AF Form 40 PDF: Authorization for Inactive Duty Training

AF Form 40 PDF: Authorization for Inactive Duty Training – Air Force Reserve (AFR) and Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) members rely on proper documentation for Inactive Duty Training (IDT) to earn retirement points, receive pay (when authorized), and maintain readiness. One key form in this process is AF Form 40, Authorization for Inactive Duty Training.

This article explains what AF Form 40 is, how it fits into the IDT process alongside the more commonly referenced AF Form 40A, where to download the official PDF, and step-by-step guidance for U.S. Air Force Reservists.

What Is AF Form 40?

AF Form 40 is the official Department of the Air Force form titled Authorization for Inactive Duty Training. It serves as the planning and authorization document for IDT periods performed by Air Force Reserve Component members.

Its primary purposes include:

• Authorizing specific Inactive Duty Training (IDT) periods, such as Training Periods (TP), Unit Training Assemblies (UTA), or Equivalent Training (ET).
• Documenting approval before the training occurs.
• Supporting pay, travel entitlements, lodging/subsistence, and retirement point credit.

According to DAFMAN 36-2136, Reserve Personnel Participation (the governing manual), IDT must be properly authorized and documented. The certifying official documents completed IDT on a mechanized AF Form 40 or AF Form 40A.

Note on AF Form 40 vs. AF Form 40A:

• AF Form 40 focuses on authorization (pre-approval/scheduling).
• AF Form 40A (Record of Individual Inactive Duty Training) is typically used to record and certify actual performance, including dates, hours, points earned, pay status, and signatures for payment or points credit. Many units generate AF Form 40A through systems like UTAPS (Unit Training Assembly Participation System) after scheduling.

Both forms support the same overall goal: accurate tracking of IDT for pay, points, and readiness.

Who Needs AF Form 40?

• Air Force Reserve (AFR) members performing IDT.
• Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMAs).
• Supervisors and commanders who authorize training.
• Personnel handling medical readiness, fitness assessments, or telework IDT (with specific remarks required).

Reservists cannot perform paid or points-earning IDT on the same day as active duty. A minimum of 4 hours is typically required for a paid Training Period; non-paid periods have specific rules.

Official Download: AF Form 40 PDF

Download the current official AF Form 40 PDF directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site (recommended for the most up-to-date version):

→ https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_re/form/af40/af40.pdf

Always obtain forms from the official Air Force e-Publishing website (www.e-publishing.af.mil) to ensure compliance and the latest revision. Third-party sites may host outdated or altered versions.

How to Use AF Form 40 and AF Form 40A in the IDT Process?

1. Scheduling & Authorization:
   • Submit your IDT schedule (often via UTAPSweb or unit processes) for supervisor approval.
   • Use AF Form 40 (or the unit’s mechanized version) to document authorization, including training type, dates, and any special entitlements (e.g., lodging, subsistence, hazardous duty pay).
2. Performing the Training:
   • Complete the authorized IDT (in-person, telework, or equivalent).
   • For telework IDT, add the statement “Training to be accomplished by teleworking” in the remarks section of the AF Form 40A.
3. Recording & Certification (AF Form 40A):
   • List each training day (YYYYMMDD format), duty hours, and points earned.
   • Indicate pay status (paid or non-pay/points-only). Use separate forms if mixing pay and non-pay.
   • Authorizing and certifying officials sign to verify completion.
   • Submit to the appropriate pay or personnel office for processing.
4. Distribution:
   • Follow unit-specific distribution instructions (often to finance, personnel, or the Reserve Pay Office).

Privacy Act Note: These forms collect personally identifiable information (including SSN) authorized under Title 10 U.S.C. for recording training, pay, and retirement points. Disclosure is voluntary, but failure to provide required data may affect proper crediting.

Common Uses of AF Form 40 / 40A

• Scheduling monthly Unit Training Assemblies (UTAs).
• Documenting Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) or IMA training.
• Recording medical readiness or physical fitness training.
• Requesting excusals, reschedules, or Equivalent Training.
• Supporting travel vouchers when IDT involves travel outside the local commuting area (per Joint Travel Regulations).

Tips for Air Force Reservists

• Meet Deadlines: Submit schedules well in advance (e.g., by mid-August for the next fiscal year in some units).
• Accuracy Matters: Incorrect dates, hours, or missing signatures can delay pay or point crediting.
• Telework IDT: Clearly note telework in remarks to comply with policy.
• System Integration: Many units use automated tools that generate or pre-populate AF Form 40/40A — check with your unit training manager or supervisor.
• Governing Guidance: Refer to DAFMAN 36-2136 for detailed rules on IDT crediting, categories, and limitations (e.g., maximum Equivalent Training periods per year).

Where to Get Help

• Unit Training Manager or Supervisor.
• Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) resources or your local Military Personnel Section (MPS).
• Official guidance: Air Force e-Publishing (search for DAFMAN 36-2136).

Important: Forms and procedures can be updated. Always verify the latest version and unit-specific instructions with your chain of command or servicing personnel office.

Download AF Form 40 PDF

Official AF Form 40 – Authorization for Inactive Duty Training

For related forms, visit the Air Force e-Publishing Forms page.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications as of 2026. It is not a substitute for official military guidance or legal advice. Consult your unit leadership for the most current procedures.