AF Form 593: Download Interment Record – Installation Cemetery

AF Form 593: Download Interment Record – Installation Cemetery – AF Form 593, officially titled Interment Record – Installation Cemetery (also referred to as DAF Form 593), is a key Department of the Air Force document used to officially record burials in U.S. Air Force installation cemeteries. It ensures accurate, permanent documentation of interments for eligible service members, dependents, and other authorized individuals.

This form supports the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Program by capturing essential details about the deceased, the burial site, and authorizing personnel. It helps maintain cemetery records, support family inquiries, and comply with Department of Defense and Air Force policies on honorable final disposition of remains.

Purpose of AF Form 593

The primary purpose of AF Form 593 is to create a complete, permanent record of each interment (burial) in an Air Force installation cemetery. Key uses include:

  • Documenting the identity of the deceased, burial location (plot, row, grave), and dates.
  • Recording authority for the interment and any relevant remarks.
  • Supporting monthly reporting and long-term cemetery management.
  • Providing an official archive for families, historians, and administrative purposes.

According to DAFI 34-160, Mortuary Affairs Program (3 March 2022, certified current 18 November 2025), the form is prepared upon each new burial. The original is typically filed for record, with copies distributed as required (e.g., to the Major Command or cemetery file). Previous editions are obsolete.

Installation cemeteries on Air Force bases provide a dignified resting place for eligible personnel, often including active-duty members, retirees, certain dependents, and others as authorized by policy. The form ensures compliance with Privacy Act requirements when handling personally identifiable information (PII).

Who Uses AF Form 593?

  • Installation Mortuary Affairs Officers (MAO) or designated personnel in the Force Support Squadron (FSS).
  • The Person Authorized to Direct Disposition (PADD) of remains, who is responsible for providing accurate information.
  • Cemetery management staff for maintaining records by plot, row, and grave number.
  • Commanders or delegates who authorize interments.

The Installation Commander (or Wing Commander at joint bases) holds ultimate responsibility, though authority may be delegated. The form is prescribed by DAFI 34-160 and supports broader mortuary affairs guidance from DoDI 1300.15, DoDD 1300.22, and related instructions.

Key Sections and Fields on AF Form 593

The form is structured for clarity and completeness. Here is a breakdown of the main blocks (based on the current official version dated 20220308 / V1):

  • Block 1: Name of Deceased — Enter in the format Last, First, Middle Initial (per guidance in AFI 34-501/DAFI 34-160).
  • Block 2: Grade — Rank or grade at time of death.
  • Block 3: Service No. & SSN — Military service number and Social Security Number.
  • Block 4: Name and Location of Cemetery — Full cemetery name and location, including ZIP code.
  • Block 5: Burial Site Details
    • A. Plot Number/Row Number
    • B. Grave Number
    • C. Depth of Burial Site
  • Block 6: Authority for Interment — Reference to the approving authority or directive.
  • Block 7: Date of Death
  • Block 8: Date of Interment
  • Block 9: Date of Birth
  • Block 10: Branch of Service
  • Block 11: Relation to Sponsor (if applicable, e.g., for dependents)
  • Block 12: Sponsor or Next of Kin Information
    • A. Name
    • B. Grade (if military)
    • C. Address
  • Remarks — Free-text area for additional notes, such as disinterment/relocation details or special circumstances.
  • Authorization — Date and Signature of the Person Authorizing Interment.

The form includes Privacy Act statements (5 U.S.C. 552a) noting that PII will not be disclosed without written consent of the next of kin, referencing the applicable System of Records Notice (SORN A0600-8-1c, AHRC DoD).

Note: Always use the latest version from official sources, as forms are periodically updated.

How to Complete AF Form 593?

  1. The PADD or mortuary affairs personnel gathers accurate data from death certificates, service records, and family input.
  2. Fill in blocks legibly and completely, following name format rules.
  3. Obtain the required signature from the authorizing official (often the Installation Commander or designee).
  4. Distribute copies per DAFI 34-160 requirements: original for permanent record, duplicates as needed.
  5. File and maintain records in accordance with Air Force records management policies (AFI 33-322).

Accuracy is critical because these records become permanent historical and administrative documents. Errors can complicate future grave location, family requests, or headstone placement.

For detailed procedures on mortuary affairs, eligibility for interment, and cemetery management, consult the full DAFI 34-160 Mortuary Affairs Program.

Download the current AF Form 593 (Interment Record – Installation Cemetery) here:

https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/af593/af593.pdf

This is the official PDF from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site. Always verify you are on e-publishing.af.mil for the most current version.

Tip: Forms are fillable PDFs in many cases—open in Adobe Acrobat or a compatible viewer for best results.

  • DAFI 34-160, Mortuary Affairs Program (March 2022, certified current through at least 2025) — The primary governing instruction covering installation cemetery management, forms, and procedures.
  • Air Force e-Publishing (www.e-publishing.af.mil) — Central hub for all official DAF forms and publications.
  • Local Installation Mortuary Affairs Officer (usually in the FSS) — Best point of contact for base-specific questions, eligibility, and assistance.
  • DoD policies on mortuary affairs and military funeral support.

Eligibility for burial in Air Force installation cemeteries varies and is detailed in DAFI 34-160 and related instructions. It typically includes active-duty members, certain retirees, and eligible family members. Contact your installation’s Mortuary Affairs Office or Casualty Assistance Representative for case-specific guidance.

Why Accurate Interment Records Matter?

Proper use of AF Form 593 helps honor the service and sacrifice of Air Force members and their families by ensuring gravesites are correctly documented and maintained in perpetuity. These records support everything from family visits and memorial services to official historical preservation.

If you are a next of kin, survivor, or installation personnel needing assistance with interment records, reach out to your local Force Support Squadron or the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center for support.

Important: This article provides general information based on official Department of the Air Force publications as of the latest available data. Policies can be updated—always refer to the current DAFI 34-160 and the official form for authoritative guidance. For personalized assistance, consult your installation Mortuary Affairs Officer.

Last updated reference: DAFI 34-160 (2022, certified current 2025) and official AF Form 593 (20220308 version).

For the official fillable form and full publications, visit the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing website.