DAF Form 912: CMSgt Enlisted Performance Report Guide – Chief Master Sergeants (CMSgt) represent the pinnacle of the Air Force and Space Force enlisted force. Their performance evaluations require a specialized tool tailored to senior enlisted leadership. The DAF Form 912, Enlisted Performance Report (CMSgt), serves as the official document for documenting the performance, leadership, and future potential of CMSgts and CMSgt selects.
This form differs from the DAF Form 911 (used for MSgt through SMSgt) and focuses on high-level strategic impact, command-level leadership, and readiness for elevated responsibilities such as command chief, career field manager, or other senior roles.
What Is DAF Form 912?
DAF Form 912 is the Department of the Air Force form specifically designed for Enlisted Performance Reports (EPRs) on Chief Master Sergeants. Introduced around 2015 as part of broader enlisted evaluation reforms, it allows senior raters to assess overall performance with greater emphasis on strategic leadership rather than day-to-day task execution.
Unlike lower-grade EPRs with extensive bullet statements, the CMSgt form typically features:
- Four lines for rater comments.
- One line dedicated to the senior rater’s assessment.
This streamlined structure highlights big-picture contributions, mentorship, and potential for broader Air Force impact. The form supports decisions on promotions (though CMSgt is the top enlisted grade), assignments, special duty selections, and other personnel actions.
Official Download: You can access the current DAF Form 912 PDF directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf912/daf912.pdf.
Who Uses DAF Form 912?
- Primary users: Chief Master Sergeants (CMSgt) and personnel selected for promotion to CMSgt.
- Raters: Usually the immediate supervisor or designated rater in the chain of command.
- Senior Raters: Higher-level leaders who provide the final assessment and stratification (e.g., “READY NOW” for greater responsibility).
- Applies to Regular Air Force (RegAF), Air Force Reserve (AFR), Air National Guard (ANG), and United States Space Force enlisted members where applicable.
The form aligns with DAFI 36-2406, Officer and Enlisted Evaluations Systems (current as of 2023 with later guidance memoranda), which governs all enlisted evaluations.
Key Sections of DAF Form 912
While the exact layout appears in the official PDF, typical sections include:
- Ratee Identification Data — Name, rank, unit, period of report, days of supervision, reason for report.
- Job Description — Duty title and key duties/responsibilities.
- Performance Assessment — Rater’s narrative comments on leadership, mission impact, and results (limited lines encourage concise, high-impact writing).
- Senior Rater Assessment — Often includes a drop-down or specific field for overall vectoring, such as “READY NOW” (ready for more challenging/higher-responsibility positions immediately) or “ON-TRACK” (excelling currently with growth potential for related or next-level roles).
- Additional fields — Signatures, dates, and any referral statements if applicable.
The form emphasizes quality over quantity of comments. Raters focus on strategic leadership, innovation, mentorship of junior enlisted leaders, and contributions to Air Force priorities.
Note: CMSgt EPRs have a static close-out date (SCOD) typically aligned with 31 May annually for most members, though variations exist for certain categories. Always verify current SCODs in DAFI 36-2406.
How to Prepare and Submit DAF Form 912?
- Follow DAFI 36-2406 strictly for formatting, content rules, and prohibited statements.
- Use strong, impact-focused language that quantifies results where possible (e.g., mission outcomes, personnel developed, resources managed).
- Senior raters play a critical role in providing clear vectoring for future assignments and leadership opportunities.
- Submissions route through the chain of command and are filed in the member’s personnel records for promotion boards, assignment considerations, and other decisions.
- Training resources, including archived videos on AF Form 912 sections, are available through Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) and unit channels.
For the most current instructions, refer to the latest version of DAFI 36-2406 available on the e-Publishing website (www.e-Publishing.af.mil).
Why the CMSgt-Specific Form Matters?
The DAF Form 912 was developed to better capture the unique role of Chiefs as strategic advisors, mentors, and leaders who operate at the nexus of enlisted force management and command priorities. Traditional bullet-heavy EPRs for lower grades do not fully reflect the broad influence CMSgts exert. The form’s design supports senior rater input on readiness for key positions like Command Chief roles.
Accurate, fair, and well-written CMSgt EPRs directly influence:
- Assignment opportunities
- Special selection boards
- Overall force development and talent management
Tips for Raters and Ratees
- Raters: Focus on leadership impact, not micromanagement. Coordinate with the senior rater early.
- Ratees: Provide strong input on accomplishments, especially those with service-wide or command-level effects. Maintain open feedback dialogue throughout the rating period.
- Avoid generic statements; emphasize outcomes and potential.
- Ensure compliance with all privacy, prohibited content, and referral procedures outlined in DAFI 36-2406.
Additional Resources
- Official Form: DAF Form 912 PDF
- Governing Instruction: DAFI 36-2406 Officer and Enlisted Evaluations Systems (latest edition on e-Publishing)
- AFPC and ARPC guidance for your component (RegAF, AFR, or ANG)
- Unit evaluations sections or MAJCOM functional managers for training
Important: Policies can receive updates via Air Force Guidance Memoranda (AFGM). Always check the most recent DAFI 36-2406 and supplements for your component before preparing or submitting any evaluation.
For questions specific to your situation, contact your unit’s Military Personnel Section (MPS), Force Support Squadron, or the appropriate AFPC/ARPC evaluations branch. Proper use of the DAF Form 912 helps ensure the Air Force and Space Force retain and properly utilize their most experienced enlisted leaders.
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications and guidance as of 2026. It is not a substitute for official policy or legal advice.