AF Form 716 Enlisted Performance Brief (EPB) Guide 2026

AF Form 716 Enlisted Performance Brief (EPB) Guide 2026 – The AF Form 716, officially titled the Enlisted Performance Brief (EPB), is the current standard evaluation tool for documenting the performance of enlisted Airmen in the U.S. Air Force. Introduced as part of the transition from the legacy Enlisted Performance Report (EPR) system, the EPB emphasizes Airman Leadership Qualities (ALQs) and focuses on actionable behaviors and mission impact rather than inflated bullet statements.

Whether you’re a supervisor preparing an evaluation, an Airman seeking promotion, or simply navigating the Air Force evaluation system, understanding AF Form 716 is essential for career progression.

What Is AF Form 716 and Why It Matters?

The Enlisted Performance Brief replaced the traditional EPR format effective around April 2023. It serves as a concise, narrative-driven document that captures performance across four major performance areas aligned with ALQs:

  • Executing the Mission
  • Leading People
  • Managing Resources
  • Improving the Unit

Key purposes of the EPB include:

  • Providing meaningful feedback to Airmen.
  • Supporting promotion boards, assignments, retraining, and retention decisions.
  • Documenting performance for talent management across Regular Air Force (RegAF), Air Force Reserve (AFR), and Air National Guard (ANG).

The form is generated primarily through the myEvaluation (myEval) system. The offline AF Form 716 PDF is used only in exceptional cases (e.g., system unavailability) with prior approval from AFPC or ARPC.

Download the official AF Form 716 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/af716/af716.pdf

Structure of AF Form 716: Key Sections

The EPB is designed as a single-page, reader-friendly document. Main sections include:

  1. Administrative Header — Grade, Name (LAST, First, MI), DoDID, Duty Title, DAFSC, Report Reason, Reporting Period (FROM/THRU dates based on Static Close-Out Dates or SCODs), Days Supervised, Non-Rated Days, Organization/Command, and Location.
  2. Duty Description (up to 450 characters) — Narrative summary of principal duties, scope of responsibility, personnel supervised, resources managed, and unique aspects of the position.
  3. Rater Assessment (four blocks, up to 350 characters each) — Performance statements in plain English using action-behavior-impact format. At least one standalone statement per major performance area is required. Mandatory comments address fitness assessments, adverse actions, or command climate as applicable.
  4. Ratee Acknowledgement — The Airman reviews and signs to acknowledge receipt (does not imply agreement).
  5. Higher Level Reviewer (HLR) Assessment — Independent review with promotion recommendations, stratification (for eligible mid/senior ranks), concurrence/non-concurrence, and additional comments.

Authentication includes digital or wet signatures from the rater and HLR, dated on or after the close-out date.

Static Close-Out Dates (SCODs) and Reporting Periods

The Air Force uses fixed SCODs by pay grade to reduce administrative burden and rating inflation:

  • Senior Airmen and below: Typically 31 March.
  • Higher grades have their own dates (check current AFI 36-2406 for exacts).

Special rules apply for PCS/PCA moves. The gaining or losing unit writes the EPB depending on timing relative to the accounting date.

How to Prepare a Strong AF Form 716?

Tips for effective performance statements:

  • Use clear, quantifiable impact language (e.g., “Led team of 8 in executing 150 maintenance actions, resulting in 98% mission capability rate”).
  • Stay within character limits (including spaces).
  • Focus on behaviors tied to ALQs.
  • Address mandatory topics like fitness scores (PFA documentation is now required in comments), equal opportunity compliance, or disciplinary actions.

Supervisors should hold mandatory feedback sessions. Airmen are encouraged to provide input on their accomplishments.

Resources:

  • AFI 36-2406 (Officer and Enlisted Evaluations Systems) — Primary governing instruction.
  • myEval system for electronic routing.
  • Unit Military Personnel Flight (MPF) for guidance.

Common Uses and Career Impact

EPBs directly influence:

  • Promotions — Boards review them for potential and readiness.
  • Stratification — Allowed for MSgt-SMSgt (top percentages) with limits to curb inflation.
  • Referrals — For substandard performance, requiring additional processing.

Strong EPBs can highlight leadership potential and open doors to special duty assignments, schools, and retention incentives.

Recent Updates (as of 2026)

  • Fitness assessment scores must be documented in mandatory comments (Excellent, Satisfactory, etc., with exemptions noted).
  • Continued emphasis on reducing rating inflation through forced distribution and stratification rules.
  • Alignment with broader talent management reforms.

For the most current guidance, always consult the latest version of AFI 36-2406 on the official e-Publishing site and coordinate with your chain of command or MPF.

Conclusion: Mastering the Enlisted Performance Brief

The AF Form 716 Enlisted Performance Brief represents a modern, behavior-focused approach to Air Force enlisted evaluations. By emphasizing real impact through ALQ-based narratives, it helps identify top talent while providing constructive feedback.

U.S. Air Force members: Download the form, review AFI 36-2406, and work closely with your rater to ensure your performance is accurately captured. A well-written EPB can be a powerful tool for advancing your military career.

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available official sources. Always refer to current Department of the Air Force instructions and your local leadership for official guidance.