DAF Form 2278B: Aerial Achievement Medal (myDecs)

DAF Form 2278B: Aerial Achievement Medal (myDecs) – The Aerial Achievement Medal (AAM) recognizes sustained meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. It honors aircrew members—including pilots, navigators, flight engineers, weapon systems officers, and remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operators—whose performance exceeds what is normally expected of professional airmen.

DAF Form 2278B serves as the official certificate for this medal, specifically designated for use within the myDecs application (myDecs Reimagined). It streamlines the awards process for currently serving Department of the Air Force (DAF) members.

What Is the Aerial Achievement Medal?

Established by the Secretary of the Air Force on February 3, 1988 (authorized February 5, 1988), the AAM ranks below the Air Medal and above the Joint Service Commendation Medal in the order of precedence. It applies to U.S. military personnel and DAF civilians serving with the Air Force or Space Force.

The medal features a bronze disc (1-3/8 inches in diameter) with an eagle facing right, wings displayed, and tips extending to an overall width of 1-3/4 inches. Thirteen five-pointed stars appear above the eagle, and the eagle clutches lightning bolts. The reverse is plain or inscribed appropriately. Oak Leaf Clusters denote additional awards.

This award fills a gap for aircrew whose sustained contributions do not meet the higher thresholds for the Air Medal but still demonstrate exceptional airmanship and distinction.

Eligibility Criteria for the Aerial Achievement Medal

The AAM rewards sustained meritorious achievement during aerial flight, not single events. Key requirements include:

  • Sustained performance: Achievements must stand out “above and beyond that normally expected of professional airmen.”
  • Minimum flight requirements: Typically, no fewer than 20 flights of at least 2 hours each, with one flight per theater per day counting toward the total. Some sources note variations (e.g., 14 flights for a basic award with adjusted requirements for clusters), but MAJCOM-specific criteria govern exact thresholds.
  • Qualifying missions and positions: Major Commands (MAJCOMs), Field Operating Agencies (FOAs), or Direct Reporting Units (DRUs) identify and HQ USAF/XO certifies eligible missions and duty positions. This includes manned aircraft and RPA/unmanned systems operators (approved since 2003).
  • Approval authority: Wing commanders (or equivalent) for military members; the Secretary of the Air Force for civilians. Approval is generally limited to units with a flying mission.

The medal applies to both combat and non-combat aerial operations when the sustained achievement meets the “distinction” standard. It is processed exclusively through myDecs for active DAF members.

Note: Always consult your unit awards and decorations representative or current DAFMAN 36-2806 for the latest MAJCOM-approved criteria, as mission profiles can evolve.

DAF Form 2278B vs. DAF Form 2278A?

  • DAF Form 2278B: Designed specifically for myDecs use only. It generates the certificate when nominations are processed and approved in the myDecs Reimagined application on the myFSS platform.
  • DAF Form 2278A: Features two signature lines and serves other processing needs (e.g., non-myDecs workflows).

DAFMAN 36-2806 explicitly lists DAF Form 2278B as the myDecs version for the Aerial Achievement Medal.

How to Submit a Recommendation Using myDecs? (myDecs Reimagined)

Since January 2024, the Department of the Air Force has used myDecs Reimagined on the myFSS platform to process the AAM and several other decorations (including Air and Space Achievement Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, etc.). This single-page application simplifies routing, allows full editing until signed, and supports ad-hoc routing to any myFSS user.

Basic steps (refer to official myFSS job aids for screenshots and updates):

  1. Log into myFSS (myfss.us.af.mil) using your CAC/PIV on a supported browser (Edge or Chrome recommended).
  2. Navigate to myDecs.
  3. Create a new nomination and select Aerial Achievement Medal.
  4. Complete the required fields, including justification narrative that clearly demonstrates sustained meritorious aerial achievement.
  5. Route to the appropriate approval authority (e.g., wing commander level).
  6. Track progress via the dashboard; add comments or routing notes as needed.
  7. Upon approval, the system generates the certificate using DAF Form 2278B and updates the member’s personnel record.

Pro tips for strong nominations:

  • Use specific, quantifiable examples of airmanship, mission impact, and how performance exceeded standards.
  • Align the write-up with MAJCOM-approved mission profiles.
  • Include flight logs or supporting documentation when required by local policy.
  • Emphasize sustained effort over a defined period (start and stop dates).

For detailed guidance, access job aids directly in myFSS or through your base Force Support Squadron.

Download DAF Form 2278B

Official versions of DAF Form 2278B and related publications are available through the Air Force e-Publishing site:

These links point to the current physical/epub formats hosted by e-Publishing. Always verify you are on the official e-publishing.af.mil domain and check DAFMAN 36-2806 for the most recent version of the manual governing awards processing.

Important: Do not use unofficial or outdated forms. myDecs generates the correct DAF Form 2278B automatically upon approval.

Additional Resources

  • AFPC Fact Sheet: Aerial Achievement Medal – Official background, description, and eligibility overview.
  • DAFMAN 36-2806: Awards and Decorations – Primary manual detailing myDecs processing, forms, and procedures.
  • myFSS myDecs: Primary portal for submitting and tracking nominations.
  • Unit awards monitor or Military Personnel Flight (MPF) for MAJCOM-specific flight criteria and local guidance.

Why the Aerial Achievement Medal Matters?

In high-tempo flying environments, consistent excellence in aerial operations keeps missions on track, enhances safety, and delivers critical effects for the joint force. The AAM publicly recognizes those contributions that might otherwise go unnoticed between higher-tier awards like the Air Medal.

If you are an Airman, Guardian, or supervisor preparing a package, focus on clear, impactful writing that ties individual actions to mission success. Strong documentation and adherence to myDecs workflows increase approval chances.

For the latest policy, always prioritize official DAF sources: AFPC, e-Publishing, and myFSS. Awards criteria and processes can receive updates, so check current publications before submission.

Need help with your AAM package? Contact your unit awards and decorations representative or base MPF for personalized assistance with DAF Form 2278B and myDecs.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace official Department of the Air Force guidance.