AF Form 4035: Airman Leadership School Academic Achievement – Airman Leadership School (ALS) represents a critical milestone in an enlisted Airman’s career. It serves as the first level of Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) and prepares Senior Airmen for increased leadership responsibilities as they advance toward Staff Sergeant. Among the honors presented at ALS graduation, the Academic Achievement Award stands out for recognizing pure scholastic excellence. This award is officially documented on AF Form 4035.
What Is AF Form 4035?
AF Form 4035 is the official U.S. Air Force template titled “Airman Leadership School Academic Achievement Award.” It is the certificate issued to the ALS graduate who demonstrates the highest academic performance in the course, excluding the recipient of the prestigious John L. Levitow Award.
This form is part of the standardized awards program for Airman Leadership School. It is available as a downloadable PDF from the official Air Force e-Publishing site: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/af4035/af4035.pdf.
Commandants and ALS staff use the form to formally recognize top academic performers during graduation ceremonies at the more than 60 ALS locations worldwide.
Understanding the Academic Achievement Award at ALS
The Airman Leadership School curriculum consists of approximately 192 hours of instruction focused on leadership, followership, communication, and the military profession. Students complete multiple summative objective evaluations (written tests) and performance evaluations (such as briefings, speeches, and practical exercises).
According to official ALS syllabi and procedural guidance:
- The Academic Achievement Award is presented to the student with the highest academic standing based solely on all summative objective and performance task scores.
- The John L. Levitow Award recipient (the overall top graduate, combining academics, peer evaluations, and leadership) is excluded from receiving the Academic Achievement Award.
- In case of a tie, multiple awards may be presented.
- Students who fail to meet minimum passing scores on any performance task are ineligible for this award (as well as Levitow and Distinguished Graduate).
This award specifically highlights scholastic excellence and rewards the Airman who performed best as a student in the classroom and evaluation environment. It differs from:
- John L. Levitow Award: Highest overall honor (academics + leadership + peer assessment).
- Distinguished Graduate (DG) Award: Top 10% of the class based on combined criteria.
- Commandant’s Award: For the student who contributed most significantly to class success (often based on peer and staff input).
Why the Academic Achievement Award Matters?
Earning the Academic Achievement Award (documented on AF Form 4035) provides several benefits:
- Recognition — It stands out on performance reports, promotion boards, and future EPME selections.
- Career Impact — Strong academic performance in ALS demonstrates the discipline, study habits, and intellectual capability valued for leadership roles.
- Motivation — It encourages Airmen to strive for excellence in professional military education, which is required for promotion to Staff Sergeant.
Many ALS graduation announcements and base news articles publicly highlight Academic Achievement Award winners alongside Levitow and Distinguished Graduate recipients, showcasing the achievement to the entire wing or base.
How to Download and Use AF Form 4035?
- Visit the official link: AF Form 4035 PDF.
- Download the fillable or printable form.
- ALS staff typically complete the form with the recipient’s name, rank, class number, date, and Commandant’s signature during graduation preparations.
The form follows standard Air Force certificate formatting and is designed for professional presentation at formal ALS graduation ceremonies.
Tips for Earning the Academic Achievement Award
To position yourself for this honor:
- Treat every evaluation as critical — objective tests and performance tasks (briefings, writing assignments) all contribute to the total academic score.
- Maintain consistent high performance across the entire course.
- Engage fully in class discussions and group activities while prioritizing individual academic deliverables.
- Meet or exceed all standards on every summative assessment to remain eligible.
Remember: Even if you do not win the award, strong academic performance in ALS contributes to your overall standing and can help you earn Distinguished Graduate recognition.
Other Common ALS Awards and Forms
- AF Form 3560 — ALS Diploma (issued to all graduates).
- Leadership Award — Sometimes documented on AF Form 3562.
- Distinguished Graduate and Levitow awards are typically announced separately but may use custom or standardized certificates.
Final Thoughts
The AF Form 4035 Airman Leadership School Academic Achievement Award celebrates the best scholars in each ALS class. It recognizes the hard work, focus, and intellectual effort required to excel in the rigorous EPME curriculum.
Whether you are preparing to attend ALS, currently enrolled, or supporting a fellow Airman, understanding this award helps highlight the importance of academic excellence in professional development. Download the official form today and aim high—strong performance in ALS sets the foundation for a successful Air Force career.
Related Resources:
- Official AF Form 4035: Download Here
- Air University ALS Page for current syllabus and guidance
- Department of the Air Force Instruction (DAFI) 36-2685 for EPME policy
This article is for informational purposes and reflects publicly available Air Force guidance and syllabi as of 2025–2026.