AF Form 938: Active Duty Training & Tour Orders Guide 2026 – AF Form 938: Request and Authorization for Active Duty Training/Active Duty Tour is a key U.S. Air Force document used primarily by Air Force Reserve members, including Individual Reservists (IRs), to request and authorize periods of active duty.
This form (also called AF IMT 938) formalizes orders for various active duty tours, ensuring service members receive proper pay, travel entitlements, per diem, and authorization to report for duty. It remains current as of the latest official guidance from Air Force e-Publishing and Reserve organizations.
What Is AF Form 938 Used For?
AF Form 938 authorizes Air Force Reserve personnel for:
- Annual Tours (AT)
- Special Tours
- School Tours
- Military Personnel Appropriation (MPA) tours (man-day tours)
- Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS) and similar duty types
It serves as the official order document generated through the Air Reserve Orders Writing System – Reserve (AROWS-R). Members often create initial applications themselves, which then route to order specialists for approval and finalization.
The form details personal information, duty locations, reporting dates, travel authorizations, funding sources, and certifications required for pay and travel vouchers.
Who Needs AF Form 938?
- Air Force Reserve Component members (Traditional Reservists, Individual Mobilization Augmentees/IMAs, Individual Reservists/IRs)
- Supervisors and Unit Reserve Coordinators (URCs) who initiate or approve orders
- Personnel attending training, schools, or performing operational support duties
It does not apply to regular active duty Air Force members in the same way; they typically use other forms like DD Form 1610 for TDY.
Key Sections of AF Form 938
The form includes numbered blocks covering:
- Blocks 1-10: Member identification (name, rank/grade, SSN, address, unit, PAS code)
- Block 11: Type of tour and total days
- Block 12: Reporting unit and location
- Blocks 13-14: Report and release dates/times
- Blocks 15-16: Corporate limits or commuting area indicators (affects per diem/travel entitlements)
- Blocks 17-27: BAS codes, remarks, training categories, MPA codes, estimated travel/per diem/other costs, and funding source
- Blocks 28-35: Requesting official, authentication, order number, and distribution
- Block 36: Departure/arrival details for the tour
- Blocks 37-40: Member certifications (spouse status, government quarters, signatures)
- Blocks 41-44: Certifying official signatures (supervisor/timekeeper)
Page 2 often includes additional travel and certification statements.
How to Obtain and Complete AF Form 938?
- Access via AROWS-R: Log into the system through myFSS or the Air Force Reserve portal. Members can now initiate their own orders in many cases.
- Follow Step-by-Step Guidance: Use official user guides from ARPC or HQ RIO for personnel info, duty purpose, locations, per diem, transportation (GTCC is often mandatory), and justifications.
- Certifications: For tours 30+ days, pre-certify at the start for pay. Submit signed copies for final processing. Modifications are required for date/location changes.
- Supporting Documents: Often paired with travel vouchers (DD Form 1351-2), AF Form 40A for IDT, or other forms.
Official Download: Get the latest fillable PDF directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site:
AF Form 938 PDF
Always use the most recent version and follow current AROWS-R processes, as manual forms are largely replaced by the digital system.
Important Tips for Air Force Reservists
- Do not report early or stay late without a modification to your 938.
- Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) is typically required for official travel.
- Pay and Vouchers: Certify orders promptly to start pay. Submit travel vouchers after duty for reimbursement.
- Changes/Modifications: Contact your detachment orders writer or RPO for any updates.
- Training Resources: Check HQ RIO videos and user guides for AROWS-R, DTS authorizations, and vouchers.
Why Proper Use of AF Form 938 Matters?
Accurate completion ensures timely pay, correct per diem and travel reimbursements, and compliance with Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Errors can delay entitlements or create administrative issues.
For the most authoritative guidance, refer to:
- Air Force e-Publishing
- HQ RIO / ARPC websites
- Your local Reserve order specialist or detachment
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available official U.S. Air Force sources as of 2026. Policies can change—consult your chain of command or official portals for personalized assistance.