AF Form 1373: MPO Document Control Log & Transmittal

AF Form 1373: MPO Document Control Log & TransmittalIf you work in U.S. Air Force finance, military pay, or administrative support roles, you’ve likely encountered AF Form 1373. This specialized form serves as a critical tool for tracking and transmitting Military Pay Order (MPO) documents with full accountability.

What Is AF Form 1373?

AF Form 1373, officially titled MPO Document Control Log – Transmittal, is a pre-printed, multi-sheet form issued in pads of 50 sheets. It functions as both a document control log and a transmittal form for moving military pay-related documents between units, finance offices, or accounting sections.

  • Full Title: MPO Document Control Log – Transmittal
  • Format: Issued by the Publishing and Distribution (PAD) office in physical pads (50 sheets per pad)
  • Purpose: Provides a standardized, auditable way to log, track, and transmit Military Pay Orders (MPOs) and supporting documentation while maintaining chain-of-custody records.

This form appears in multiple Air Force publications, including finance manuals and records disposition schedules, confirming its ongoing role in official pay and personnel processes.

Why AF Form 1373 Matters in the U.S. Air Force?

Accurate pay processing depends on tight document control. AF Form 1373 helps:

  • Track transmittal of MPOs and related pay documents from gaining/losing units, geographically separated units (GSUs), or reserve components to servicing Finance Offices (FMF) or Accounting and Finance Offices (AFO).
  • Create a sequential log for accountability — forms are often numbered sequentially by the sending office.
  • Support audit readiness and records retention by documenting exactly what was sent, when, and to whom.
  • Reduce errors in military pay actions, such as duty status changes, separations, or entitlements processed through systems like DJMS (Defense Joint Military Pay System).

Guidance in AFMAN 65-116 Volume 2 and related finance manuals explicitly references using AF Form 1373 as the transmittal document for pay substantiating documents. Follow-up with originals is typically not required unless specifically requested.

It also appears in records disposition schedules, where copies of AF Form 1373 paired with MPOs or Daily Register of Transactions (DROT) have defined retention periods before destruction or archiving.

How to Use AF Form 1373?

While the physical form includes dedicated fields for logging details, typical usage follows these steps (based on references in Air Force manuals):

  1. Prepare the transmittal — Attach or list the MPO documents, duty status changes (e.g., AF Form 2098), or other pay-related substantiation.
  2. Complete the log section — Enter sequential control numbers, document descriptions, dates, sender/receiver information, and any remarks.
  3. Sign and date — Ensure proper authentication by the preparing or releasing authority.
  4. Distribute copies — Send the original transmittal with documents to the receiving finance office; retain a copy locally for your suspense or control file.
  5. Maintain accountability — Use the form to follow up on any discrepancies or confirm receipt when required.

In reserve component or GSU scenarios, units often bundle documents on an AF Form 1373 and forward them to the servicing payroll office. Numbering the forms sequentially helps track the flow across organizations.

Note: Always consult the latest version of relevant AFMANs (such as 65-116 series) or your local finance guidance, as procedures can be supplemented by major commands or installations.

Where to Obtain AF Form 1373?

  • Official Source: Department of the Air Force e-Publishing website (www.e-publishing.af.mil). Search the product index or forms catalog.
  • Physical Pads: Ordered through standard Air Force supply channels or your base Publishing and Distribution (PAD) office — supplied as 50-sheet pads.
  • Digital References: Many units reference the form in PDFs of AFMAN 65-116V2, DAFI 51-202, and records schedules available on e-Publishing.

Direct download links for reference materials (physical and epub formats):

For the most current form and instructions, visit the official Air Force e-Publishing site and search for AF Form 1373 or related finance publications. Third-party sites may offer previews, but always verify against official .mil sources for compliance.

  • AFMAN 65-116 Volume 2 — Pay Entitlements and procedures referencing AF Form 1373.
  • DAFI 51-202 — Adopts AF Form 1373 in legal/finance contexts.
  • Other common pay forms: AF Form 2098 (Duty Status Change), AF Form 616 (Fund Cite Authorization).

Best Practices for Handling AF Form 1373

  • Use sequential numbering on every pad to prevent gaps in control logs.
  • Retain local copies as required by your unit’s records management plan.
  • Coordinate with your servicing Finance Office (FMF/AFO) for any specific local procedures.
  • Train administrative personnel on proper completion to avoid pay processing delays.

Proper use of AF Form 1373 supports mission readiness by ensuring timely, accurate military pay and entitlements for Airmen and Guardians.

Keywords: AF Form 1373, MPO Document Control Log, Air Force transmittal form, military pay order transmittal, AF Form 1373 PDF, USAF finance forms, AFMAN 65-116, e-Publishing AF forms.

This article is for informational purposes and reflects publicly available U.S. Air Force guidance as of 2026. Always refer to official Department of the Air Force publications and your chain of command for the latest instructions.