AF Form 3561: ALS Distinguished Graduate Award Certificate

AF Form 3561: ALS Distinguished Graduate Award Certificate – Airman Leadership School (ALS) represents a pivotal step in an Airman’s career. It serves as the primary level of Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) and prepares Senior Airmen (E-4) for supervisory roles and promotion to Staff Sergeant (E-5). Among the honors presented at ALS graduation, the Distinguished Graduate (DG) Award stands out as a significant achievement. The AF Form 3561 is the official certificate that recognizes this accomplishment.

U.S. Air Force members, supervisors, and personnel preparing for or supporting ALS often search for details on this form, including its purpose, eligibility criteria, and how to obtain the official document. This guide covers everything you need to know about AF Form 3561 in 2026.

What Is AF Form 3561?

AF Form 3561 is the Airman Leadership School Distinguished Graduate Award Certificate. It formally recognizes students who finish in the top 10% of their ALS class based on a combination of academic performance, evaluations, and demonstrated leadership qualities.

This certificate is part of a series of ALS award forms issued by the Department of the Air Force:

  • AF Form 3560: ALS Diploma (issued to all graduates)
  • AF Form 3561: Distinguished Graduate Award Certificate
  • AF Form 3562: Leadership Award (sometimes referred to in context with other honors)

The form itself is a formal certificate template used to document and present the award during graduation ceremonies at one of the many ALS locations worldwide.

Airman Leadership School (ALS) Overview

ALS is a 192-hour resident course (typically spanning about 5 weeks or 24 academic days) managed under Air University and various Major Commands. The curriculum focuses on three main areas:

  • Communication skills
  • Leadership and management principles
  • Profession of Arms

Key topics include supervision, military professionalism, Airmen Leadership Qualities (ALQs), and preparing Airmen to lead teams effectively. Successful completion of ALS (and the prerequisite Junior Enlisted Foundations Course 300 in most cases) is required for promotion to Staff Sergeant.

Note (as of 2026): Most RegAF and AFR Airmen must complete the Junior Enlisted Foundations Course (JEFC300) prior to attending ALS resident or distance learning courses.

Distinguished Graduate Award Criteria

The Distinguished Graduate Award (including the single highest John L. Levitow Award recipient) is presented to the top 10% of each ALS class. Selection is competitive and based on:

  • Summative objective and performance evaluations
  • Instructor assessments
  • Peer leadership evaluations/stratifications
  • Overall demonstration of military bearing, professionalism, and leadership traits

The John L. Levitow Award is the single highest honor in the class and is automatically included as the “top” Distinguished Graduate. Commandants may disqualify candidates for disciplinary issues, failure to meet standards in dress/appearance, physical fitness, or professional behavior. Ties are permitted for DG awards.

Earning Distinguished Graduate status highlights exceptional performance and strengthens an Airman’s record for future promotions, assignments, and leadership opportunities.

Why the AF Form 3561 Matters?

Receiving the AF Form 3561 Distinguished Graduate certificate is more than a piece of paper—it serves as official documentation of superior achievement in EPME. Airmen often include this recognition in performance reports, promotion packages, and career portfolios. It demonstrates initiative, excellence in academics and leadership, and a commitment to Air Force core values.

Many bases hold formal graduation ceremonies where these certificates are presented, allowing family and leadership to celebrate the milestone.

How to Download the Official AF Form 3561?

The official versions of AF Form 3561 and related ALS certificates are available through the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing system.

Direct download links (official physical and digital formats):

For the most current and authoritative forms, always visit the official Air Force e-Publishing website (e-publishing.af.mil) and search for AF Form 3561 or related ALS award forms. Forms are subject to periodic updates, so verify you have the latest version before printing or presenting.

Tips for use:

  • Print on high-quality certificate paper when possible for formal presentation.
  • Ensure all fields (recipient name, class number, date, commandant signature, etc.) are accurately completed per local ALS procedures.
  • Retain a digital and physical copy for your personal records.

Tips for Earning the Distinguished Graduate Award

Airmen aiming for the top 10% and the AF Form 3561 should focus on:

  • Excelling in all academic and performance evaluations
  • Actively contributing in group settings and demonstrating strong leadership
  • Maintaining impeccable military bearing, uniform standards, and fitness
  • Building positive peer relationships (peer evaluations carry significant weight)
  • Avoiding any disciplinary actions or failures in required tasks

Commandants emphasize that character and consistent excellence across all areas matter as much as test scores.

  • John L. Levitow Award: The single highest graduate in the class (included in DG).
  • Academic Achievement Award: For the highest scholastic performance (Levitow recipients typically excluded).
  • Commandant’s/Leadership Award: For significant contributions to class success as judged by the commandant.

These awards complement the Distinguished Graduate recognition and further highlight well-rounded leadership potential.

Final Thoughts

The AF Form 3561 Airman Leadership School Distinguished Graduate Award Certificate represents one of the highest student honors in ALS. It acknowledges the hard work, dedication, and leadership potential of top-performing Senior Airmen as they step into supervisory roles.

Whether you are an Airman preparing for ALS, a recent graduate seeking the official certificate, or a supervisor supporting your team, understanding this form and the award process helps maximize professional development opportunities in the U.S. Air Force.

Download the official AF Form 3561 here:

For the latest policy details, refer to DAFI 36-2685 (Enlisted Professional Military Education) and your local ALS commandant or education office.

This information is based on official Air Force publications and guidance available as of 2026. Always confirm with your chain of command or e-publishing.af.mil for the most current forms and instructions.

Related searches: AF Form 3561 PDF, ALS Distinguished Graduate criteria, Airman Leadership School awards, John L. Levitow Award, ALS graduation certificate.