AF Form 3562: ALS Leadership Award (Download PDF)

AF Form 3562: ALS Leadership Award (Download PDF) – Airman Leadership School (ALS) represents a critical step in the professional military education (PME) journey for Senior Airmen in the U.S. Air Force. Among the honors presented at ALS graduations, the Leadership Award (often called the Commandant’s Leadership Award) stands out for recognizing exceptional leadership contributions. The official certificate for this award is documented on AF Form 3562.

What Is AF Form 3562?

AF Form 3562 is the official U.S. Air Force form titled “Airman Leadership School Leadership Award.” It serves as a formal certificate presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated exemplary military professional qualities and significant leadership contributions to their ALS class.

  • Form Date: Originally dated 20091005 (October 5, 2009).
  • Purpose: To formally recognize and honor the recipient’s outstanding leadership, professionalism, and positive impact on the success of the class.

The form itself is straightforward and certificate-style. It includes fields for:

  • Location and date of presentation (“Given at __ this ___ day of ___”)
  • Recipient’s name (“Presented to”)
  • Standard award language: “for demonstrating exemplary Military Professional Qualities”

You can download the official blank AF Form 3562 PDF directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/af3562/af3562.pdf.

Airman Leadership School (ALS) Overview

Airman Leadership School is a 24-duty-day (approximately 5-week) course designed to prepare Senior Airmen (E-4) for roles as frontline supervisors. The curriculum focuses on leadership, followership, management skills, Air Force heritage, and professional development.

Successful completion of ALS qualifies Airmen for promotion consideration to Staff Sergeant and earns them the USAF NCO Professional Military Education Graduation Ribbon.

ALS Awards and How the Leadership Award Fits In

According to current Air Force guidance (DAFI 36-2685), several awards are authorized at ALS graduation:

  • John L. Levitow Award: The highest honor, presented to the single top graduate based on overall performance (academics, performance tasks, and peer evaluations). Only one per class.
  • Distinguished Graduate (DG) Award: Presented to the top 10% of the class (including the Levitow recipient).
  • Academic Achievement Award: For scholastic excellence (Levitow recipients are typically excluded).
  • Commandant/Leadership Award: Presented to the student who, in the Commandant’s judgment, made significant leadership contributions to the overall success of the class. Levitow recipients are excluded from this award.

The Leadership Award (AF Form 3562) aligns directly with the Commandant/Leadership Award. It recognizes Airmen who excel in areas such as:

  • Motivating and mentoring peers
  • Demonstrating strong military bearing and professionalism
  • Contributing to class cohesion and success beyond individual academic performance
  • Exemplifying Airmen Leadership Qualities (ALQs) in daily activities

Selection for the Leadership Award often involves input from the Commandant, instructors, and sometimes peer nominations or boards, depending on the specific ALS location.

Why the Leadership Award Matters

Winning the ALS Leadership Award highlights an Airman’s ability to influence others positively and lead by example. This recognition:

  • Strengthens promotion packages and EPRs (Enlisted Performance Reports)
  • Demonstrates potential for greater supervisory responsibilities
  • Builds a reputation for leadership within the unit and across the Air Force

Commanders and supervisors value this award because it shows the recipient goes beyond personal achievement to elevate the entire team — a core principle of Air Force leadership.

How to Download and Use AF Form 3562?

  1. Visit the official link: AF Form 3562 PDF
  2. Download the fillable or printable version.
  3. Complete the blanks with the correct presentation details and recipient name.
  4. Present the certificate during the formal ALS graduation ceremony.

Note: Always use the most current version from the official Air Force e-Publishing website (e-publishing.af.mil) to ensure compliance.

Tips for ALS Students Aiming for the Leadership Award

  • Actively participate in group activities and discussions.
  • Support fellow classmates and contribute to a positive learning environment.
  • Demonstrate initiative, integrity, and service-minded leadership.
  • Maintain excellent military bearing and professionalism at all times.
  • Seek feedback from instructors and the Commandant throughout the course.
  • AF Form 3560: ALS Diploma (for all graduates who successfully complete the course).

Final Thoughts

The AF Form 3562 Airman Leadership School Leadership Award is more than just a certificate — it is official recognition of an Airman’s ability to lead and inspire others during a foundational PME course. Whether you are a student striving for excellence, an instructor, or a supervisor preparing an Airman for ALS, understanding this award and the associated form helps highlight the importance of leadership development in the U.S. Air Force.

For the official form, always refer to the Air Force e-Publishing portal. Stay mission-focused, lead with integrity, and you may find yourself receiving AF Form 3562 at your next ALS graduation.

This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available official U.S. Air Force sources as of 2026. Policies and procedures may be updated; consult your local ALS Commandant or chain of command for the latest guidance.