AF Form 1831: Indirect Labor Time Card – Download & Guide

AF Form 1831: Indirect Labor Time Card – Download & Guide – The AF Form 1831, officially titled Indirect Labor Time Card, is a key Department of the Air Force form used to accurately document indirect labor hours for civilian and military personnel. It supports manpower accounting, cost allocation, and labor reporting in maintenance, logistics, and support functions across Air Force installations.

Whether you work in vehicle maintenance, equipment support, or another work center that incurs non-direct (indirect) labor, understanding how to use AF Form 1831 ensures compliance with Air Force labor hour reporting requirements and helps maintain precise records for budgeting and performance tracking.

What Is AF Form 1831 and Its Purpose?

AF Form 1831 (also referenced as AF IMT 1831, dated 19800601, V1) records indirect manhours—time spent on activities that do not directly produce a tangible end product or service, such as:

  • Administrative tasks
  • Training
  • Meetings
  • Maintenance support
  • Other overhead or support activities

This form separates indirect labor from direct labor, enabling accurate cost distribution, workload analysis, and resource planning. It is often used alongside AF Form 1831-1 (Indirect Labor Time Sheet) in certain units, particularly in transportation, logistics, or maintenance squadrons.

Key users include:

  • Civilian employees (GS or other pay scales)
  • Supervisors in maintenance and logistics work centers
  • Personnel responsible for time and attendance reporting

Accurate use of this form supports broader Department of the Air Force policies on hours of work, civilian pay, and manpower management.

When and Why to Use AF Form 1831?

Air Force units employ the Indirect Labor Time Card when employees perform tasks outside primary mission production. Proper tracking of indirect time helps:

  • Allocate costs correctly across cost centers
  • Support labor hour reporting for management and audits
  • Improve manpower requirements determination
  • Ensure compliance with time and attendance procedures (e.g., as referenced in related instructions on duty hours and pay)

Some local supplements to instructions like AFI 24-302 (Transportation) or unit-level guidance detail its use in specific contexts, such as vehicle maintenance or railway/equipment operations.

Note: Always check your unit’s current operating procedures or servicing Civilian Personnel Office, as some processes now integrate with systems like ATAAPS (Automated Time and Attendance Production System). The paper form remains available for supplemental or specific indirect labor tracking.

How to Download the Official AF Form 1831?

Obtain the current official version directly from the Air Force e-Publishing website:

→ Download AF Form 1831 PDF here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4/form/af1831/af1831.pdf

The form states “Use previous edition” and is a two-page document focused on employee data and indirect manhours entries.

How to Fill Out AF Form 1831 Step by Step?

The form includes header identification fields and a detailed section for recording indirect labor data. Here are the main blocks based on the official layout:

  1. Header / Identification Fields:
    • 1. CC — Cost Center code
    • 2. SC — Standard Cost code (or similar)
    • 3. — Additional coding field (as applicable)
    • 4. EMPLOYEE IDENT NO. — Employee’s identification number
    • 5. WORK CENTER — Work center or shop identifier
    • 6. MONTH — Month for which the card applies
    • 7. LAST NAME AND INITIAL — Employee’s last name and first initial
  2. Indirect Manhours Data (Section 8): This is the core of the form, with multiple entry lines (often labeled A, B, C, D for different categories).
    • LABOR SERIES — Code representing the type or category of labor
    • WORK CODE — Specific code for the indirect work performed
    • HOURS — Number of indirect hours worked
    • T DATE (Transaction Date) — Date the hours were incurred or recorded

    Enter data for each applicable indirect activity. The form provides space for several entries to cover different labor series and work codes within the period.

Additional codes may appear on the form (such as AO, T, IO, RD, TD, etc.), which typically relate to accounting, order, or transaction identifiers specific to your unit’s financial or manpower system.

Tips for accurate completion:

  • Use official codes from your work center or accounting system.
  • Ensure totals align with overall time and attendance records.
  • Obtain supervisory review or approval as required by local policy.
  • Retain copies according to records disposition schedules.

For visual reference, the PDF includes a structured table format for the manhours section.

Best Practices and Common Considerations

  • Integration with Timekeeping Systems: While AF Form 1831 supports detailed indirect tracking, many units combine it with electronic systems. Supervisors certify time and attendance at the end of pay periods.
  • Supervisory Role: Supervisors often review and approve entries to validate indirect labor charges.
  • Compliance: Follow applicable guidance on hours of work and civilian pay (e.g., DoD Financial Management Regulation Volume 8 and related DAFIs).
  • Record Keeping: Maintain supporting documentation for audits or manpower studies.

If your unit uses a local supplement or has transitioned to updated processes, consult your supervisor, logistics readiness squadron, or civilian personnel office for the most current procedures.

  • AF Form 1831-1 — Indirect Labor Time Sheet (used in some contexts for aggregated reporting)
  • Air Force e-Publishing (e-Publishing.af.mil) — Official source for all DAF forms and publications
  • Manpower and Organization guidance (AFI 38-101 series) — For broader context on labor and manpower tracking

Need the AF Form 1831?

Official Download: AF Form 1831 Indirect Labor Time Card PDF

This form remains an important tool for precise labor accounting in the U.S. Air Force. Proper use contributes to effective resource management and mission support.

For questions specific to your installation or work center, contact your local supervisor or the appropriate functional office. Always verify the latest guidance through official Air Force channels, as policies and supporting systems may evolve.

This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available official sources. Procedures can vary by unit—consult your chain of command for tailored instructions.