AF Form 1289: Apply for Active Duty Training (RPA Tour)

AF Form 1289: Apply for Active Duty Training (RPA Tour) – If you’re an Air Force Reservist (especially an Individual Mobilization Augmentee or IMA) seeking additional training opportunities beyond your standard Inactive Duty Training (IDT) or Annual Tour (AT), AF Form 1289 is the key document you need. This form serves as the official application for Active Duty Training (ADT) tours funded by the Reserve Personnel Appropriation (RPA).

Download the latest AF Form 1289 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_re/form/af1289/af1289.pdf

What Is AF Form 1289 and Its Purpose?

AF IMT Form 1289, titled Application for Active Duty Training (RPA Tour), is used by Air Force Reserve members to request short-term active duty periods for training. These RPA-funded tours help supplement regular IDT and AT when extra time is needed to build or maintain proficiency in your Duty Air Force Specialty Code (DAFSC).

RPA tours fall under the broader category of Reserve Personnel Appropriation funding, which supports training and readiness for the Air Force Reserve. Common uses include:

  • Active Duty for Training (ADT) — To achieve or sustain required skills.
  • Seasoning Training Programs (STP-1 or STP-2).
  • Certain school tours or professional development.
  • Other specialized training that cannot be completed during regular unit training assemblies.

Unlike Military Personnel Appropriation (MPA) man-day tours (which often support active component missions), RPA tours primarily focus on Reserve mission training and readiness. They are typically requested and approved through your unit or Readiness and Integration Organization (RIO) detachment.

Note: The form itself dates back to 01 September 1995 and remains referenced in current guidance such as DAFMAN 36-2136, Reserve Personnel Participation (15 December 2023). Always use the official PDF from e-Publishing for the most accurate version.

Who Should Use AF Form 1289?

This form is primarily for:

  • Individual Reservists (IRs) and IMAs.
  • Air Force Reserve members needing additional training days.
  • Reservists applying for special tours such as ADT, school tours, or skill-enhancing assignments.

Unit Reservists and those in Category A, B, or similar participation categories may use it when additional RPA-funded active duty supports their training plan. Approval authority usually rests with your unit commander, RIO detachment commander, or designated supervisor. Requests often need submission well in advance (e.g., 30–60 days or more, depending on the tour type and location).

Key Differences: RPA Tours vs. Other Active Duty Options

  • RPA Tours (AF Form 1289): Funded by Reserve Personnel Appropriation. Focused on Reserve training and readiness. Includes ADT, certain school tours, and seasoning programs.
  • Annual Tour (AT): Standard 12–14 day requirement, often requested via myFSS for Individual Reservists (deadline around 31 May for the following year).
  • MPA Man-Days (AF Form 49): Funded by Military Personnel Appropriation. Often supports operational or active-component needs.
  • ADOS (Active Duty for Operational Support): Another RPA category, but typically for direct support to Reserve programs rather than pure training.

RPA-funded ADT helps when IDT or AT is insufficient for maintaining qualifications.

How to Fill Out and Submit AF Form 1289?

Although the official form PDF does not include detailed block-by-block instructions printed on it, standard Air Force processes apply. Here’s a general overview based on how the form is used:

  1. Personal Information — Enter your name, rank, SSN (or DoD ID), unit of assignment, and contact details.
  2. Tour Details — Specify requested start/end dates, number of days, location of training, and justification (e.g., specific skill training, school course, or proficiency requirement).
  3. Training Objective — Clearly explain how the tour supports your DAFSC proficiency or Reserve mission readiness.
  4. Supervisor/Commander Endorsement — Your immediate supervisor or unit commander must review and sign, certifying the need and supervision plan (especially important if the tour includes holidays or weekends).
  5. Additional Remarks — Include any special requirements, such as telecommuting authorization or travel needs.

Routing and Approval:

  • Submit through your chain of command or RIO detachment.
  • For IMAs, coordinate with your active duty supervisor and Reserve unit.
  • Once approved, an AF Form 938 (Request and Authorization for Active Duty Training/Active Tour) is typically generated to publish the actual orders.
  • Pay and allowances are processed through the Reserve Pay Office (RPO). Use systems like AROWS-R for certifications where applicable.

Pro Tips:

  • Submit requests as early as possible — 60 days or more is common for planning and funding.
  • Ensure the tour aligns with available RPA funding and does not conflict with other participation requirements.
  • For tours involving travel or special conditions, additional justification may be required.

After completion, track your orders and perform any required Tour of Duty Certification for timely pay.

  • AF Form 938 — Used to authorize the actual ADT tour once AF Form 1289 is approved.
  • DAFMAN 36-2136 — Primary guidance on Reserve participation, including AT and RPA tours.
  • HQ RIO Website — Excellent resource for Individual Reservists: https://www.hqrio.afrc.af.mil/Orders/RPA/
  • myFSS or AROWS-R — For submitting certain tour requests electronically.

For the most current procedures, consult your unit Military Personnel Section (MPS), RIO detachment, or the official Air Force e-Publishing site.

Why Proper Use of AF Form 1289 Matters?

Completing and submitting AF Form 1289 correctly helps ensure you receive the training needed to stay mission-ready while earning pay, allowances, and retirement points. It supports the Air Force Reserve’s goal of maintaining a highly skilled, ready force without unnecessary strain on standard training schedules.

Ready to apply? Download the form today and coordinate with your supervisor or RIO for the next steps.

This guide is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Air Force publications and guidance as of 2026. Policies can change — always verify with your chain of command, RIO, or official sources like e-Publishing.af.mil and HQ RIO for the latest requirements.