DAF Form 4008: Request & Authorization for IADT (2026)

DAF Form 4008: Request & Authorization for IADT (2026) – DAF Form 4008: Request and Authorization for Initial Active Duty Training / Nonprior Service is an official Department of the Air Force form used primarily for Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard enlistees. It authorizes Initial Active Duty Training (IADT) for individuals with no prior military service (non-prior service or NPS).

New recruits entering the Air Force Reserve Component (ARC) must complete IADT, which typically includes Basic Military Training (BMT) followed by technical training to earn their 3-skill level. The DAF Form 4008 serves as the key document that formally requests and authorizes this training period, ensuring proper orders, travel, pay, and administrative processing.

What Is Initial Active Duty Training (IADT)?

IADT is the mandatory active duty period required by law (Title 10 U.S.C. § 12103) for non-prior service enlisted members joining the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard. It provides the foundational military training and skill qualification needed before returning to part-time reserve or guard status.

  • Standard IADT usually combines BMT (approximately 7.5 weeks) with follow-on technical school.
  • Split Training Option (STO) may be available in some cases, allowing BMT in one period and technical training later, often to accommodate college or work schedules (subject to wing commander approval and training quotas).
  • Upon successful completion (typically after awarding the 3-skill level), members are released from IADT and return to their unit for drill weekends and annual training.

The form helps coordinate relocation, reporting instructions, counseling on requirements, and issuance of orders or a “letter in lieu of orders” when appropriate.

Who Uses DAF Form 4008?

  • Non-prior service (NPS) enlisted recruits enlisting in the Air Force Reserve (AFR) or Air National Guard (ANG).
  • Recruiting personnel, Military Personnel Sections (MPS), Force Support Squadrons, and unit commanders responsible for processing new accessions.
  • It applies to Department of the Air Force (DAF) Reserve Component members but not directly to Regular Air Force active duty enlistees (who use different accession processes).

The form is referenced in DAFMAN 36-2102 (Base-Level Relocation Procedures) and related manuals governing training, relocation, and reserve personnel management.

Key Purpose of the Form

The DAF Form 4008 formally:

  • Requests authorization for the member to enter active duty for IADT.
  • Specifies training details, reporting instructions, and travel authorizations.
  • Supports administrative actions such as updating personnel records, issuing pay entitlements, and preparing DD Form 214 upon completion (for qualifying periods).
  • Ensures compliance with counseling requirements on BMT and IADT reporting standards.

It functions similarly to other “Request and Authorization” forms (like DAF Form 899 for PCS) but is tailored specifically for initial training of new reservists/guardsmen.

How to Obtain and Download DAF Form 4008?

The official fillable PDF is available through the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing website:

Direct Download Link: DAF Form 4008 PDF

Always use the latest version from www.e-publishing.af.mil to ensure compliance. Forms are updated periodically, and using an outdated version can delay processing.

Note: This form is for official use. Recruits should work through their recruiter or assigned unit personnel to complete and route it properly. Do not submit it independently without guidance.

Completing DAF Form 4008 – General Guidance

While specific block-by-block instructions appear on the form or in associated DAFMANs/AFIs (older versions referenced AFI 36-2102 instructions for blocks 1-10 and beyond), typical fields include:

  • Member’s personal information (name, SSN, grade, etc.).
  • Unit of assignment and gaining unit details.
  • Training course information (BMT location, technical school, dates).
  • Travel and reporting instructions.
  • Authorization for active duty period, pay, and entitlements.
  • Signatures from appropriate authorities (recruiter, commander, or personnel office).

Important Tips:

  • Accurate completion prevents delays in orders, travel vouchers, and pay.
  • Counseling on IADT requirements (e.g., fitness standards, reporting) is mandatory.
  • For split training or special cases, additional coordination with AFRC/A1 or wing commander may be needed.
  • Supporting documents (medical, enlistment contract, etc.) are usually attached.

Personnel professionals or recruiters receive training on exact block instructions. Refer to current DAFMAN 36-2102 or unit-specific guidance for detailed procedures.

  1. Enlistment — NPS applicants complete enlistment paperwork.
  2. IADT Authorization — DAF Form 4008 is prepared to schedule and authorize training.
  3. Reporting to BMT — Member ships to Basic Military Training.
  4. Technical Training — Follow-on school to earn AFSC qualification.
  5. Release from IADT — Return to reserve/guard unit after meeting requirements (usually upon 3-level award). A DD Form 214 is issued if the active duty period qualifies.

Reservists awaiting IADT may perform limited training periods (e.g., for enlistment processing or fitness assessment) under specific rules.

Common Questions

Is DAF Form 4008 the same as active duty orders?
It serves as the request and authorization document that leads to orders (or a letter in lieu of orders) for IADT.

Who signs DAF Form 4008?
Typically, the recruiting or personnel office prepares it, with signatures from commanders or designated authorities as required by regulation.

Can I fill it out myself?
No—work with your Air Force recruiter or unit Military Personnel Flight (MPF)/Force Support Squadron. Improper routing can cause issues with pay, travel, or training quotas.

Official Sources and Further Reading

  • Department of the Air Force e-Publishing: www.e-publishing.af.mil
  • DAFMAN 36-2102: Base-Level Relocation Procedures (references the form and IADT processing).
  • DAFMAN 36-2136 and related reserve personnel manuals for training and point credit rules.
  • Air Force Reserve Command or National Guard Bureau recruiting websites for enlistment information.

For the most current guidance, visit the official e-Publishing site or consult your local recruiter, recruiter supervisor, or servicing Military Personnel Section. Regulations and procedures can be updated, so always verify with .mil sources.

Download DAF Form 4008 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf4008/daf4008.pdf

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications as of 2026. It does not replace official guidance or constitute legal advice. Contact your recruiter or chain of command for assistance with your specific situation.