DAF Form 3573: USAF Artifact Condition Survey (Download) – The Department of the Air Force (DAF) Form 3573, officially titled DAF Heritage Program Artifact Condition and Conservation Survey, serves as a critical tool for preserving America’s military aviation history. Used by USAF heritage professionals, museum curators, and installation personnel, this form systematically documents the physical state of historical artifacts and recommends conservation actions to ensure they remain available for future generations of Airmen and the public.
Whether you manage artifacts at a base heritage room, support the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (NMUSAF), or handle loans through the USAF Heritage Program, understanding DAF Form 3573 is essential for proper artifact stewardship.
What Is DAF Form 3573?
DAF Form 3573 is an official Department of the Air Force form prescribed by DAFI 84-103, Department of the Air Force Heritage Program. It provides a standardized method to assess and record the condition of artifacts in the USAF Heritage Program.
The form captures key details including:
- Artifact nomenclature and accession number
- Materials composition
- General condition rating
- Specific condition issues (biological, chemical, and physical)
- Evidence of prior repairs, restoration, or conservation
- Immediate stop-gap treatments performed
- Suggested long-term conservation treatments
- Storage location, remarks, signature, and date
This structured survey helps identify deterioration early, prioritize conservation resources, and maintain detailed records for accountability and compliance.
Why Proper Artifact Condition Assessment Matters in the USAF Heritage Program?
The USAF Heritage Program safeguards thousands of artifacts — from uniforms and equipment to documents, models, and personal items — that tell the story of Air Force service and sacrifice. These items face risks from environmental factors, handling, pests, and natural aging.
Regular use of DAF Form 3573 supports several key goals:
- Preventive conservation — Early detection of issues like mold, corrosion, or physical damage allows timely intervention.
- Compliance — Meets requirements outlined in DAFI 84-103 for managing historical property.
- Loan and display readiness — Accurate condition reports accompany artifacts sent on loan or placed on exhibit (often used alongside forms like AF Form 3572 for loan agreements).
- Long-term preservation — Helps curators track changes over time and justify funding for professional conservation treatments.
Proper documentation protects irreplaceable pieces of Air Force history while ensuring they can be safely shared with veterans, active-duty personnel, families, and civilian visitors across the United States.
How to Complete DAF Form 3573? Step-by-Step Overview
The form is designed for clarity and efficiency. Here’s what it typically covers:
- Artifact Identification
Record the nomenclature (item name), accession number, and primary materials. - General Condition Rating
Evaluate overall status as:- Excellent (Original or Restored)
- Good
- Fair
- Poor
- Specific Conditions
Check applicable categories:- Biological: Dry rot, insect damage, mold, etc.
- Chemical: Corrosion, oxidation/tarnish, staining, faded colors, crystalline deposits, etc.
- Physical: Cracks, tears, brittleness, warping, flaking paint, water damage, dirt/dust, missing parts, etc.
- Evidence Of Prior Interventions
Note previous repairs, “native” repairs, extensive restoration, conservation treatments, ethnographic deposits, or other history. - Immediate Actions
Indicate whether stop-gap treatment was performed (Yes/No) and the date. - Recommended Treatment & Remarks
Detail suggested conservation steps and add any additional observations. - Administrative Fields
Include storage location, signature of the surveyor, and date (YYYY/MM/DD format).
The current version of the form is dated 20250319 (March 19, 2025). Always use the latest official version from Air Force e-Publishing.
Who Should Use DAF Form 3573?
- USAF Heritage Program managers
- Installation historians and curators
- Museum and exhibit staff (including at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force)
- Personnel handling artifact loans or static displays
- Volunteers and contractors supporting official heritage activities
The form ensures consistent, professional documentation regardless of location — from major museums to smaller base heritage collections across the United States.
Download the Official DAF Form 3573 PDF
Official Download Link:
DAF Form 3573 – USAF Heritage Program Artifact Condition and Conservation Survey
This is the direct, authoritative source from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site. Always download from .mil domains to ensure you have the most current and compliant version. The form is fillable in many PDF viewers, making documentation straightforward.
Tip: Pair DAF Form 3573 with related documents such as DAFI 84-103 (Heritage Program instruction) and other USAF heritage forms (e.g., loan agreements or maintenance logs) for complete record-keeping.
Best Practices for Artifact Conservation Surveys
- Conduct surveys regularly, especially before loans, exhibits, or after environmental incidents.
- Use proper lighting, magnification, and PPE when inspecting artifacts.
- Photograph the item (with accession number visible) to supplement the written report.
- Consult professional conservators for complex issues like advanced corrosion or organic material degradation.
- Maintain digital and physical copies of completed forms in accordance with Air Force records management policies.
By following standardized procedures with DAF Form 3573, heritage teams help ensure that artifacts continue to educate and inspire.
Preserving Air Force Legacy for the Future
Effective use of DAF Form 3573 directly supports the mission of the USAF Heritage Program: to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of the United States Air Force. Whether you’re a curator, historian, or supporter of military aviation heritage, this form is a foundational tool for responsible stewardship.
Ready to get started?
Download DAF Form 3573 today and strengthen your artifact documentation process.
For additional guidance, refer to official Department of the Air Force publications on the e-Publishing website or contact your installation heritage program coordinator.
This article is for informational purposes and reflects publicly available information about official U.S. Air Force forms and programs as of 2026. Always consult the latest instructions and your chain of command for policy compliance.