DAF Form 685: Military Working Dog Patrol Evaluation

DAF Form 685: Military Working Dog Patrol Evaluation – Military Working Dogs (MWDs) play a critical role in U.S. Department of the Air Force (DAF) and broader Department of Defense (DoD) operations, providing unmatched patrol, detection, and force protection capabilities. DAF Form 685, officially titled Military Working Dog Patrol Evaluation, is the key document used to assess and document the patrol proficiency of these highly trained canines and their handlers.

This article explains everything USA-based service members, Kennel Masters (KMs), trainers, and handlers need to know about DAF Form 685, including its purpose, usage, relation to DAFI 31-121, download instructions, and best practices for compliance.

What Is DAF Form 685?

DAF Form 685 is the standardized evaluation tool for recording the results of patrol qualifications and evaluations for Military Working Dogs. It specifically applies to patrol tasks, obedience, and controlled aggression for dual-purpose MWDs (such as Patrol/Drug Detector Dogs or Patrol/Explosive Detector Dogs).

Key details:

  • Full Title: Military Working Dog Patrol Evaluation
  • Prescribing Authority: Department of the Air Force Instruction (DAFI) 31-121, Military Working Dog Program (updated February 20, 2026)
  • Primary Use: Annual patrol qualification for dual-purpose MWDs, initial certifications, and remedial evaluations
  • Official Download: DAF Form 685 Locked PDF via e-Publishing.af.mil

The form allows Kennel Masters or authorized trainers to annotate pass/fail results, detailed performance notes, and recommendations for each evaluated task.

Purpose and Importance in the DAF MWD Program

According to DAFI 31-121, all dual-purpose MWDs must complete an annual patrol qualification. The Kennel Master (or Trainer in the KM’s absence) conducts the evaluation and records results directly on DAF Form 685.

This evaluation ensures:

  • Operational Readiness — MWD teams maintain high standards in patrol, obedience, and controlled aggression.
  • Handler Proficiency — Both dog and handler performance are assessed.
  • Safety and Compliance — Critical for use-of-force scenarios and deployments.
  • Documentation — Supports certification, remedial training decisions, and program accountability.

Failing critical tasks (e.g., apprehension and hold, stand-off, or obedience commands) triggers immediate remedial training. Persistent issues may lead to restrictions on the MWD’s deployment in use-of-force situations.

Key Components Evaluated on DAF Form 685

Evaluations cover Patrol, Obedience, and Controlled Aggression standards outlined in DAFI 31-121. Tasks are categorized by criticality:

Critical Tasks (Failure requires remedial training):

  • Obedience (e.g., Sit, Down, Recall)
  • Controlled Aggression (Apprehend & Hold, Release, Search & Escort, Building Search, Scouting)

Semi-Critical & Non-Critical Tasks:

  • End-of-leash commands, intruder detection, vehicle patrol, etc.

Evaluators assess factors like handler control, dog response under distraction, environmental conditions, and overall reliability. Results are documented as GO/NO-GO with detailed remarks.

Qualifications must occur at least annually (or upon initial certification). Detection standards use separate forms like DAF Form 823, but patrol uses DAF Form 685.

Who Uses DAF Form 685?

  • Kennel Masters (KMs): Primary evaluators.
  • MWD Trainers/Handlers: Support evaluations and training.
  • Squadron Commanders: Review and endorse for certifications or variances.
  • DAF MWD Program Manager: Receives forms for NSN changes or major status updates (e.g., DDD to PDDD conversions).

All DAF units with MWD programs, including those supporting joint DoD efforts, use this form.

How to Access and Complete DAF Form 685?

  1. Download the Official Form: Visit the Air Force e-Publishing website and access the locked PDF linked above. It requires Adobe Reader for proper functionality.
  2. Follow DAFI 31-121 Guidance: Reference Chapter 5 on Qualification and Certification Testing.
  3. Record Evaluation: Note date, MWD details, handler info, tasks evaluated, results, and remarks.
  4. Endorsements: KM signs; squadron commander endorses as needed for certification memos (see Attachments 2 & 4 in DAFI 31-121).
  5. Retention: Maintain in MWD records for program audits and historical tracking.

Units should integrate this with the K9S system (DoD MWD records management) for digital tracking where possible.

  • DAFI 31-121 (Feb 2026): Primary instruction governing the entire DAF MWD Program, including patrol standards and Form 685 usage.
  • DoD MWD Program: Air Force serves as Executive Agent; covers welfare, training, and utilization across services.
  • e-Publishing.af.mil: Central hub for all DAF forms and publications.

For the latest updates, always check official .mil sources, as policies evolve to support mission needs and canine welfare.

Why Proper Use of DAF Form 685 Matters for USA Forces?

Accurate completion of DAF Form 685 directly impacts force protection, deployment readiness, and the well-being of America’s Military Working Dogs. These canines and their handlers save lives through explosive/drug detection, patrolling, and deterrence.

Maintaining rigorous standards ensures MWD teams remain mission-ready while upholding the highest ethical and operational benchmarks in the U.S. military.

Download DAF Form 685 Today: Official PDF Link

For questions, consult your unit Kennel Master, Security Forces leadership, or the DAF MWD Program Manager. Stay current with DAFI 31-121 for full compliance.

This guide is for informational purposes based on official DAF publications as of 2026. Always refer to the most current directives on e-Publishing.af.mil.