DAF Form 3902: Off-Duty Employment Application & Approval

DAF Form 3902: Off-Duty Employment Application & Approval – If you’re an active-duty Airman or Guardian in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force looking to take on a side job or off-duty employment, you must obtain prior written approval using DAF Form 3902. This form ensures your secondary employment does not interfere with your primary military duties, create conflicts of interest, or bring discredit to the Department of the Air Force (DAF).

What Is DAF Form 3902?

DAF Form 3902, officially titled Application and Approval for Off-Duty Employment, is the standardized Department of the Air Force form used by military members (and in many cases civilians) to request approval for outside employment or business activities. The current version is dated 20230111 and is prescribed by DAFI 36-147, Civilian Conduct and Responsibility.

Principal Purpose: It provides commanders and supervisors with the necessary details to evaluate the proposed off-duty work, assess its potential impact on duty performance, and grant or deny approval while ensuring compliance with ethics regulations.

You can download the official fillable PDF directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf3902/daf3902.pdf

Who Needs to Submit DAF Form 3902?

  • Active-duty Air Force and Space Force members seeking any off-duty or secondary employment.
  • Personnel planning to work while on terminal leave or other leave status.
  • In many commands (e.g., Air Combat Command, Air Force Materiel Command), all military and civilian personnel intending outside employment or business activities must submit the form.
  • Certain roles have additional rules: medical personnel (AFI 44-102), legal personnel (AFI 51-110), and financial disclosure filers (who may need prior approval for work with prohibited sources).

Exceptions may apply in specific situations, such as during government furloughs for non-financial-disclosure filers, but ethical standards still apply. Always check with your supervisor or legal office.

Why Is Approval Required?

The Department of Defense and DAF prioritize mission readiness, good order and discipline, and ethical conduct. Off-duty employment must not:

  • Interfere with military duties or readiness.
  • Create conflicts of interest (e.g., working for DoD contractors in certain capacities).
  • Bring discredit to the Air Force, DoD, or U.S. Government.
  • Violate the Joint Ethics Regulation (DoD 5500.7-R).

Approval helps protect you and the service from potential issues like safety risks, appearance of impropriety, or legal violations.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete and Submit DAF Form 3902?

  1. Download and Prepare the Form — Get the latest version from the official link above.
  2. Section I – Applicant Data and Certification (You Complete This):
    • Provide personal info: Name, grade/rank, AFSC, organization, duty phone, duty title.
    • Detail the off-duty job: Employer name and address, whether it’s a DoD contractor, position title, job description, days/hours per week.
    • List your normal military duty schedule.
    • Answer Yes/No (WILL / WILL NOT) for a series of statements (items 12–24), such as whether the job will interfere with duties, involve DoD business, use your military title, etc.
    • Important: Any “WILL” answer requires a detailed explanation on the reverse/continuation sheet. Checking “WILL” does not automatically mean disapproval.
    • Certify that you understand the Joint Ethics Regulation.
    • Sign and date.
  3. Section II – Supervisor’s Recommendation:
    • Your immediate supervisor reviews, interviews you if needed, and recommends approval or disapproval (with explanation).
  4. Legal/Judge Advocate Review:
    • The form typically routes to the servicing Judge Advocate (JA) or Ethics Official for a recommendation on the reverse side. This is especially important for financial disclosure filers or potential conflict-of-interest cases.
  5. Section III/IV – Commander or Delegatee Approval:
    • Your unit commander (or designated approver) makes the final decision: Approved or Disapproved, with any remarks.
    • Approval is usually required before you start the job. Many units recommend submitting the form at least two weeks in advance.
  6. Routing and Retention:
    • Follow your local chain of command or command-specific instruction (e.g., ACCI 51-500).
    • The approving official typically keeps the original; you should receive a copy for your records.

Pro Tip: Be honest and thorough in your job description. Transparency helps speed up approval and avoids future problems.

Common Reasons for Approval or Disapproval

Likely to Be Approved (if no conflicts):

  • Retail, food service, rideshare, or gig economy work on off-duty hours.
  • Jobs with at least 6–8 hours rest between shifts and your military duties.
  • Work that does not involve DoD contractors, solicitation of juniors, or use of military title.

Potential Issues (Require Explanation or May Be Denied):

  • Working for a DoD contractor.
  • Jobs during normal duty hours.
  • Roles that could appear as a conflict of interest.
  • Excessive hours that could impact readiness or safety (e.g., medical personnel often limited to 16 hours/week off-duty in some cases).

Commanders have discretion but must follow ethics rules. Approval can be revoked later if circumstances change.

Additional Considerations for Air Force & Space Force Members

  • Terminal Leave: Off-duty employment during terminal leave still requires prior approval via DAF Form 3902.
  • Reservists/Guard: Different rules may apply to their civilian jobs, but off-duty work while on military status needs review.
  • Post-Government Employment Restrictions: Be aware of “revolving door” rules if your side job involves federal contracting or representation.
  • Local Policies: Check your Major Command (MAJCOM), base, or unit instruction—some have stricter timelines or additional requirements.

Best Practices and Tips

  • Start early: Discuss your plans with your supervisor before filling out the form.
  • Consult your base Legal Office (JA) or Ethics Counselor for questions.
  • Keep a copy of the approved form and any continuation sheets.
  • Re-submit if your employment details change significantly.
  • Remember: Even approved off-duty work must comply with all U.S., state, and local laws, plus DAF standards of conduct.

Download DAF Form 3902

Official Link:
DAF Form 3902 PDF – Air Force e-Publishing

For the most current guidance, visit the Air Force e-Publishing site or contact your servicing legal office. Policies can be supplemented by command instructions (e.g., ACC, AFMC).

Need Help?

If you have questions about completing the form or potential conflicts, reach out to:

  • Your first-line supervisor.
  • Unit commander or first sergeant.
  • Base Legal Assistance or Ethics Office.

Key Takeaway: Completing DAF Form 3902 is a straightforward compliance step that protects your career while allowing you to pursue additional income responsibly. Always get written approval before starting any off-duty job.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Regulations and form versions can be updated—verify with official DAF sources or your legal office for the latest requirements.

Related Searches:

  • DAF Form 3902 fillable PDF
  • Air Force off-duty employment policy
  • DAFI 36-147 outside employment
  • Space Force secondary job approval

(Last updated with information available as of 2026. Always cross-reference official e-Publishing documents.)