AF Form 349: Receipt for Documents Released to Foreign

AF Form 349: Receipt for Documents Released to Foreign – AF Form 349: Receipt for Documents Released to Accredited Representatives of Foreign Nations is an official U.S. Air Force form used to document and track the release of Classified Military Information (CMI) or other sensitive documents to authorized foreign government representatives or international organizations.

This form ensures strict accountability, compliance with U.S. foreign disclosure policies, and proper government-to-government transfer protocols. It serves as a signed receipt that protects national security while enabling controlled international cooperation.

What Is AF Form 349?

AF Form 349, titled Receipt for Documents Released to Accredited Representatives of Foreign Nations, provides a formal record when U.S. Air Force (or Department of the Air Force) organizations release documents—typically classified—to accredited foreign representatives.

It is prescribed in DAFMAN 16-201 (or its predecessor AFI 16-201), the primary guidance for the Air Force Foreign Disclosure and Technology Transfer Program. Foreign Disclosure Officers (FDOs) or DAF proponents use it specifically for transmitting CMI to foreign governments or international organizations.

The form helps maintain an auditable chain of custody, ensuring that releases occur only under authorized conditions and that the receiving party acknowledges receipt and responsibility for safeguarding the information.

Key facts:

  • It is not the same as AFTO Form 349 (a maintenance data collection record used in aircraft and equipment maintenance).
  • Official source: Department of the Air Force e-Publishing.
  • Direct download: AF Form 349 PDF

Purpose of AF Form 349

The primary purpose is to enforce accountability during the transfer of sensitive information to foreign entities. According to DAFMAN 16-201:

  • CMI transfers must occur on a government-to-government basis.
  • FDOs or proponents must use AF Form 349 when transmitting CMI to a foreign government or international organization (T-1 compliance).
  • Releasing organizations must retain completed forms according to the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule.

This supports broader U.S. policy under National Disclosure Policy (NDP-1), DoDD 5230.11, and related instructions that govern the disclosure of classified military information to foreign governments while protecting U.S. technological advantages and security interests.

Who Uses AF Form 349?

  • Foreign Disclosure Officers (FDOs) at all levels of the Department of the Air Force.
  • DAF proponents and organizations authorized to release CMI.
  • Personnel involved in international visits, technology transfer, cooperative programs, or government-to-government sales/support agreements.
  • Accredited representatives of foreign nations (who sign the receipt).

It is typically used in conjunction with approved disclosure decisions, visit requests, or export authorizations under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) where applicable.

How to Use and Fill Out AF Form 349?

While the form itself is straightforward as a receipt, proper completion is critical for compliance:

  1. Identify the documents/materials being released (include classification level, title, document number, date, quantity, etc.).
  2. Recipient details — Name, title, organization/country of the accredited representative.
  3. Release authority — Reference the specific disclosure authorization, Foreign Disclosure Decision Letter (DDL), or policy justification.
  4. Signatures — The U.S. releasing official signs, and the foreign accredited representative signs to acknowledge receipt and understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
  5. Distribution — The U.S. organization retains the signed original or copy per records policy.

Always coordinate with your servicing FDO before any release. The FDO ensures the disclosure is authorized and that proper security measures (e.g., transmission channels) are followed.

Best practices:

  • Use the most current version from the official e-Publishing site.
  • Maintain records for the period specified in the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule.
  • Pair the form with required visit coordination or disclosure guidance documentation.

For detailed block-by-block instructions, refer to the form itself and your unit’s FDO guidance, as specific fields support clear identification of the transaction.

AF Form 349 operates within a larger framework:

  • DAFMAN 16-201 — Air Force Foreign Disclosure and Technology Transfer Program (details use of the form for CMI transfers).
  • DoDD 5230.11 — Disclosure of Classified Military Information to Foreign Governments and International Organizations.
  • National Disclosure Policy (NDP-1) — Overarching U.S. policy on such releases.
  • International Visits Program procedures for foreign representatives.

Releases must always prioritize U.S. national security, with the recipient government demonstrating both intent and capability to protect the information.

Download AF Form 349

Official PDF Download (current version):
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_ia/form/af349/af349.pdf

Always obtain forms directly from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing website to ensure you have the latest revision. Do not use unofficial or outdated copies for official transactions.

Need Help?

If you are a Department of the Air Force member or contractor requiring assistance with foreign disclosure:

  • Contact your local Foreign Disclosure Officer (FDO).
  • Consult DAFMAN 16-201 and related instructions.
  • For policy questions, reach out through your chain of command to SAF/IA channels.

Note: This article provides general information based on publicly available official sources and is not a substitute for official training, policy, or legal advice. Foreign disclosure is a controlled process—always verify current requirements with your FDO before proceeding.

Last updated reference: DAFMAN 16-201 (January 2021 edition and related updates). Check e-Publishing for any newer revisions.