AF Form 3589-1: 10 Year Service Certificate

AF Form 3589-1: 10 Year Service Certificate – The United States Air Force values the dedication and long-term contributions of its entire civilian workforce, including foreign national (FN) employees who support mission-critical operations around the world. One key way the Air Force recognizes this service is through the AF Form 3589-1, officially titled the United States Air Force 10 Year Length of Service Certificate (foreign national employees only).

This specialized certificate acknowledges 10 years of faithful federal service by eligible non-U.S. citizen civilian employees. It forms part of the broader Department of the Air Force (DAF) Civilian Recognition Program, governed primarily by DoDI 1400.25, Volume 451, and its Air Force implementation in DAFI 36-1004, Managing the Civilian Recognition Program (updated as of December 2023).

What Is AF Form 3589-1?

AF Form 3589-1 is a formal certificate that honors foreign national civilian employees of the U.S. Air Force (and associated U.S. Forces) who have completed at least 10 years of creditable service.

It is the foreign national-specific version of the standard AF Form 3589 (used for U.S. citizen civilians). Similar forms exist for longer service milestones, such as AF Form 3590-1 (20 years), 3591-1 (30 years), and so on.

The certificate typically includes:

  • The employee’s name
  • Recognition of 10 years of loyal and faithful service
  • Signature lines for appropriate Air Force leadership (often the local commander or higher, depending on the installation)
  • Official U.S. Air Force branding and formatting

Many installations also pair the certificate with a lapel pin for 10–15 year milestones, presented during a formal ceremony. Pins and certificates for longer service periods are often coordinated through the Civilian Personnel Section (CPS).

Who Is Eligible for the AF Form 3589-1?

Eligibility is limited to foreign national employees (non-U.S. citizens) working for the Department of the Air Force or U.S. Forces overseas. Key points include:

  • Minimum 10 years of creditable federal service with U.S. Forces.
  • Service is generally calculated using the employee’s Service Computation Date (SCD) for Leave, which includes qualifying federal civilian service and, in some cases, honorable active duty military service.
  • Recognition often begins at the 10-year mark for FN employees, with additional awards possible every 5 years thereafter (up to 70 years in some guidance).
  • Retiring or separating FN employees with at least 10 years of loyal service may qualify for enhanced recognition, sometimes including a certificate for the employee and spouse.

Note: U.S. citizen civilians typically receive the standard AF Form 3589 or updated DAF equivalents for length-of-service milestones. Foreign nationals use the “-1” series to tailor the program to local policies and host-nation considerations.

Local Civilian Personnel Flights or Sections (e.g., 31 FSS/FSCL at certain bases) determine exact eligibility and handle preparation.

How the 10-Year Length of Service Certificate Fits into Air Force Recognition?

The Air Force Civilian Recognition Program includes monetary awards, honorary awards, and length-of-service recognition. Length-of-service certificates like AF Form 3589-1 provide non-monetary recognition that boosts morale, reinforces loyalty, and publicly honors sustained contributions to the Air Force mission.

For foreign national employees:

  • 10–15 year certificates are often prepared by the organizational unit and signed/presented by the local commander.
  • Higher milestones (20+ years) may involve the Civilian Personnel Section and wing/group commander.
  • Presentations usually occur during appropriate ceremonies to maximize the honor.

This program aligns with broader DoD and DAF policies that value the contributions of the total force, including the vital support provided by foreign national employees at overseas bases.

How to Obtain or Download AF Form 3589-1?

The official form is available through the Air Force e-Publishing system. Trusted download links include:

These links provide access to the physical/editable form or associated guidance. Always verify the latest version through official Air Force e-Publishing channels or your local Civilian Personnel Section, as forms can be updated.

Important: Forms should only be prepared and signed through official channels. Supervisors or HR personnel typically initiate the process when an employee reaches the eligibility threshold. Do not self-print or forge official certificates.

Why This Recognition Matters?

For foreign national employees, serving the U.S. Air Force often involves unique challenges, including navigating host-nation laws, Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA), and cultural differences. Receiving the AF Form 3589-1 publicly acknowledges this dedication and helps build a sense of belonging within the U.S. Forces team.

Commanders and supervisors are encouraged to use these ceremonies to highlight not just longevity but the employee’s specific contributions to readiness, mission support, and international partnership.

Additional Resources

  • DAFI 36-1004 / DoDI 1400.25 Vol 451: Primary policy for civilian recognition programs.
  • Local Civilian Personnel Section (CPS) or Force Support Squadron (FSS) at your installation.
  • Air Force e-Publishing (e-Publishing.af.mil) for the latest forms and publications.

If you are a supervisor, HR specialist, or foreign national employee approaching a service milestone, contact your servicing Civilian Personnel Flight for guidance on nomination, preparation, and presentation of the AF Form 3589-1.

Honoring 10 years of service is more than paperwork—it recognizes the people who help keep the United States Air Force strong every day.

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available official U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense publications as of the latest revisions (2023–2024). Policies and procedures can vary by installation and may be updated; always consult official sources or your local HR/CPS for current guidance.