AF Form 3809: Centralized Point Warning Log – Download PDF – The AF Form 3809, officially titled Centralized Point Warning Log, is a specialized – Reaching 60 years of creditable federal service is an extraordinary milestone that few achieve. The United States Air Force honors this rare dedication with AF Form 3594, the official 60 Year Length of Service Certificate. This prestigious certificate recognizes the long-term commitment of Department of the Air Force (DAF) civilian employees who have devoted six decades to supporting the mission of the U.S. Air Force and the nation.
Whether you are a current or former DAF civilian employee, a supervisor, or a family member helping coordinate recognition, this guide explains everything you need to know about AF Form 3594, including eligibility, how it fits into the broader Length of Service (LOS) program, and official download links.
What Is AF Form 3594?
AF Form 3594 is titled the “United States Air Force 60 Year Length of Service Certificate.” It serves as the official certificate presented to DAF civilian employees (including U.S. citizens) upon completion of 60 years of creditable federal service.
A companion form, AF Form 3594-1, exists specifically for foreign national employees only.
This certificate is part of a series of LOS certificates issued by the Air Force:
- AF Form 3589 / 3589-1: 10 Years
- AF Form 3590 / 3590-1: 20 Years
- AF Form 3591 / 3591-1: 30 Years
- AF Form 3592 / 3592-1: 40 Years
- AF Form 3593 / 3593-1: 50 Years
- AF Form 3594 / 3594-1: 60 Years (and higher increments like 70 years in some guidance)
These forms are prescribed in official Department of the Air Force policy under DoDI 1400.25-V451 / DAFI 36-1004 (updated as of December 2023). The policy outlines the use of these certificates as part of the civilian recognition program.
Who Is Eligible for the 60-Year Length of Service Certificate?
Eligibility for the AF Form 3594 is based on creditable federal service, typically calculated using the employee’s Service Computation Date (SCD) for Leave. This includes:
- All federal civilian service
- Honorable active duty military service (which can be added without affecting retirement dates)
The DAF recognizes LOS in 5-year increments up to 50 years, then in 10-year increments (60, 70 years). For most DAF civilians, the 60-year certificate is signed at a high level, often involving the Chief of Staff’s Office (CSO) or equivalent for very high milestones, similar to guidance for 50+ year awards in related U.S. Space Force policy.
Note: Length of service recognition applies primarily to civilian employees of the Department of the Air Force. It is separate from military awards like the Air and Space Longevity Service Award (which uses ribbons for every 4 years of military service).
Supervisors and Civilian Personnel Sections (CPS) or equivalent HR offices handle preparation and presentation of these certificates, often during formal ceremonies alongside a lapel pin or other emblem.
Why the Air Force Issues a 60-Year Certificate
The U.S. Air Force values loyalty, institutional knowledge, and sustained contributions to national defense. A 60-year career reflects decades of dedication through changing missions, technologies, and global challenges. Official policy uses these certificates to publicly honor such service, boosting morale and reinforcing a culture of excellence among the civilian workforce that supports Airmen and Guardians every day.
Similar programs exist across federal agencies, but the DAF maintains its own tailored forms (AF Forms) for Air Force-specific branding and recognition.
How to Obtain or Download AF Form 3594?
The official templates are available through the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing system:
- PDF Download: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/etc/physical.pdf
- EPUB Download: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/etc/physical.epub
These links provide the fillable or printable certificate template. Units should coordinate with their local Civilian Personnel Section or HR to ensure proper completion, signatures, and presentation. Do not use unofficial versions—always reference the latest prescribed forms from e-Publishing.
For policy details, refer to the full instruction:
- DoDI 1400.25 Volume 451 / DAFI 36-1004 (available on the Air Force e-Publishing site).
Presentation and Ceremony Best Practices
While specific ceremony guidance for 60-year awards is handled at the organizational level, common practices include:
- Formal presentation by senior leadership (wing, group, or higher commander)
- Inclusion of a lapel pin or other LOS emblem
- Documentation in the employee’s official personnel file
- Family involvement when possible
For 50-, 60-, and 70-year milestones, higher-level approval or signature is often required.
Related Air Force Recognition Programs
AF Form 3594 is one piece of the broader DAF awards ecosystem, which also includes:
- Retirement certificates (e.g., DAF Form 342)
- Exemplary Civilian Service Award
- Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award
- Various commendation and appreciation certificates (AF Form 3033, 3034, etc.)
Military members have separate longevity recognition via the Air and Space Longevity Service Award ribbon, but civilian LOS certificates are distinct and focus on federal career service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is AF Form 3594 for military or civilian personnel?
A: It is for DAF civilian employees. Military longevity is recognized differently (primarily through ribbons and retirement certificates).
Q: Can prior military service count toward the 60 years?
A: Yes—honorable active duty military service is generally creditable when computing the SCD for LOS recognition.
Q: Who signs the 60-Year Certificate?
A: Signature authority is typically at a senior level (often CSO or equivalent for high-year milestones). Check current DAFI guidance or consult your CPS.
Q: Are there certificates for 70 years?
A: Yes, recognition continues in 10-year increments beyond 50 years, with specific forms or guidance for 70-year service.
Honoring a Lifetime of Service
Earning the United States Air Force 60 Year Length of Service Certificate (AF Form 3594) represents an elite level of dedication to public service and national security. For the rare individuals who reach this milestone, it stands as a permanent testament to their contributions.
If you or a colleague is approaching this achievement, contact your servicing Civilian Personnel Section as early as possible to initiate the recognition process. Official templates are available at the links provided above.
Official Sources:
- Department of the Air Force e-Publishing (for forms)
- DoDI 1400.25-V451 / DAFI 36-1004 (policy)
- Air Force Personnel Center and local HR guidance
This recognition program underscores the Air Force’s commitment to valuing its civilian workforce—the backbone of sustained operational excellence.
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available official DAF publications as of 2026. Always verify the latest guidance through official Air Force channels or e-Publishing, as policies and forms may be updated.