AF Form 81A: Colonel Military Position Description (MPD) – AF Form 81A: Colonel Military Position Description (MPD) is an official U.S. Air Force form used to document detailed position descriptions for Colonel (O-6)-level military billets. It serves as a standardized template that outlines the specific duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements for senior leadership positions within the Department of the Air Force (DAF), including the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.
This form helps commanders, manpower and personnel specialists, and senior leaders accurately define roles for colonel positions, supporting effective assignment, classification, performance evaluation, and career development for high-ranking officers.
Purpose of AF Form 81A
The primary purpose of AF Form 81A is to create a clear, comprehensive Military Position Description (MPD) for Colonel positions. It ensures alignment between the position’s demands and the officer’s qualifications, experience, and skills.
Key uses include:
- Documenting major duties and responsibilities.
- Specifying required qualifications, education, training, and experience.
- Supporting manpower authorization documents (e.g., Unit Manning Document or UMD).
- Aiding in officer assignments, promotions, and professional military education (PME) planning.
- Providing a basis for performance reports and feedback.
It is part of the broader Air Force military classification and utilization system, governed by publications such as DAFMAN 36-2100 (Military Utilization & Classification). This system groups positions into Air Force Specialties (AFS) and ensures personnel are matched to roles that advance the DAF mission.
Note: A companion form, AF Form 81B, exists for Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) positions.
Who Uses AF Form 81A?
- Commanders and supervisors at wing, group, or higher levels who establish or update colonel billets.
- Manpower and Personnel (A1) specialists responsible for position classification and UMD management.
- Career field managers (CFMs) and assignment teams at the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC).
- Senior officers (colonels and above) involved in force development and succession planning.
The form is typically initiated by the organization owning the position and routed through appropriate channels for approval and filing.
Key Sections of AF Form 81A
Although the exact layout is available in the official PDF, typical sections (based on standard MPD formats and descriptions of the form) include:
- Position Identification: Position title, organization, location, grade (Colonel/O-6), and reporting structure.
- Major Duties and Responsibilities: A detailed narrative or bulleted list of primary tasks, leadership roles, oversight areas, and mission impacts. This section often emphasizes strategic-level responsibilities such as command, policy development, resource management, and interagency coordination.
- Qualifications and Requirements: Knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), education, experience, security clearance level, and any specialty-specific prerequisites (e.g., rated experience, acquisition certifications, or joint duty).
- Supervisory Controls: Level of independence, guidance received, and decision-making authority.
- Working Conditions and Physical Demands: Any unique environmental, deployment, or travel requirements.
- Certification/Approval Blocks: Signatures from the supervisor, commander, or manpower authority.
The form ensures the description is concise yet thorough, focusing on what the position requires rather than the incumbent’s personal attributes.
How to Obtain and Complete AF Form 81A?
- Download the official form directly from the Air Force e-Publishing website:
AF Form 81A PDF - Review governing instructions: Consult DAFMAN 36-2100 for classification guidance and AFI 38-101 for manpower and organization procedures.
- Completion tips:
- Use clear, action-oriented language (e.g., “Leads,” “Directs,” “Manages”).
- Align duties with the unit’s mission and higher headquarters guidance.
- Ensure qualifications match or support the Air Force Officer Classification Directory (AFOCD) entries for relevant AFSCs.
- Coordinate with the servicing manpower office for consistency with authorized positions.
- Submission and maintenance: Once completed and approved, the MPD is maintained in organizational files and used to update manpower documents. Updates are required when missions change significantly.
Important: Always use the most current version from e-Publishing.af.mil. Forms and policies evolve; check for revisions.
Related Air Force Resources
- DAFMAN 36-2100: Military Utilization & Classification — the core guidance for position descriptions and officer classification.
- Air Force Officer Classification Directory (AFOCD): Details specialty descriptions, prefixes, and qualification standards used alongside MPDs.
- AF Form 81B: For Chief Master Sergeant MPDs.
- e-Publishing.af.mil: Central hub for all official Air Force forms and publications.
For questions about a specific colonel position, contact your unit’s Manpower and Personnel section or the appropriate Career Field Manager.
Why Accurate Colonel MPDs Matter?
Colonel-level positions involve high-stakes leadership, often including command of wings, groups, or major staff functions. A well-written AF Form 81A ensures:
- The right officers are selected and developed for critical roles.
- Alignment with Total Force Development and Management policies.
- Effective resource allocation across the Air Force and Space Force.
Proper use of this form contributes to mission success by clearly defining expectations for the service’s most senior operational and strategic leaders.
Download AF Form 81A here: Official PDF
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Air Force resources and standard practices as of 2026. For official guidance, refer directly to Department of the Air Force publications and your chain of command.
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