AF Form 973: Request & Authorization for Change of Orders

AF Form 973: Request & Authorization for Change of Orders – If you’re an active-duty Airman, officer, or member of the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard dealing with Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Temporary Duty (TDY), or other administrative orders, you may need to request modifications. The AF Form 973, officially titled Request and Authorization for Change of Administrative Orders, is the primary tool for amending, rescinding, or revoking those orders.

This guide explains what AF Form 973 is, when to use it, how to complete it, and where to download the official form. It draws from official Air Force instructions and current practices to help U.S.-based service members navigate the process efficiently.

What Is AF Form 973?

AF Form 973 (sometimes still referenced as AF IMT 973) serves as the formal request and authorization document for changing previously issued administrative orders in the U.S. Air Force. It allows authorized personnel to:

  • Amend orders (e.g., update dates, destinations, entitlements, or other details).
  • Rescind orders (when some action, like a travel advance, has already occurred).
  • Revoke orders (when no action has been taken on the original order).

The form ensures changes are documented properly and published in the same series as the original order. It does not apply to certain specialized orders, such as those convening courts-martial, appointing boards or committees, or aeronautical orders. In those cases, a composed order is typically required instead.

This form supports critical personnel actions like PCS moves, TDY adjustments, short tours, and other assignment-related changes. Proper use helps maintain accurate pay, travel entitlements, and personnel records.

When Do You Need AF Form 973?

Common scenarios requiring AF Form 973 include:

  • Changing a report not later than date (RNLTD) or departure date on PCS orders.
  • Adjusting TDY duration, locations, or funding.
  • Correcting errors in original orders (e.g., duty station, entitlements, or accounting data).
  • Handling concurrent travel restrictions or stop-movement situations (historically paired with DAF Form 899 amendments).
  • Modifying orders for extended active duty, annual training, or other administrative actions in the Reserve/Guard components.

Note: The organization that published the original order usually handles changes, though functional offices may authorize exceptions. Always coordinate through your chain of command, unit personnel office (FSS/CSS), or orders-writing authority (e.g., via myFSS or AROWS-R for Reserves).

For PCS-related changes, members sometimes use a memo in lieu of the form in specific cases, but AF Form 973 remains the standard for formal modifications.

How to Fill Out AF Form 973? – Step-by-Step Guidance

Detailed instructions appear in older AFI 33-328 (Administrative Orders), Attachment 2, which remains a primary reference for form preparation. Here is a summary of key blocks based on official guidance:

  • Items 1A–1C and 8–15: Self-explanatory (e.g., basic identification and routing information).
  • Item 1D: Indicate the type of action (TED, PCS with PCA, PCS without PCA) and include the effective date.
  • Item 2: List all previous amendments to the original order.
  • Item 3: Describe the original action (e.g., TDY, PCS) and include relevant details like gaining unit, CAFSC/PAFSC, assignment action number, or shipment line number for reassignments.
  • Item 4: Identify the individual(s) affected. Use “same as basic order” if the change applies to everyone on the original. Avoid this form for board or committee appointments.
  • Item 5A (Amendment): Clearly state changes. Underscore modified wording and indicate the new text.
  • Item 5B: Specify whether content is being included or deleted.
  • Item 6 (Remarks): Provide any additional justification, authority for the change, or continuation of other items. Include funding details if additional funds are required (and obtain fund-approving official initials).
  • Item 7 (Accounting Citation): Include fund cites only if correcting or adding funding. Not required for simple revocations/rescissions.

Key Tips:

  • Publish changes in the same order series as the original.
  • Avoid blanket statements like “This supersedes all previous orders.”
  • For revocations affecting only part of an order, note “In Part.”
  • Ensure proper authentication by commanders or designated officials (often E-6/GS-7 and above).
  • Submit through proper channels; copies go to the original orders publisher.

Always verify current procedures with your local Force Support Squadron (FSS) or orders section, as digital systems like myFSS may streamline parts of the process today.

Download Official AF Form 973

The most current and official version of AF Form 973 is available directly from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site:

→ Download AF Form 973 PDF: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_cio_a6/form/af973/af973.pdf

Use only this official fillable PDF to ensure compliance. Third-party sites may offer copies, but the e-Publishing link guarantees the latest approved form.

  • DAF Form 899: Often used alongside AF Form 973 for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) requests and authorizations.
  • myFSS / vMPF: Self-service portals for many assignment-related requests, including some RNLTD changes.
  • AROWS-R: For Air Force Reserve orders modifications.

For broader assignment policies, refer to DAFI 36-2110 (Assignments) and related manpower/personnel instructions. Recent manuals like DAFMAN 36-2604 also reference AF Form 973 in commissioning and personnel record contexts.

Tips for U.S. Air Force Members

  1. Start Early: Coordinate with your commander, supervisor, and personnel office as soon as a change is needed.
  2. Document Everything: Provide clear justification and supporting documentation (e.g., medical, humanitarian, or mission requirements).
  3. Funding Considerations: Changes that increase costs require additional approvals and accounting data.
  4. Seek Help Locally: Visit your base FSS Customer Service or Military Personnel Section for hands-on assistance. Reserve/Guard members should check with their detachment or RIO.
  5. Stay Compliant: Follow Privacy Act and records management rules when handling personal data.

Accurate use of AF Form 973 helps prevent delays in pay, travel vouchers, or entitlements and keeps your records current.

Need More Help?

If you have questions about completing AF Form 973 or your specific situation, contact your unit’s personnel office or submit a support request through myFSS. For policy questions, refer to official Air Force e-Publishing resources at www.e-publishing.af.mil.

Official Download Link: AF Form 973 PDF

This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Air Force guidance. Always consult your chain of command and current directives for official procedures, as policies can evolve.