AF Form 3920: Request for Reservist Voluntary Retraining – If you’re an Air Force Reservist looking to advance your career, gain new skills, or transition to a more in-demand Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC), AF Form 3920 is the key document you’ll need. Officially titled Request for Reservist Voluntary Retraining, this form allows eligible USAF Reserve members to formally request voluntary retraining into a different career field.
Download the official form here: AF Form 3920 PDF
What Is AF Form 3920?
AF Form 3920 (sometimes still referred to as AF IMT 3920) is the standardized Air Force form used exclusively by Air Force Reserve (AFR) personnel to request voluntary retraining. It facilitates a change from your current AFSC to a new one, supporting both personal career growth and the Air Force Reserve’s mission needs by balancing manpower across specialties.
Unlike active-duty retraining programs (such as the First Term Airman Retraining Program or NCORP), the Reserve process is tailored to part-time service members balancing civilian careers, family, and military obligations. Approval depends on factors like unit manning, Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) requirements, Career Field Manager (CFM) input, and your qualifications.
Key purposes include:
- Requesting retraining for a new AFSC
- Supporting assignment to new positions (including some Active Guard/Reserve or AGR roles)
- Enabling career enhancement when opportunities arise in shortage AFSCs
Who Should Use AF Form 3920?
This form is for U.S. Air Force Reservists (Traditional Reservists, Individual Mobilization Augmentees, and in some cases AGR personnel) who want to:
- Cross-train into a different enlisted AFSC
- Pursue skill-level upgrades or new qualifications
- Apply for position vacancies that require a different AFSC
- Meet unit or command manning needs
It is not typically used by Regular Air Force (active duty) or Air National Guard members, who follow different processes under DAFMAN 36-2100 and related instructions.
Why Pursue Voluntary Retraining in the Air Force Reserve?
Retraining offers significant benefits:
- Career advancement — Move into high-demand fields like cyber, intelligence, maintenance, or aviation support.
- Skill development — Gain technical training that translates to better civilian job opportunities.
- Increased readiness — Contribute where the Reserve needs you most.
- Potential incentives — Some retraining paths may align with bonuses or special pay, depending on current AFRC policies.
- Flexibility — Continue your civilian career while serving one weekend a month and two weeks a year.
Retraining helps the Air Force Reserve maintain a balanced, ready force while giving you more control over your military career path.
Step-by-Step Process for Submitting AF Form 3920
The exact workflow can vary by unit, but the general process includes:
- Check Eligibility — Confirm you meet prerequisites for the desired AFSC (ASVAB scores, medical qualifications via AF Form 422, physical fitness, security clearance, time in service, etc.). Consult your Unit Training Manager or Career Development office.
- Discuss with Leadership — Talk to your supervisor, commander, and servicing Force Support Squadron (FSS) or CSS (Customer Support Section). Many units require commander endorsement.
- Complete AF Form 3920 — Fill out the form with your personal information, current AFSC, requested retraining AFSC, availability for training, and justification. Include any supporting documents (resume, EPRs, letters of recommendation, medical clearance, etc.).
- Route for Signatures — The form typically requires signatures from the member, supervisor, commander, FSS/URC, and sometimes the Career Field Manager (CFM) or higher review.
- Submit the Package — Submit through your unit channels or myFSS/Reserve systems as directed. For certain assignments (e.g., AGR), the form must be completed prior to orders being published.
- Await Decision — The CFM or appropriate authority evaluates the request based on manning needs, your qualifications, and policy (references include DAFMAN 36-2100 and DAFMAN 36-2114).
Tip: Always coordinate with your local FSS or Reserve Personnel office early. Some retraining requires a service commitment upon completion.
How to Fill Out AF Form 3920?
The form collects standard identification and retraining details. Key sections usually include:
- Member Information — Name, rank, SSN/DOD ID, current unit, current AFSC, grade, etc.
- Unit/Orderly Room Details — Contact and administrative info.
- Projected Retraining Information — Desired AFSC, training dates or availability, rationale for request.
- Career Enhancement/Justification — Explain how the retraining benefits you and the Air Force Reserve.
- Review and Approvals — Multiple endorsement blocks for chain of command.
Privacy Act Statement is included on the official form. Provide accurate information and attach all required supporting documentation to avoid delays.
For the most accurate block-by-block guidance, refer to the instructions on the official PDF or your unit’s retraining checklist.
Required Supporting Documents (Commonly Requested)
- Current AF Form 422 (Physical Profile)
- Fitness assessment results
- Recent EPRs/OPRs
- ASVAB scores (if required for new AFSC)
- Resume or military biography
- Letters of recommendation
- Any classification waiver requests (if needed)
Packages for specific AFSCs (e.g., Paralegal 5J) may have additional requirements like typing tests.
Important References and Regulations
- DAFMAN 36-2100 — Classifying Military Personnel (Officer and Enlisted)
- DAFMAN 36-2114 — Air Force Reserve Management guidance
- AFRC Instructions — Local supplements and AFRC/A1 guidance
- Official forms available at e-Publishing.af.mil
Policies can update; always check the latest versions on the Air Force e-Publishing site or consult your servicing FSS.
Tips for a Successful AF Form 3920 Submission
- Be proactive — Start the conversation with your leadership and Training Manager early.
- Align with needs — Highlight how your retraining supports AFRC manning objectives.
- Prepare thoroughly — Strong justification and complete documentation improve approval chances.
- Understand timelines — Retraining may involve tech school or on-the-job training (OJT) that affects your schedule.
- Seek help — Use resources from ARPC, HQ RIO (for IMAs), or your wing’s Career Development section.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re an Air Force Reservist ready to pursue new opportunities, download AF Form 3920 today and begin the conversation with your unit. Voluntary retraining is a powerful way to shape your military career while continuing to serve part-time.
Official Download: AF Form 3920 – Request for Reservist Voluntary Retraining
For personalized guidance, contact your local Air Force Reserve unit, Force Support Squadron, or visit official Air Force Reserve resources at AFReserve.com or myFSS.
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available sources as of 2026. Policies and procedures may change. Always verify the latest guidance with official Air Force channels or your chain of command.