AF Form 1879: BCE Job Order Record – Download PDF Guide – AF Form 1879, officially titled the BCE Job Order Record, serves as a critical manual or backup document used by the Base Civil Engineer (BCE) and operations flight personnel to initiate, track, manage, and close out job orders for facility maintenance, repair, and minor construction work on U.S. Air Force installations.
This form plays an essential role in civil engineer operations, particularly when automated systems (such as CE work management software) are unavailable due to power outages, equipment failures, or contingency operations. It ensures accurate documentation of labor, materials, costs, and work completion while maintaining accountability for real property maintenance.
What Is AF Form 1879 Used For?
The primary purpose of AF Form 1879 is to record individual job orders issued by the Base Civil Engineer. It captures key details including:
- Job order number
- Customer (requester) information
- Detailed description of the work requested
- Assigned work center or craft
- Labor and material costs
- Completion status
- Required signatures for approval and verification
In normal operations, civil engineer squadrons use integrated IT systems to manage work requests and job orders. However, AF Form 1879 (or the ANG-specific variant, ANG Form 1879) provides a standardized manual process for continuity during system disruptions. It helps track parts, equipment, and labor hours while supporting planning, scheduling, and programming of work requirements.
Related forms often used alongside AF Form 1879 include:
- AF Form 332 (BCE Work Request) — for initial customer submissions
- AF Form 1135 (BCE Real Property Maintenance Request)
- AF Form 561 (BCE Weekly Work Schedule)
- AF Form 103 (Base Civil Engineer Work Clearance Request) — for safety/utility coordination
Who Uses AF Form 1879?
- Base Civil Engineer (BCE) and Operations Flight personnel
- Production Control and Work Control sections in Civil Engineer Squadrons
- Craftsmen and supervisors in maintenance, repair, and construction teams
- ANG (Air National Guard) units, which explicitly prescribe it for contingency and backup scenarios
It supports tasks such as initiating job orders, assigning them to work centers, monitoring progress, updating costs, and closing out completed work. Training documents for AFSCs like 3E5X1 (Engineering), 3E6X1, and related production control roles reference it extensively.
Key Sections and How to Fill Out AF Form 1879
While the official PDF provides the exact layout, the form generally includes structured blocks for:
- Job Order Number — Unique control number assigned by production control.
- Customer/Requester Information — Unit, building number, point of contact, phone/email.
- Description of Work — Clear, detailed scope of the requested maintenance or repair.
- Work Classification/Category — Determines priority and funding (e.g., operations & maintenance, sustainment).
- Assigned Work Center/Craft — Which shop or team will perform the work.
- Labor and Material Costs — Actual hours by skill level and cost of materials used (tracked for budgeting and reimbursement).
- Dates — Request date, start date, completion date, and any follow-up actions.
- Signatures — Requester, approver (BCE or delegated authority), work center supervisor, and inspector/verifier.
Best Practices for Completion:
- Be specific in the work description to avoid scope creep or delays.
- Coordinate with Safety, Fire, and Environmental offices as required before starting work that could impact operations.
- Update the form progressively as labor and materials are expended.
- File completed forms in the job order jacket for audit and historical records.
For the most current version and exact field instructions, download the official form directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4/form/af1879/af1879.pdf
Note: Always verify you are using the latest revision, as forms can be updated. Physical copies may also be available through your local BCE supply or forms management office.
When and Why AF Form 1879 Matters in CE Operations?
Under DAFI 32-1001 (Civil Engineer Operations) and related guidance, the Operations Flight must efficiently manage work requests, prioritize preventive maintenance, and maintain accurate records of all work performed on real property and RPIE (Real Property Installed Equipment).
AF Form 1879 supports this by providing a reliable manual backup that:
- Ensures continuity during loss of automated systems
- Tracks costs for proper fund obligation and reimbursement
- Supports workload analysis and performance reporting
- Aids in quality control and customer status updates
In contingency or deployed environments, it becomes even more vital for documenting emergency repairs and sustainment activities.
Tips for Air Force Civil Engineer Personnel
- Integrate the form into your unit’s continuity of operations (COOP) plan.
- Train production control staff on proper initiation and monitoring procedures.
- Cross-reference with AFI 32-1001 for work request approval authorities and classification rules.
- Maintain supporting documentation (photos, material receipts, time cards) in the job order file.
- For ANG units, ANG Form 1879 aligns closely with the active-duty process but follows Air National Guard-specific supplements where applicable.
Proper use of AF Form 1879 helps ensure mission-ready facilities, regulatory compliance, and effective resource management across U.S. Air Force installations.
Download the Official AF Form 1879 Here:
AF Form 1879 BCE Job Order Record PDF
For additional guidance, consult your local BCE Operations Flight, DAFI 32-1001, or related engineering playbooks. Always follow current Air Force instructions, as policies and supporting systems evolve.
This article is for informational purposes and references publicly available U.S. Air Force publications and training materials. For official use, refer directly to e-Publishing and your chain of command.