AF Form 4380: Air Force Special Needs Screener Guide 2026 – The AF Form 4380, officially titled the Air Force Special Needs Screener, is a key document historically used by U.S. Air Force personnel during the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) process. It helps identify family members with potential special medical, educational, or dental needs to ensure continuity of care and appropriate assignment locations.
Important Update (as of 2021 and still current): The Department of the Air Force has largely replaced the paper AF Form 4380 with an automated Family Member Travel Screening (FMTS) process through myVector. Airmen and Guardians with dependents now complete an online Initial Travel Screening Questionnaire instead of submitting the physical form. Paper versions of AF Form 4380 are no longer accepted for most PCS moves.
This article explains the form’s original purpose, how the process works today, its connection to the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), and what USAF families need to know for smooth relocation.
What Is AF Form 4380?
AF Form 4380 is a one-page screener designed to quickly determine whether any family members (spouse, children, or other dependents) have ongoing special needs that could affect PCS travel or assignment suitability.
Its primary purpose is to:
- Document potential special medical, educational, or dental requirements.
- Help coordinate continuity of specialized care during relocation.
- Determine eligibility for accompanied travel or government-funded moves.
- Trigger further review through the EFMP if needs are identified.
The form was typically provided to sponsors (Airmen/Guardians) by the Military Personnel Section (MPS) or Career Field Manager when notified of a prospective assignment, especially for those not previously enrolled in EFMP (sometimes called “Q-coded”).
Key Statement from the Form (Typical Wording): “This form will help to ensure that, if necessary, your family receives continuity of any specialized care they require if you are selected for an assignment.” It emphasizes that sponsors are required to complete it honestly to support family needs.
Who Must Complete AF Form 4380 (or Its Replacement)?
- All sponsors with family members preparing for PCS moves (CONUS or OCONUS).
- Sponsors not previously identified as having family members with special needs.
- It is especially critical for moves involving accompanied travel or command sponsorship overseas.
Note: If a family member is already enrolled in EFMP (Q-coded), additional screening still applies, but the initial screener helps route the case correctly.
Connection to the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) supports Air Force families with special needs by:
- Identifying medical, mental health, or educational requirements early.
- Coordinating with assignment personnel to match families to locations with adequate resources (e.g., specialized providers, schools, or therapies).
- Providing ongoing support through EFMP-M (Medical) and other services.
AF Form 4380 served as the initial screening tool to flag potential EFMP cases. Positive responses on the screener would lead to:
- Completion of DD Form 2792 (Family Member Medical Summary).
- Completion of DD Form 2792-1 (Special Education/Early Intervention Summary), if applicable.
- Further Family Member Relocation Clearance (FMRC) processing, including reviews by the Special Needs Coordinator (SNC) and Medical Review Officer.
EFMP enrollment is mandatory when special needs are identified, ensuring families are not assigned to areas lacking necessary services.
Current Process: Family Member Travel Screening (FMTS) via myVector
Since August 30, 2021, the Air Force has transitioned to a digital system:
- Airmen/Guardians with dependents receive an email and myVector notification when selected for assignment.
- They complete the Initial Travel Screening Questionnaire online (replacing AF Form 4380).
- The system provides immediate feedback on clearance status or next steps (e.g., uploading documents or scheduling appointments).
- This streamlined process reduces paperwork, eliminates many in-person appointments for cleared families, and supports EFMP families more efficiently.
Steps in the Modern Process (Simplified):
- Receive notification via myVector/email.
- Complete the online questionnaire honestly.
- Upload supporting medical/educational records if prompted.
- If special needs are flagged, proceed to full FMRC (which may involve AF Form 1466, dental summaries, etc.).
- Gaining base reviews and determines supportability.
- Orders are issued once cleared.
For OCONUS moves, screening is more comprehensive and often includes dental and educational reviews for all dependents.
How to Access and Download AF Form 4380?
Although the paper form is obsolete for most operational use, the official PDF is still available on the Air Force e-Publishing site:
→ Download AF Form 4380 PDF: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af4380/af4380.pdf
Non-fillable reference versions and older instructions may also appear on Air Force Medicine portals for historical or specific accession purposes (e.g., certain HPSP/FAP programs). Always check with your local MPS, EFMP office, or myVector for the current requirement.
Privacy Note: The form collects personally identifiable information and protected health information, handled in accordance with the Privacy Act and used solely for relocation planning and EFMP coordination.
Why This Process Matters for Air Force Families?
Honest and timely screening prevents assignment to locations without adequate services, reduces family stress during PCS, and ensures access to TRICARE-covered care, special education (under DoDEA or local schools), and therapies.
Failing to disclose known needs or providing false information can violate UCMJ Article 107 and delay or jeopardize orders.
Tips for Airmen and Families
- Be proactive — Start gathering medical and school records early.
- Contact your EFMP office early if you suspect special needs.
- Use official channels — myVector is the primary tool; avoid third-party form fillers for official submissions.
- Seek support — Resources like Military OneSource, EFMP & Me, and installation EFMP coordinators provide guidance.
- Stay updated — Policies evolve; check Air Force Medicine or AFPC sites for the latest on FMTS.
For the most current instructions, visit your base’s EFMP page, Air Force Medical Service resources, or the myVector platform.
Official Resources:
- Air Force Exceptional Family Member Program
- myVector (for FMTS questionnaire)
- AF e-Publishing (for reference forms)
If you have questions about your specific PCS or EFMP status, reach out to your Military Personnel Section (MPS), Special Needs Coordinator at the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF), or the EFMP office at your installation. They provide personalized assistance to ensure your family’s needs are met during relocation.
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available U.S. Air Force sources as of 2026. Always verify requirements with official channels, as processes can be updated.