AF Form 143: Top Secret Register Page – Official Download – U.S. Air Force personnel who handle Top Secret (TS) information must maintain strict accountability. AF Form 143, officially titled the Top Secret Register Page, serves as the primary tool for this purpose. It helps Top Secret Control Officers (TSCO) track every TS document, page change, insert, material, or equipment (including Automated Information System media).
This form ensures compliance with Department of Defense and Air Force information security programs. Proper use prevents unauthorized disclosure and supports annual inventories and audits.
What Is AF Form 143 Used For?
The AF Form 143 establishes accountability for each Top Secret item in a Top Secret Control Account (TSCA). TSCOs use it (or an approved automated equivalent) to record:
- Receipt of TS documents or material
- Page changes and inserts
- Destruction or disposition
- Internal tracking within the account
It does not replace the AF Form 144 (Top Secret Access Record and Cover Sheet), which tracks individual access and disclosures. Nor does it serve as a receipt for Defense Courier Service transfers or for transitory TS messages held less than 30 days.
Key related forms include:
- AF Form 310 — Document Receipt and Destruction Certificate
- AF Form 144 — For access records
Units maintain a Top Secret Register on a calendar-year basis, with active and inactive sections. Registers are typically kept for the current year plus the previous four years.
Who Uses AF Form 143?
- Top Secret Control Officers (TSCO) and alternates in units with TS material
- Personnel in Air Force organizations, including major commands (e.g., AMC), wings, and specialized activities
- Anyone responsible for derivative classification or handling TS information under DoDM 5200.01 and AFMAN 16-1404 (Air Force Information Security Program)
Commanders appoint TSCOs in writing. In some commands (e.g., AFMC), TS accountability is mandatory.
Note: Only properly cleared and appointed individuals manage these accounts. All personnel with TS access must complete required training and follow two-person integrity rules where applicable.
How to Complete AF Form 143 (Key Blocks and Guidance)?
While the official form provides block-specific instructions, general completion steps from Air Force guidance include:
- Block 1 (Register/Log Number and Basic Document Info): Enter the unique control number (e.g., YY-UnitSymbol-SequentialNumber, such as 15-A3N-01). Include the subject/title (use an unclassified short title if needed), date of document, originator control number (OCN), copy number, and receipt date. Transcribe details exactly as they appear on the document.
- Blocks for Changes (typically 2–8): Record page changes or inserts here. Date each change. If more than four changes apply, create a continuation page (add an alpha suffix like “25A”).
- Subsequent Blocks: Document location, disposition (e.g., destroyed, re-controlled, transferred), and other accountability details.
- Final Entries: Include audit/inventory signatures, dates, and a statement on the last page of the annual register (e.g., “This Page X of X is the last page of the Top Secret Register for calendar year 20XX”).
Important Tips:
- Automate where allowed, but ensure all required data remains available to alternate TSCOs.
- Use unclassified short titles when the actual subject is classified.
- For NATO or foreign government TS material, additional rules may apply (separate records sometimes required).
- File inactive forms per Air Force records management policy.
Always consult the latest AFMAN 16-1404 (or command supplements) and local guidance for exact procedures, as they implement DoDM 5200.01, Volume 3 on protection of classified information.
Download the Official AF Form 143
Official PDF Download:
AF Form 143 – Top Secret Register Page (Revised)
This is the current version hosted on the official Air Force e-Publishing site. Always download directly from www.e-publishing.af.mil to ensure you have the most up-to-date form. Forms are free and intended for official U.S. government use.
Pro Tip: Save the PDF and open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 8 or higher recommended) for best results.
Why Proper Use of AF Form 143 Matters?
Strict accountability protects national security. Mishandling TS material can lead to serious consequences, including security incidents, loss of clearance, or legal action. Using AF Form 143 correctly supports:
- Annual inventories and self-inspections
- Tracer actions for missing material
- Compliance during inspections by higher headquarters
- Proper destruction documentation (often paired with AF Form 310)
Units conduct regular self-inspections covering TS control procedures. TSCOs ensure registers are complete, pages are accounted for, and final dispositions are clearly marked.
Additional Resources for Air Force Personnel
- Air Force e-Publishing — Central source for all official forms and publications: www.e-publishing.af.mil
- AFMAN 16-1404 / DoDM 5200.01 series — Core guidance on information security
- Local Information Protection (IP) office or Unit Security Manager — For command-specific supplements and training
- AF Form 144 and AF Form 310 — Companion forms for access and destruction
For questions about your unit’s Top Secret Control Program, contact your appointed TSCO or security manager immediately.
Security Reminder: This article provides general information only. Always follow current DoD, DAF, and local policies. Never discuss specific classified details in unclassified environments.
Last updated for 2026 compliance context. Always verify the latest revision on e-Publishing.
If you need help locating related forms (e.g., AF Form 144) or understanding TS accountability in a specific command, consult your chain of command or IP office. Proper handling starts with the right form—AF Form 143 is a foundational part of protecting America’s most sensitive information.