in a manner that is clearly exceptional or preeminent compared to peers.
- Developing improved major methods, procedures, or significant inventions that deliver large-scale savings or advance DAF, DoD, or federal government missions.
- Providing outstanding leadership in administering major Air Force or Space Force programs, resulting in highly successful outcomes or critical redirection during emergencies.
- Exhibiting great courage and voluntary risk of life in an act that directly benefits the government or its personnel.
The decoration emphasizes profound Air Force-wide impact—not routine high performance, but transformative contributions documented through specific, measurable results. It aligns with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 451, and DAFI 36-1004, Department of the Air Force Civilian Recognition Program (updated December 2023).
This award ranks as the highest DAF-level honorary decoration for civilians, comparable in prestige to the military Distinguished Service Medal.
How the Award Process Works?
Nominations follow the structured process outlined in DAFI 36-1004. Supervisors or commanders prepare detailed justifications highlighting the exceptional nature of the service. Packages route through the chain of command to the Secretary of the Air Force Decorations Board (or the Headquarters Air Force Executive Resources Board for senior executives and political appointees). The Secretary of the Air Force makes the final decision on most nominations.
The Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) manages much of the operational side, providing guidance to Civilian Personnel Sections (CPS) across bases, wings, and field commands.
Important notes:
- Only one award is granted for the same act, achievement, or period of service (no “double-dipping” with monetary or time-off awards for identical accomplishments).
- The program applies to DAF civilians, including those supporting the U.S. Space Force.
Medal Design and Wearing
The medal’s obverse typically features an eagle or DAF emblem against a cloud or shield, encircled by a laurel wreath symbolizing achievement. The ribbon’s dark blue field with three thin golden-orange dashed stripes visually distinguishes it within the DAF awards hierarchy.
Recipients may wear the medal or ribbon on appropriate civilian attire or during formal ceremonies. The lapel pin allows daily recognition of this distinguished service.
Why This Award Matters for DAF Civilians?
The Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service reinforces the DAF’s commitment to recognizing the vital contributions of its civilian workforce. In an era of complex national security challenges—from air dominance to space operations—civilians who drive innovation, efficiency, leadership, or heroism directly strengthen America’s defense capabilities.
Recent examples include technical advisors whose initiatives launched pioneering programs like the Air Force Vanguard effort, demonstrating the real-world impact this award celebrates.
For supervisors and commanders: Use this award strategically to motivate top talent and highlight mission-critical excellence. For civilians: Striving for such recognition reflects the highest standards of public service.
Related DAF Civilian Awards
The DAF maintains a tiered recognition system:
- Meritorious Civilian Service Award (DAF Form 1166) — Sustained exemplary performance.
- Exemplary Civilian Service Award (DAF Form 3517) — Notable achievements.
- Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award (DAF Form 2856) — Distinguished career at retirement.
- Valor awards (DAF Forms 1306/1307) — Acts of heroism.
The Exceptional Civilian Service Decoration sits at the apex of these honors.
How to Learn More or Nominate?
- Consult your local Civilian Personnel Section for nomination guidance and templates.
- Review the full policy in DoDI 1400.25, Volume 451 / DAFI 36-1004 (available on e-Publishing.af.mil).
- Contact AFPC for processing questions related to decorations and ribbons.
Official Resources:
- Air Force e-Publishing (for forms and instructions)
- AFPC Decorations and Ribbons page
The Department of the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service, documented via DAF Form 1310, represents the pinnacle of recognition for dedicated civilians who go far beyond the call of duty. Their achievements reflect the highest credit upon themselves and the entire Department of the Air Force, strengthening the nation’s air and space power for generations to come.
This article is for informational purposes and draws from official Department of the Air Force publications as of the latest available updates in 2023–2025. Always verify current procedures with your servicing Civilian Personnel Section or AFPC, as policies may evolve.