AF Form 3985: Interview Record – Official Guide & Download

AF Form 3985: Interview Record – Official Guide & Download – If you’re involved in Air Force investigations, whether as an Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) agent, Security Forces (SF) member, or commander, understanding AF Form 3985 is essential. This official form, titled Interview Record, provides a standardized way to document interviews conducted during inquiries and investigations.

What Is AF Form 3985?

AF Form 3985, Interview Record, is a prescribed form used by the Department of the Air Force to capture the details of interviews in a clear, consistent, and official manner. It records key administrative information about the interview—such as date, time, location, purpose, and participants—along with a summary of what was discussed.

This form supports accountability, chain-of-custody for investigative information, and compliance with Air Force investigative standards. It is not a verbatim transcript but serves as an official record that helps establish timelines and document key statements.

Download the official AF Form 3985 here:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_ig/form/af3985/af3985.pdf

Who Uses AF Form 3985 and When Is It Required?

According to current guidance in DAFI 71-101 Volume 1 (updated as of January 2025), both AFOSI and Security Forces must use AF Form 3985 to document the details of interviews conducted as part of their duties.

It is commonly used in:

  • Criminal investigations
  • Administrative inquiries
  • Inspector General (IG) investigations
  • Security-related matters
  • Any situation where formal or informal interviews need official documentation

The form helps create a reliable record that can support reports of investigation (ROI), legal proceedings, or internal reviews. It is referenced in court-martial and administrative cases to verify timelines and interviewee actions (such as requests for counsel).

Key Information Captured on AF Form 3985

While the exact block layout is best viewed on the official PDF, the form typically captures:

  • Administrative details: Date, time (start and end), and location of the interview
  • Purpose of the interview
  • Participants: Interviewer(s), interviewee(s), and any witnesses or counsel present
  • Summary or notes on the content of the discussion
  • Actions taken during or after the interview (e.g., rights advisement, request for counsel, breaks, or consent to record)
  • Any relevant statements or observations

This structure ensures the record is professional, defensible, and useful for building a complete case file. It is often paired with other forms like AF Form 3986 and 3987 for case file envelopes.

How to Fill Out AF Form 3985 (Best Practices)?

  1. Be Accurate and Timely — Complete the form as soon as possible after the interview while details are fresh.
  2. Use Clear Language — Stick to facts. Avoid opinions or unsubstantiated claims in the summary section.
  3. Document Rights and Requests — Note any invocation of rights, presence of counsel, or special circumstances.
  4. Include All Relevant Parties — List names, ranks/grades, and roles clearly.
  5. Attach or Reference — If a recording exists or supporting documents were reviewed, note them.
  6. Follow Privacy and Security Rules — Handle the form according to the Air Force Privacy Act Program and classification requirements.

Pro Tip: Always refer to the latest version of DAFI 71-101 Volume 1 and any unit-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) for your organization. Investigative standards can evolve, so check e-Publishing for the most current form and instructions.

Why Proper Use of AF Form 3985 Matters?

Accurate interview documentation protects:

  • The integrity of the investigation
  • The rights of the interviewee
  • The credibility of the investigator or agency
  • The Air Force’s ability to take appropriate administrative or legal action

Incomplete or poorly prepared records can weaken cases, create legal challenges, or lead to questions about procedural fairness.

  • DAFI 71-101 Volume 1 — Criminal Investigations and Counterintelligence (prescribes AF Form 3985)
  • AF Form 3986 — Case File Documents Outer Envelope
  • AF Form 3987 — Case File Documents Inner Envelope
  • AFOSI and Security Forces policies on interview procedures

For the official source of all Air Force forms and publications, visit the Air Force e-Publishing website.

Need Help with AF Form 3985?

Air Force members should consult their local AFOSI detachment, Security Forces investigations section, or Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) for specific guidance. Training on investigative forms is often part of AFOSI or SF professional development.

Quick Download Reminder:
Official AF Form 3985 PDF

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force guidance as of 2025–2026. Always verify the latest instructions through official channels (e-Publishing or your chain of command) before use in official duties.

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Last updated: April 2026