AF Form 1860: MAP Budget Estimate & Grant Aid Forecast

AF Form 1860: MAP Budget Estimate & Grant Aid Forecast – AF Form 1860: Military Assistance Program Budget Estimate Forecast of Grant Aid Deliveries is an official U.S. Air Force form used in the management of historical and residual Military Assistance Program (MAP) activities. It supports budget forecasting and tracking of grant aid deliveries—non-repayable military assistance provided to allied and partner nations.

What Is AF Form 1860?

AF Form 1860, titled Military Assistance Program Budget Estimate Forecast of Grant Aid Deliveries, is a specialized document for preparing accurate budget estimates and delivery forecasts under the MAP. It details expected quantities, values, and timelines for grant aid materiel and services delivered to foreign partners.

The form helps U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense (DoD) personnel ensure precise resource allocation, financial planning, and oversight in security assistance programs. While the broader MAP (which provided grant aid) largely transitioned to the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program after FY 1982, residual MAP funds and related cases remain active for execution and closure.

Download the current AF Form 1860 PDF directly from the official Air Force e-Publishing site:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_fm/form/af1860/af1860.pdf

Purpose of AF Form 1860

The primary purpose of AF Form 1860 is to forecast and estimate budgets for grant aid deliveries within the Military Assistance Program framework. Key functions include:

  • Budget Estimation — Projecting costs and funding needs for military equipment, training, and services provided as non-repayable grant aid.
  • Delivery Forecasting — Documenting anticipated quantities, values, and schedules of aid deliveries to partner nations.
  • Resource Allocation — Supporting strategic planning to enhance international partnerships, strengthen allied defense capabilities, and promote U.S. national security objectives.
  • Financial Oversight — Ensuring compliance with DoD and Air Force financial management policies for historical MAP activities and any residual funding.

This form is particularly relevant in the context of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) processes that intersect with grant aid elements, helping maintain accuracy in program execution even as modern security assistance has evolved toward FMF grants and loans.

Historical Context of the Military Assistance Program (MAP)

The Military Assistance Program (MAP) was a cornerstone of U.S. Cold War-era foreign policy. It delivered grant aid (non-repayable transfers of defense articles and services) to friendly governments to build partner capacity, deter aggression, and advance American interests abroad.

  • Prior to FY 1982, MAP grant aid was the primary mechanism for such assistance.
  • After FY 1982, grant funding largely shifted to the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program under the Arms Export Control Act and Foreign Assistance Act authorities.
  • Unused MAP funds were merged into FMS Trust Fund accounts (often labeled as “MAP Merger”), which can still finance certain FMS cases today.
  • Residual MAP activities continue to require management, including budgeting, forecasting, and case closure.

Today, U.S. security assistance includes a mix of FMF grants/loans, International Military Education and Training (IMET), and other programs managed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) and implementing agencies like the U.S. Air Force. AF Form 1860 remains a tool for handling legacy or specific grant aid forecasting needs.

Who Uses AF Form 1860?

  • U.S. Air Force financial management and security cooperation personnel.
  • Department of Defense components involved in budgeting and executing security assistance.
  • Implementing agencies handling MAP residuals or related grant aid forecasts.
  • Personnel preparing inputs for broader DoD budget submissions or FMS case management.

The form supports coordination between Air Force major commands, the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force (Financial Management & Comptroller – SAF/FM), and interagency partners.

How to Complete AF Form 1860?

While the official PDF includes detailed block-by-block instructions (download it for the most accurate guidance), typical elements in such budget forecast forms include:

  • Program Identification — MAP program year, country/recipient codes, and case identifiers.
  • Budget Estimate Sections — Breakdown of estimated costs by category (e.g., materiel, services, training).
  • Forecast of Deliveries — Projected quantities, values, and delivery timelines (often quarterly or fiscal year-based).
  • Object Classification — Alignment with standard federal budgeting categories (often cross-referenced with related forms like AF Form 1858 for cost breakdowns).
  • Logistics and Personnel Notes — Links to supporting data on distribution and management (potentially referencing AF Form 1861).
  • Certification and Approvals — Signatures from responsible officials.

Best Practices for Completion:

  • Use the most current version from e-Publishing.af.mil.
  • Cross-reference with DSCA Security Assistance Management Manual (SAMM) guidance on MAP residuals.
  • Ensure all figures align with approved funding and delivery schedules.
  • Maintain supporting documentation for audits and congressional reporting.

Related forms in the MAP budget series include:

  • AF Form 1858 (Cost by Object Classification)
  • AF Form 1861 (Logistics Management Expense & Personnel Distribution)

Importance in Modern U.S. Security Cooperation

Even with the shift to FMF and other mechanisms, tools like AF Form 1860 support effective stewardship of taxpayer resources. Accurate forecasting helps:

  • Strengthen alliances and partner interoperability.
  • Respond to emerging threats (e.g., support for partners in Europe, Indo-Pacific, or Middle East).
  • Ensure transparency and accountability in foreign assistance, which in recent years has included significant packages for key partners (tracked publicly via ForeignAssistance.gov).

U.S. foreign military assistance remains a strategic tool for national security, with FMF and related programs continuing to receive substantial congressional appropriations.

Where to Find Official Guidance and the Form?

  • Official Download: AF Form 1860 PDF via Air Force e-Publishing.
  • Broader Policy: Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) SAMM, DoD Financial Management Regulation (DoD 7000.14-R), and applicable Air Force Instructions.
  • Current Foreign Assistance Data: ForeignAssistance.gov for public transparency on U.S. aid programs.

For questions on usage, consult your unit’s financial management office, SAF/FM, or the cognizant security cooperation organization.

Note: Always verify the latest form version and instructions on the official Air Force e-Publishing website, as forms and procedures can be updated. This article provides general information based on publicly available sources and is not a substitute for official DoD or Air Force guidance.

Keywords: AF Form 1860, Military Assistance Program, MAP budget estimate, grant aid deliveries, Air Force forms, security assistance, FMF, FMS forecasting.