AF Form 525: Records Disposition Recommendation Guide

AF Form 525: Records Disposition Recommendation Guide – AF Form 525, officially titled Records Disposition Recommendation, is a key U.S. Air Force form used to propose updates to how official records are retained, transferred, or destroyed. It recommends additions, revisions, or deletions to the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule (RDS) maintained in the Air Force Records Information Management System (AFRIMS).

This form ensures Air Force records comply with federal laws, including the Federal Records Act, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) requirements, and Department of the Air Force policies. Proper use prevents unauthorized destruction of records, supports legal holds, audits, and efficient information governance.

Download the Official AF Form 525 PDF Here:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_cn/form/af525/af525.pdf

Why AF Form 525 Matters in 2026?

Effective records disposition is critical for:

  • Compliance — Meeting NARA standards and avoiding lost records incidents.
  • Efficiency — Managing electronic and physical records in an era of digital transformation (e.g., transition to fully electronic records post-2024).
  • Risk Management — Supporting litigation holds, FOIA requests, audits, and continuity of operations.
  • Accountability — Documenting the Air Force mission while protecting sensitive, classified, or Privacy Act information.

Recent updates in AFI 33-322 (as of 2025 guidance memorandum) emphasize electronic records management, quarterly account validation in AFRIMS, and stricter controls on unscheduled records.

When to Use AF Form 525?

Use this form when:

  • A new record series lacks an approved disposition schedule.
  • Existing retention periods need revision (e.g., due to policy changes or system decommissioning).
  • A record series should be deleted from the schedule.
  • Implementing new processes, forms, or electronic systems that generate records.

Examples:

  • Program managers creating new electronic record inventories.
  • Offices updating retention for contracting, personnel, or operational records.
  • Decommissioning IT systems requiring customized disposition.

How to Complete and Submit AF Form 525?

  1. Download the Form — Use the official fillable PDF linked above.
  2. Gather Information — Include record description, volume, current/ proposed disposition (e.g., temporary retention periods, transfer to NARA), justification, and supporting documentation (like decision logic tables).
  3. Coordinate — Route through your unit/base records manager, command records manager, and relevant stakeholders (e.g., legal, privacy officers).
  4. Submit — Forward completed forms via records management channels to the Department of the Air Force Records Officer (DAFRO) for approval and integration into the RDS.

Pro Tip: Accompany complex recommendations with a sample Decision Logic Table (DLT) as outlined in AFI 33-322.

Base/unit records managers provide assistance, and training is available through AFRIMS.

Key Responsibilities (AFI 33-322)

  • Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR): Proposes dispositions and coordinates Form 525.
  • Records Managers (Base, Command, DAFRO): Review, validate, and process submissions.
  • Commanders/Users: Ensure records are properly scheduled and managed.

All personnel must follow approved schedules. Unauthorized disposition can violate policy and lead to disciplinary action.

  • AFI 33-322: Records Management and Information Governance Program (primary governing instruction).
  • AFRIMS: Access the full Records Disposition Schedule (RDS) — primary tool for checking existing schedules.
  • NARA Guidance: Federal records management standards.
  • Other Forms: AF Form 1341 (Electronic Record Inventory), DD Form 67 (for forms), etc.

Best Practices for Air Force Records Management

  • Schedule all records before creation or system deployment.
  • Segregate records by disposition (temporary vs. permanent).
  • Use electronic records keeping systems where possible.
  • Conduct regular inventories and training.
  • Report lost records immediately.

Conclusion

AF Form 525 is an essential tool for maintaining compliant, efficient, and accountable records management across the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. By properly recommending disposition actions, personnel help preserve mission-critical information while reducing storage burdens and risks.

For the most current guidance, always refer to official e-Publishing sources and consult your local records manager. Proper use of this form supports the Air Force’s transition to modern, electronic-first records practices.

This article is for informational purposes and based on publicly available official U.S. Air Force publications as of 2026. Always verify with current directives on e-publishing.af.mil.