DAF Form 4392: Pre-Departure Safety Briefing (Download) – Traveling for leave, temporary duty (TDY), or a permanent change of station (PCS) is a regular part of military life. To reduce risks—especially from private motor vehicle accidents and recreational activities—the Department of the Air Force (DAF) requires a structured pre-departure safety briefing. This is documented using DAF Form 4392 (formerly often called AF Form 4392).
This article explains what DAF Form 4392 is, who needs it, how to complete it, why it matters, and where to download the official PDF.
What Is DAF Form 4392?
DAF Form 4392, titled Pre-Departure Safety Briefing, is an official Department of the Air Force form used to document a safety discussion before personnel depart on leave, TDY, or PCS. It helps identify potential risks, assess travel plans, and apply mitigating strategies to prevent mishaps.
The form supports the broader DAF Mishap Prevention Program outlined in DAFI 91-202. It serves as a tool for commanders and supervisors to remind Airmen and Guardians of the dangers associated with private vehicle travel and off-duty recreational activities.
Key purposes include:
- Documenting the briefing and risk discussion.
- Recording the proposed travel itinerary.
- Ensuring awareness of safety best practices, such as seatbelt use, avoiding impaired driving, and planning for weather or route hazards.
- Providing a record that supervisors may retain (often for 30 days after return, especially for those 26 and under).
Note: While requirements can apply broadly, historical guidance has placed additional emphasis on Airmen and Guardians age 26 and under due to higher statistical risk in certain travel-related incidents. Always check with your unit safety office or supervisor for current local policy.
Who Must Complete DAF Form 4392?
Unit commanders ensure that personnel receive a pre-departure safety briefing before leaving on:
- Leave (including weekend or holiday periods)
- Temporary Duty (TDY)
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
The briefing is typically conducted by:
- Unit commander
- Immediate supervisor
- Flight commander
- First sergeant
- Military training manager (in training environments)
Many units require the form for any travel involving private motor vehicles, with stricter rules for longer distances or high-risk periods (e.g., three-day weekends). In training squadrons or student programs, submission deadlines (such as early morning on specific days) are common.
How to Complete DAF Form 4392?
The form generally includes sections for:
- Personal and organizational information of the individual being briefed.
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies for the trip.
- Proposed Travel Itinerary — details on destinations, routes, modes of transportation, departure/return times, and contact information.
- Safety topics discussed — including private vehicle safety, recreational activity risks, seatbelt usage, impaired driving consequences (which may lead to UCMJ action), weather considerations, and local hazards.
- Signatures — from the individual briefed and the person conducting/reviewing the briefing.
Instructions for completion (based on standard guidance):
- The departing member usually completes the travel itinerary section.
- The briefer reviews the plan, discusses hazards and mitigations, and adds any local safety information (e.g., installation-specific recreational risks or climate factors).
- Units may add supplemental educational materials tailored to the location.
After completion, the form is reviewed and signed. Supervisors may keep a copy for a set period after the traveler returns.
Pro Tip: Prepare your itinerary in advance. Include realistic driving times with rest stops, alternate routes, and emergency contacts. Be honest about planned recreational activities so the briefer can address specific risks.
Why Pre-Departure Safety Briefings Matter?
Motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of preventable fatalities and serious injuries among military personnel during off-duty time. The DAF Form 4392 process promotes a culture of risk management by forcing a deliberate conversation before travel begins.
Benefits include:
- Increased awareness of fatigue, weather, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance.
- Encouragement to use safety devices (seatbelts, helmets for motorcycles/ATVs).
- Planning that reduces impulsive or high-risk decisions.
- Documentation that supports accountability and continuous improvement in the mishap prevention program.
Units often integrate this with other tools, such as high-risk activity forms (e.g., DAF Form 4391) or local safety stand-downs.
Where to Download DAF Form 4392?
The official current version is available through the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site.
Direct PDF Download:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_se/form/daf4392/daf4392.pdf
Always use the version hosted on e-publishing.af.mil for the most authoritative copy. Check your unit safety office or SharePoint for any locally modified versions or fillable templates used at your installation.
Additional Resources and Best Practices
- Review DAFI 91-202, The Department of the Air Force Mishap Prevention Program (and any current guidance memorandums) for the latest policy.
- Discuss high-risk activities (e.g., extreme sports, long-distance driving) openly during the briefing.
- Maintain your vehicle in top condition and plan for adequate rest.
- Use tools like the Air Force’s travel risk planning resources or apps for real-time road and weather conditions.
- For students or those in technical training, additional local instructions (such as early submission of the form) often apply.
Bottom Line: Completing DAF Form 4392 is more than paperwork—it’s a proven step toward safer travel and protecting yourself, your teammates, and your family while enjoying time away from the mission.
If you’re preparing for leave, TDY, or PCS, download the form today, complete your itinerary thoughtfully, and schedule your briefing early. Safe travels!
This guide is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available military guidance as of 2026. Policies can be updated; always consult your chain of command, unit safety office, or the official DAFI 91-202 for current requirements at your location.