AF Form 116: Request for Deviation from Security Criteria – U.S. Air Force personnel, security forces, and nuclear surety teams frequently need to request formal approval when operational realities prevent full compliance with strict security standards. AF Form 116, officially titled Request for Deviation from Security Criteria, is the standardized form used for this purpose.
Whether you’re dealing with facility constraints, temporary maintenance, or mission-specific needs in nuclear weapons operations or integrated defense programs, this guide explains everything you need to know about AF Form 116 — including its purpose, when to use it, the submission process, and the direct official download link.
What Is AF Form 116?
AF Form 116 is a Department of the Air Force form titled Request for Deviation from Security Criteria. It allows commanders and units to formally document and request approval for deviations from established physical security, nuclear surety, or related criteria when 100% compliance is not feasible.
The form is prescribed primarily by:
- DAFI 91-101, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Surety Program (current as of 2025 updates)
- Related guidance in integrated defense and physical security instructions (e.g., DAFI 31-101 series)
It is not a waiver of safety rules in emergencies — those have separate reporting requirements. Instead, AF Form 116 is used for planned or temporary deviations that require higher-level risk acceptance and compensatory measures.
Note: There is also a companion DAF Form 116A (Safety Design Deviation Request) for certain nuclear safety design issues.
Purpose of AF Form 116 in U.S. Air Force Operations
The core purpose of AF Form 116 is to maintain the highest possible level of nuclear and physical security while allowing documented, approved exceptions. Key reasons units submit it include:
- Facility construction/renovation limitations
- Temporary equipment failures or maintenance
- Operational tempo that conflicts with standard security manning or procedures
- Unique mission requirements in nuclear weapons storage, maintenance, or transport
Every submission must include:
- A clear description of the specific security criterion being deviated from
- Justification and mission impact
- Risk assessment
- Proposed compensatory measures (e.g., additional guards, alternative access controls, or monitoring)
- Timeline for correction or duration of the deviation
This ensures accountability and protects the Air Force’s nuclear surety standards under DoD and DAF policy.
Who Should Use AF Form 116?
Primary users include:
- Wing and unit commanders responsible for nuclear weapons or critical security assets
- Security Forces (SF) personnel
- Nuclear Weapons Maintenance and Storage units
- Installation security managers
- Any DAF organization under DAFI 91-101 or integrated defense programs
The form is initiated at the local commander level and requires coordination through the chain of command. Approval authority typically rests with the Wing Commander, MAJCOM, or higher (including AFSEC/SEW for nuclear surety deviations).
Step-by-Step: How to Submit AF Form 116?
While exact field-by-field instructions are provided in the official PDF and DAFI 91-101, the general process is:
- Identify the need — Document which security criterion (from the applicable instruction or checklist) cannot be met.
- Complete AF Form 116 — Provide detailed justification, risks, and mitigations. Include supporting documentation (photos, risk assessments, etc.).
- Route through chain of command — Local commander signs and forwards for coordination (typically via staff packages or electronic workflow).
- Obtain approvals — Higher headquarters (MAJCOM or AFSEC) reviews and either approves, disapproves, or requests more information.
- Implement compensatory measures — Once approved, follow all conditions exactly.
- Track and cancel — Submit a cancellation request via the same form once the deviation is no longer needed.
Pro Tip: Always reference the latest version of DAFI 91-101, Chapter 10 (Nuclear Safety Design Deviations) or the equivalent nuclear surety deviation chapter for current routing and timelines.
Official AF Form 116 PDF Download
Direct official link (current version):
Download AF Form 116 PDF
This is the fillable PDF hosted on the official Air Force e-Publishing site. Always download directly from e-publishing.af.mil to ensure you have the most current edition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting without sufficient compensatory measures
- Failing to quantify mission impact or risk
- Bypassing proper coordination channels
- Using the form for emergency deviations (use incident reporting instead)
- Not updating or canceling the deviation when resolved
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is AF Form 116 only for nuclear weapons?
A: Primarily yes for nuclear surety, but it is also used for physical security deviations under integrated defense programs.
Q: How long does approval take?
A: Varies by scope — routine deviations may take weeks; complex nuclear surety cases can require more coordination.
Q: Can I use an older version of the form?
A: Always use the current PDF from the official e-publishing link above.
Q: Where do I find the governing instruction?
A: DAFI 91-101 is the primary reference. Search e-publishing.af.mil for the latest version.
Q: Is there training on AF Form 116?
A: Unit security managers and nuclear surety officers typically provide local training. Check with your Installation Security Manager or MAJCOM NDRP OPR.
Related Resources
- DAFI 91-101 – Air Force Nuclear Weapons Surety Program
- DAF Form 116A – Safety Design Deviation Request
- AFMAN 91-221 – Weapons Safety Investigations and Reports (for emergency deviations)
Need the form right now?
Click here to download the official AF Form 116 PDF
This guide is based on the latest available DAF publications as of 2026. Always verify current policy in DAFI 91-101 and consult your local security professionals before submitting. Proper use of AF Form 116 helps maintain the U.S. Air Force’s unmatched nuclear surety record while supporting mission requirements.
Keywords covered: AF Form 116, AF Form 116 PDF download, Request for Deviation from Security Criteria, Air Force nuclear surety deviation, DAFI 91-101, security criteria deviation request.