DAF Form 1881: Hostile Fire Pay Certification & MPO Guide – U.S. Air Force service members exposed to hostile fire or specific combat-related incidents may qualify for Hostile Fire Pay (HFP), a special pay entitlement worth $225 per month. The primary document used to certify eligibility and initiate payment is DAF Form 1881, officially titled Hostile Fire Pay Certification and MPO (Military Pay Order).
This article explains what DAF Form 1881 is, who needs it, how to complete and submit it, key eligibility rules, and important differences from Imminent Danger Pay (IDP). It draws from official Department of Defense (DoD) Financial Management Regulation (FMR) Volume 7A, Chapter 10, and Air Force guidance.
What Is Hostile Fire Pay (HFP)?
Hostile Fire Pay recognizes the extraordinary risks faced by uniformed service members subjected to actual hostile actions. Unlike most special pays, HFP is not prorated in many cases—qualifying members often receive the full $225 monthly rate even for brief exposure.
Service members qualify for HFP when they:
- Are subjected to hostile fire or the explosion of a hostile mine.
- Are on duty in an area in close proximity to a hostile fire incident and face the same dangers as those directly exposed.
- Are killed, injured, or wounded by hostile fire, a hostile mine explosion, or any other hostile action.
Important: Service members cannot receive both HFP and IDP for the same period. HFP typically applies to specific incidents, while IDP covers designated geographic areas with ongoing threats (such as civil insurrection, terrorism, or wartime conditions). HFP pays the full monthly amount upon qualifying event exposure, whereas IDP is usually calculated daily at $7.50 per day (up to $225/month).
Purpose of DAF Form 1881
DAF Form 1881 serves as the official certification that a service member has met the strict criteria for HFP entitlement under DoD rules. It also functions as a Military Pay Order (MPO) to direct the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to process the payment.
Key features of the form include:
- Listing member names and identifying information (e.g., Social Security Number or DoD ID).
- Documenting the specific incident (date, location, and brief description).
- Certifying the rule under which the member qualifies (referencing DoD Pay Manual sections).
- Commander or authorized official signature and certification statement.
The form ensures accurate, auditable records for pay entitlement, helping prevent errors or delays in military pay processing.
Who Uses DAF Form 1881?
- Air Force active duty, Guard, and Reserve personnel (the form is issued under the Department of the Air Force).
- Commanders or designated certifying officials at the lowest appropriate level of command that covers all affected members (e.g., unit commander, vessel/aircraft commander, or higher if multiple units are involved).
- Finance and Military Pay Offices (FMF) for processing.
Certification should occur promptly after the incident. In cases of death or injury, a death certificate or official injury report can sometimes substitute for the form if it clearly establishes hostile fire as the cause.
How to Complete and Submit DAF Form 1881?
While the exact block-by-block layout is detailed in the official PDF, the form generally requires:
- Member Information — Name, rank/grade, SSN/DoD ID, unit, etc., for each qualifying individual.
- Incident Details — Date, time, location, and a concise description of the hostile fire or mine event.
- Qualification Rule — Reference to the specific provision in the DoD Military Pay Manual or FMR under which the member qualifies.
- Certification Statement — The certifying official attests that the listed members met the criteria for “Special Pay for Duty Subject to Hostile Fire.”
- Signature and Date — From the appropriate commander or designee.
- Routing — Forward the completed form (along with any supporting documentation) to the servicing finance office, often through the geographic Combatant Commander channel if required.
Download the Official Form Here:
DAF Form 1881 PDF
Tip for Air Force Personnel: Always check with your local Finance Management Flight (FMF) or Military Pay section for the most current processing procedures, as they may integrate the form into electronic workflows or require additional supporting documents like travel vouchers or incident reports.
Key Regulations and References
- DoD FMR Volume 7A, Chapter 10 — Primary source for HFP rules, certification requirements, and payment processing.
- 37 U.S.C. § 310 — Statutory authority for special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger.
- Air Force-specific guidance, including instructions in DAFMAN 65-116 and local FMF procedures.
Commanders must make determinations of fact, and these are generally conclusive. Certification occurs at the lowest practical command level for accuracy and speed.
Common Questions About Hostile Fire Pay and DAF Form 1881
How much is HFP?
The current rate is $225 per month (full amount for qualifying hostile fire events).
Is HFP taxable?
HFP is generally taxable unless earned in a designated combat zone (Combat Zone Tax Exclusion may apply—consult DFAS or a tax advisor).
What if the incident affects multiple members?
One DAF Form 1881 can cover a group, provided the certifying official has authority over all listed personnel.
How long does it take to receive payment?
Processing times vary, but prompt submission of the certified form helps ensure timely crediting to the member’s pay account. Retroactive payments are possible when documentation is submitted later.
Where can I get help?
Contact your unit’s finance office, the Air Force myPay portal, or the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). Official Air Force benefits sites like myairforcebenefits.us.af.mil provide additional resources.
Final Advice for Service Members and Commanders
Accurate and timely completion of DAF Form 1881 ensures that Air Force personnel receive the compensation they have earned for facing hostile fire. Commanders play a critical role in certifying facts quickly and at the appropriate level.
Always use the latest version of the form from the official Air Force e-Publishing site and coordinate with your finance office to avoid pay discrepancies. If you suspect missing HFP on your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), provide supporting documentation promptly.
For the most authoritative information, refer directly to:
- DoD Financial Management Regulation (FMR) Vol. 7A, Chapter 10
- Official DAF Form 1881 on e-publishing.af.mil
- Your servicing Military Pay Office
Note: Pay rates, forms, and procedures are subject to change. Verify current details through official DoD or Air Force channels as of 2026.
This guide is for informational purposes and does not replace official military guidance or legal advice. Service members should consult their chain of command and finance professionals for case-specific assistance.