DAF Form 964: PCS, TDY & Deployment Declination Statement – U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force personnel occasionally face situations where they must formally decline a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Temporary Duty (TDY), deployment, or required training. The official document for this is DAF Form 964, titled PCS, TDY, Deployments, or Training Declination Statement.
This form documents the member’s voluntary decision not to accept the assignment or training and ensures they understand potential career impacts. It is governed by Department of the Air Force instructions such as DAFI 36-2110 (Total Force Assignments) and related guidance in DAFMAN 36-2139.
What Is DAF Form 964?
DAF Form 964 is the Department of the Air Force form used by Airmen and Guardians to officially decline:
- A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) assignment
- Temporary Duty (TDY) (including non-deployment TDY)
- A deployment (often categorized under TDY/Deployment)
- Mandatory training or a course that incurs an Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC)
The form serves as a formal record that the service member was offered the opportunity and chose to decline it. It is typically required when a member lacks or refuses to obtain the necessary retainability (such as through reenlistment or extension) for an ADSC-incurring event.
Note: This is the current DAF (Department of the Air Force) version of what was previously known as AF Form 964.
When Do You Need to Complete DAF Form 964?
You will generally need this form in these common scenarios:
- Declining a PCS move (e.g., due to family reasons, spouse co-location issues, or personal hardship)
- Refusing retainability for a training slot or school that requires an ADSC
- Declining a deployment tasking (subject to specific deployment declination policies, including 365-day extended deployment rules and 7-day/3-day options in some cases)
- Turning down a TDY assignment
According to Air Force policy, enlisted members who decline to obtain required retainability for an ADSC-incurring event must document the decision on DAF Form 964. The Military Personnel Flight (MPF) then processes it, which may update assignment availability codes and can lead to mandatory separation processing in some cases.
Declining certain assignments (especially as a first-term Airman) can affect reenlistment eligibility, promotion timelines, or future assignment consideration. Always consult your MPF, commander, or a career advisor before signing.
How to Fill Out DAF Form 964?
The form is straightforward but must be completed accurately to avoid processing delays. Here’s a general step-by-step overview based on standard guidance:
- Member Information — Enter your full name, rank, DoD ID number, unit, and contact details exactly as they appear in your official records.
- Assignment/Training Details — Specify the type of action you are declining:
- Check PCS and note the gaining unit/base.
- Check TDY (or TDY/Deployment) and describe the duty.
- Check Deployment if applicable.
- Check Training and include the course name/number.
- Declination Statement — Clearly state that you understand the implications of declining and are voluntarily doing so.
- Signatures — The member signs and dates the form. A supervisor or commander signature is usually required. The MPF processes the completed form.
Download the official fillable PDF here: DAF Form 964 PDF
For detailed examples and block-by-block instructions, refer to resources from your local MPF or official Air Force channels. Errors on the form can delay separations, assignments, or other personnel actions.
Career and Policy Implications
Signing DAF Form 964 is a serious step. Consequences may include:
- Update to your assignment availability code (AAC), potentially making you ineligible for certain future assignments or reenlistment.
- For some enlisted members declining retainability, it can trigger mandatory separation or retirement processing per DAFI 36-2110.
- Deployment declinations may involve specific timelines (e.g., 7-day or 3-day options for retirement/ separation requests in certain contexts).
Officers may have additional requirements, such as using DAF Form 63 in some ADSC declination cases. Waivers or exceptions to policy (ETP) are sometimes possible but not guaranteed.
Important: Policies on declinations, especially for deployments and extended commitments, can have nuances. Review current versions of DAFI 36-2110 and consult your chain of command or MPF for the latest guidance, as force management needs evolve.
Where to Get Help?
- Military Personnel Flight (MPF) or Force Support Squadron at your base — They handle processing and can provide counseling.
- Air Force e-Publishing — Official source for DAF forms and instructions (e-publishing.af.mil).
- Your first sergeant, commander, or career development counselor for personalized advice.
Declining an assignment is a personal decision that should be made with full awareness of the rules and potential effects on your career. If you are facing hardship, explore options like a humanitarian reassignment, waiver requests, or other personnel programs before submitting a declination.
Official Download Link:
DAF Form 964 – PCS, TDY, Deployments, or Training Declination Statement
For the most current policy, search for DAFI 36-2110 and related publications on the Air Force e-Publishing website.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official legal or personnel advice. Always verify with your local MPF or authorized Air Force/Space Force representative using the latest official sources.