AF Form 1521: Jump Pay Worksheet & Instructions (2026)

AF Form 1521: Jump Pay Worksheet & Instructions (2026) – AF Form 1521, officially titled ARMS Individual Jump Pay Entitlement Worksheet, serves as a critical document for U.S. Air Force personnel qualified for parachute duty. It tracks and validates entitlement to Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay (HDIP) for static line and military free fall (MFF/HALO) jumps.

Air Force parachutists, including those in special operations, combat control, pararescue, and other airborne roles, rely on this form to ensure accurate monthly jump pay processing through the Aviation Resource Management System (ARMS).

What Is AF Form 1521?

The form is a two-page worksheet prescribed by AFMAN 11-421, Aviation Resource Management. It documents individual parachute jumps performed each month, applies specific entitlement rules, and determines whether the member qualifies for parachute duty incentive pay for that period.

Key details:

  • Form number and version: AF IMT 1521 (20181009, V1) — previous editions are obsolete.
  • Primary users: Hazardous Aircrew Resource Management (HARM) offices, unit administrators, and qualified parachutists.
  • System of record: F011 AF XO A — Aviation Resource Management System (ARMS).
  • Download the official form: AF Form 1521 PDF

The worksheet helps prevent over- or under-payment by recording jumps, applying rules from AFMAN 11-421, and noting pay actions (start, stop, or continuation).

Who Needs AF Form 1521 and Why?

You need this form if you are an Air Force member (active duty, Reserve, or Air National Guard) serving under competent aeronautical orders that require frequent and regular parachute jumps as an essential part of your duties.

Eligibility basics for parachute HDIP include:

  • Entitlement to basic pay.
  • Completion of required training (e.g., Basic Airborne Course for static line; Military Free Fall School for HALO qualification).
  • Assignment to a parachute-inherent duty or position coded for jump requirements (often with “J” coded or specific DAFSCs).
  • Meeting minimum performance standards for jumps.

Two types of jump pay:

  • Static line jump pay: Standard rate (typically $150/month, subject to updates via DoD policy).
  • HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) / MFF jump pay: Higher rate (typically $225/month) for qualified military free fall operations.

Only one type is authorized per qualifying period; the higher rate applies if both qualify. Jumps must occur while under orders requiring parachute duty.

Note: Rates are set by law (37 U.S.C. § 301) and DoD Financial Management Regulation (DoD FMR Volume 7A, Chapter 24). Always confirm current rates with your local finance office or DFAS, as adjustments can occur.

How to Complete AF Form 1521 (Step-by-Step Instructions)?

Follow the instructions printed on the reverse side of the form. Here is a summary based on official guidance:

  1. Header Information:
    • Enter Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial.
    • Grade, Unit, Aviation Service Code (ASC), and Effective Date (when entitlement begins).
  2. Year Field: Enter the calendar year for the jumps being tracked.
  3. Monthly Grid (JAN–DEC):
    • For each month with at least one jump, enter the appropriate Rule from AFMAN 11-421.
    • Enter Jump Type Code: S (Static), H (HALO/MFF), or N (No Jump).
    • Enter Pay Type: S (Static), H (HALO), or NP (No Pay).
    • Record Pay Action symbols: ^^ (applied to month of jump), >> (forward), << (backward), or — (no pay).
  4. Key Rules from AFMAN 11-421 (simplified):
    • Rule 1 — Standard 3-month jump period (one jump qualifies pay for the month performed plus one preceding or succeeding month, or two preceding/succeeding).
    • Rule 2 — 6-month basis with commander (O-5+) certification of inability to jump; requires multiple jumps in the following period.
    • Rule 3 — Waiver for training, weather, or non-availability (requires O-5+ commander letter); may allow refresher training per AFI 11-410 in lieu of jumps.
    • Rule 4 — Combat/military operations (certified by O-7+).
    • Rule 5 — Fractional month calculations for partial periods.

A jump always applies first to the month it was performed. Multiple jumps in one month are usually recorded as one entry unless under specific rules requiring counts.

  1. Remarks Section: Add any explanatory notes, such as commander waivers or special circumstances.
  2. Filing: Maintain the form in the member’s Jump Record Folder (JRF). HARM offices often keep suspense copies for monthly processing. File permanently in the JRF and ensure it travels with the member during PCS.

Tip: Update the form monthly alongside the Jump Pay Control Document from ARMS. Process pay actions (start/stop/report) via your finance office using supporting documentation like jump logs or AF Form 922 (Individual Jump Record).

Common Use Cases and Best Practices

  • Monthly Tracking: Prevents loss of entitlement due to missed jumps.
  • PCS or Deployment: Ensure the current AF Form 1521 and JRF are forwarded to the gaining unit.
  • Waivers and Proficiency: During periods of non-jumping (e.g., extended training), use commander-approved waivers and maintain proficiency through refresher training.
  • Reserve/Guard Considerations: Prorated pay may apply based on drill periods (1/30th rule for partial months).

Always cross-reference with current versions of:

  • AFMAN 11-421 (Aviation Resource Management)
  • DoD FMR Volume 7A, Chapter 24 (Hazardous Duty Incentive Pay)
  • DoDI 1340.09 (Hazard Pay Program)
  • AFI 11-410 (Personnel Parachute Operations)

Download and Additional Resources

  • Official AF Form 1521: Download PDF here from the Air Force e-Publishing site.
  • Related forms: AF Form 1520 (Flight Pay Worksheet), AF Form 922 (Jump Records).
  • For questions: Contact your unit HARM office, base finance, or refer to the Air Force Aviation Resource Management SharePoint for procedural guidance folders.

Accurate use of AF Form 1521 ensures qualified Air Force parachutists receive the hazardous duty incentive pay they earned while supporting critical airborne missions. If you are a supervisor or administrator, maintain these records diligently to support compliance and member readiness.

For the most current pay rates, eligibility details, or policy updates, consult your servicing finance office or official DoD/Air Force publications, as rates and procedures can be updated periodically.

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available official U.S. Air Force sources as of 2026. Always verify with authoritative channels for your specific situation.