DAF Form 1089A: Air Reserve Leave Settlement Guide 2026

DAF Form 1089A: Air Reserve Leave Settlement Guide 2026 – Air Force Reserve (AFR) and Air National Guard (ANG) members serving on extended active-duty orders like MPA, RPA, or AGR often accrue significant leave. DAF Form 1089A, officially titled Air Reserve Component Leave Settlement Option, is the key document that lets you decide whether to sell (cash settlement), carry forward, or combine both options for your unused leave at the end of a qualifying tour.

This form, prescribed by DAFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program, helps prevent leave forfeiture and ensures you maximize your earned benefits under Department of Defense and Air Force policies.

Why DAF Form 1089A Matters for Reserve Component Airmen?

Reserve Component members earn leave during qualifying active-duty periods (typically 31+ days). Unlike Regular Air Force, you have flexibility due to 10 U.S.C. provisions allowing carryover to future long tours instead of automatic use-or-lose at tour end.

Key benefits:

  • Cash settlement — Receive payment for accrued leave (basic pay only).
  • Carry forward — Save leave for use on a future qualifying active-duty tour (30+ days).
  • Hybrid option — Sell part and carry the rest.

Important limits:

  • You can sell no more than 60 days of non-excepted accrued leave in your entire military career (exceptions apply for Special Leave Accrual/SLA and certain contingency operations).
  • Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE) leave is prioritized first when charging leave.
  • Carryover leave can only be used on long tours; it cannot be sold or used during Annual Tour (AT) or Inactive Duty Training (IDT).

Who Needs to Complete DAF Form 1089A?

  • Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members on or ending MPA/RPA/AGR tours.
  • Those with accrued leave at the end of a qualifying active-duty order.
  • Members starting a new long tour who want to use previously carried-over leave.

It is mandatory if you want to carry forward leave or make a specific settlement election. Failure to submit may result in automatic sale of leave or loss of carryover rights.

How to Fill Out DAF Form 1089A? (Section-by-Section Overview)

The current version (e.g., 20250117) includes these main sections:

Section I: Identification Data
Enter your name, grade, DoD ID, unit, ETS/DOS, etc.

Section II: Leave Settlement on End of Order
Elect at the end of your current tour:

  • A. Cash settlement for all accrued leave.
  • B. Carry forward all accrued leave (specify days and CZTE portion).
  • C. Partial cash settlement + carry forward (specify amounts).

You must acknowledge the 60-day career sales limit and other rules.

Section III: Leave Carry Over to a New Order
Use this when starting a new qualifying tour to bring forward prior leave.

Section IV: Verification/Signatures
Requires signatures from the member, Resource Advisor/MPA Manager, Commander/Representative, and MPF or FM.

Download the Official DAF Form 1089A Here:
DAF Form 1089A PDF

Pro Tip: Always use the latest version from official e-Publishing or your unit/HQ RIO channels.

Step-by-Step Submission Process (Especially for IMA/AFRC)

  1. Complete the form with accurate leave balances.
  2. Obtain necessary signatures (Resource Advisor, Commander).
  3. For carryover: Submit via myFSS case to HQ RIO/RPO (include closed-out orders).
  4. Coordinate funding availability for additional leave days if needed.

Check your local Military Personnel Flight (MPF), Finance, or Reserve Pay Office (RPO) for unit-specific guidance.

  • DAFI 36-3003 governs all military leave programs and was updated as recently as February 2026.
  • Special Leave Accrual (SLA) allows higher carryover (up to 90+ days in some cases) for qualifying deployments or missions.
  • Plan leave usage during your tour—commanders are encouraged to support it.
  • Fiscal year limits still apply (generally 60 days carryover unless SLA-protected).
  • Selling leave provides taxable income (except CZTE portions); carrying forward preserves it for future use.

Always verify your current leave balance via myPay or your servicing finance office before deciding.

Common Questions About DAF Form 1089A

Can I sell leave anytime?
No—typically only at reenlistment, separation, retirement, or end of qualifying orders, subject to the 60-day lifetime cap.

What if I have carryover from a previous tour?
You must be on a new long tour to use it and complete the appropriate section on DAF Form 1089A.

Is this the same as the old AF Form 1089?
DAF Form 1089A is the updated, specific version for Air Reserve Component members.

Maximize Your Benefits as a USAF Reservist or Guardsman

Understanding and properly using DAF Form 1089A protects your earned leave and provides financial flexibility. Whether you need cash now or time off on your next tour, this form ensures your choice is documented and honored.

For personalized assistance, contact your unit’s Resource Advisor, MPA Manager, Finance Office, or submit a case through myFSS. Review DAFI 36-3003 and official Air Force Reserve guidance regularly, as policies can update.

Official Download: DAF Form 1089A

This information is for guidance only and based on publicly available Department of the Air Force sources. Always consult your chain of command, MPF, or finance for official advice tailored to your situation.