AF Form 123: Request for Changed Use of Real Property

AF Form 123: Request for Changed Use of Real Property – AF Form 123, officially titled Request for Changed Use of Real Property, is a key U.S. Air Force form used to document and request approval for changes in how Air Force real property (land, buildings, or facilities) is utilized. This includes shifts in occupancy, category codes, renovations, or other modifications that affect the facility’s designated purpose within the Air Force real property inventory.

Civil engineering teams, real property accountable officers (RPAOs), base civil engineers (BCEs), and installation commanders rely on this form to maintain accurate records, ensure mission alignment, and comply with Department of the Air Force (DAF) policies. Proper use supports efficient asset management, funding requests, and regulatory compliance across active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve installations in the United States.

What Is AF Form 123 and Why Is It Important?

The Air Force manages thousands of real property assets critical to national defense, training, housing, maintenance, and operations. Changing a facility’s use—such as converting a building from administrative to training space, altering its category code, or reassigning occupancy—requires formal documentation to update the authoritative real property inventory system (e.g., the Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s systems or NexGen IT).

Key purposes of AF Form 123 include:

  • Requesting a change in the present use or category code of a facility.
  • Documenting proposed new use, condition codes, and supporting rationale.
  • Ensuring coordination with stakeholders like using/gaining activities, environmental offices, community planning, and the Facilities Board (FB).
  • Updating records in the real property accountability system after approval.

Category code changes specifically require AF Form 123, as outlined in DAFI 32-9005, Real Property Accountability (14 September 2022). Without proper approval and documentation, inventory discrepancies can affect sustainment funding, mission readiness, and compliance with DoD and DAF directives.

The form dates back to its May 1, 1996 edition (AF IMT 123) and remains the standard tool for these requests. It ties into broader real property lifecycle management under the AFI 32-9000 series.

Download the official AF Form 123 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4/form/af123/af123.pdf

Who Uses AF Form 123?

  • Base Civil Engineer (BCE) and Real Property Office (RPO) staff: Primary initiators and coordinators.
  • Real Property Accountable Officer (RPAO): Ensures inventory integrity.
  • Using and Gaining Activities: Provide concurrence on changes in occupancy or use.
  • Facilities Board (FB): Reviews and approves/disapproves most changes at the installation level.
  • Installation Commander: Typically holds approval authority for standard changes.
  • Higher Headquarters (MAJCOM, AFCEC, HAF/A4C): Required for special cases, such as munitions facilities, unaccompanied housing on the Dormitory Master Plan, or religious facilities.

The process often involves the Real Property Officer (RPO) presenting the proposal to the FB, with minutes documenting the decision. All category code changes must be recorded on a signed AF Form 123.

When Do You Need to Submit AF Form 123?

Submit the form when proposing:

  • A change in facility category code (FAC code).
  • Reassignment of occupancy or functional use.
  • Permanent conversions (e.g., from one mission support role to another).
  • Other adjustments requiring updates to the real property inventory.

Exceptions and special routing:

  • Munitions and maintenance facilities affecting clear zone siting: Route through AFCEC/CIT to higher approval.
  • Permanent-party unaccompanied housing (dormitory) changes per the Dormitory Master Plan: Route through AFIMSC to HQ AF/A4C.
  • Religious facilities: Specific coordination required.

Temporary diversions (short-term use changes) may not always require a category code update or full form processing, but permanent changes do. Always coordinate with environmental, safety, and planning offices early, as changes may trigger NEPA reviews or other assessments.

Related forms often used alongside AF Form 123 include:

  • DD Form 1354 (for transfer of real property or inventory adjustments).
  • AF Form 300 (Facility Disposal).
  • AF Form 813 (Request for Environmental Impact Analysis).

How to Complete and Process AF Form 123 (Step-by-Step)?

While the form itself is straightforward (a two-page document), accurate completion is critical:

  1. Header Information: Enter the name and location of the installation, command, and station location code.
  2. Section 1 – Proposed Change in Use:
    • List the Present Use (current category code, description, condition code, facility number).
    • Detail the Proposed Use (new category code, description, etc.).
    • Provide justification, impacts on mission, costs, and any supporting data.
  3. Additional Blocks: Include details on condition codes, facility numbers, and any required attachments (e.g., FB minutes, environmental assessments, cost estimates, or memoranda for record).
  4. Coordination and Approvals: Route for signatures from using/gaining activities, RPO, environmental/community planning, FB (if required), and the approval authority (usually the Installation Commander).
  5. Submission and Update: Once approved, update the real property inventory (e.g., via APSR) within required timelines—typically 30 days for certain corrections. AF Form 123 serves as the official documentation for the category code or use change.

Best Practices:

  • Involve all stakeholders early to avoid delays.
  • Attach robust justification to support mission needs and resource impacts.
  • For complex changes, consider an out-of-cycle Facilities Board.
  • Retain records per Air Force Records Disposition Schedule.

Consult the latest DAFI 32-9005 (Chapter 7 on category code changes) and AFI 32-9002 (Use of Real Property Facilities) for detailed procedural guidance. Local supplements or MAJCOM instructions may add steps.

Common Challenges and Tips for Success

  • Approval Delays: Higher-level routing for sensitive facilities (e.g., housing or munitions) can extend timelines. Plan accordingly.
  • Inventory Accuracy: Changes must sync with the authoritative real property system to avoid funding or reporting issues.
  • Environmental/NEPA Compliance: Many use changes require AF Form 813 or related reviews.
  • Documentation: Incomplete packages are often returned. Use Facilities Board minutes as a key attachment.

Air Force personnel should check e-Publishing (af.mil) for the most current form version and associated instructions, as policies evolve.

Why Accurate Real Property Management Matters?

Effective use of AF Form 123 supports the Air Force’s asset management goals under DAFPD 32-90 and Executive Order 13327—promoting efficient, economical use of federal real property. Proper documentation helps prioritize sustainment, restoration, and modernization (SRM) funding while ensuring facilities align with current and future mission requirements.

For U.S. Air Force civil engineers, RPAOs, and installation leaders, mastering this process contributes directly to operational readiness and stewardship of taxpayer-funded assets.

Need the form? Download it directly from the official source: AF Form 123 PDF.

References and Further Reading (Official Sources):

  • DAFI 32-9005, Real Property Accountability (2022).
  • AFI 32-9002, Use of Real Property Facilities.
  • AFI 32-9000 series publications available on e-Publishing.af.mil.

Always verify the latest guidance on the Air Force e-Publishing website, as forms and instructions are subject to updates. Consult your local Civil Engineer Squadron or Real Property Office for installation-specific procedures.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace official Air Force instructions or legal advice.