DAF Form 1137: Unfavorable Information File (UIF) Guide – Air Force and Space Force members facing administrative actions need to understand DAF Form 1137, officially titled Unfavorable Information File Summary. This form serves as a critical summary document within the Unfavorable Information File (UIF) program, helping commanders track and document substantiated unfavorable information affecting a service member’s career.
What Is DAF Form 1137 and the Unfavorable Information File (UIF)?
The Unfavorable Information File (UIF) is an official record of derogatory or unfavorable information about an individual service member. It documents administrative, judicial, or nonjudicial actions related to performance, behavior, responsibility, or conduct.
DAF Form 1137 acts as the summary sheet for the UIF. It provides a concise overview of incidents, dates, commander’s evaluations, and actions taken. Commanders, first sergeants, or unit Adverse Administrative Actions Managers must sign each entry. The form ensures quick reference for reviews during promotions, assignments, or other personnel actions.
Key purposes of the DAF Form 1137/UIF:
- Summarizes the incident, disposition date, commander’s assessment, and administrative/judicial outcomes.
- Maintains a clear audit trail for quality force management.
- Supports decisions on promotions, reenlistment, Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Personnel Reliability Program (PRP), and more.
When Is a UIF (and DAF Form 1137) Required?
Commanders must establish a UIF (with a corresponding DAF Form 1137) in these cases (per current DAFI 36-2907, dated 14 January 2026):
- Article 15 punishment exceeding one month.
- Court-martial conviction.
- Civilian court conviction (certain thresholds).
- Control Roster placement.
Optional entries often include Letters of Reprimand (LOR), Letters of Admonishment (LOA), or Letters of Counseling (LOC) for enlisted members or officers, referred via DAF Form 1058. Commanders ensure only substantiated information goes into the UIF.
How DAF Form 1137 Is Processed?
- Initiation — Commander or authorized official prepares or updates the DAF Form 1137 summarizing the incident.
- Review & Signature — Commander, First Sergeant, or manager signs.
- Distribution — Copies go to the member’s unit, appropriate headquarters (e.g., for Reservists or ANG), and updates to personnel systems.
- Updates — New entries or removals require updates to the summary.
Service members typically receive notification via DAF Form 1058 and have an opportunity to respond (usually 3 duty days for LORs). Responses become part of the UIF.
Retention Periods and Removal
Retention varies by action and rank (enlisted vs. officer):
- Many LOR-only UIFs: 1 year (enlisted).
- Article 15: Often 2 years (enlisted).
- Officers: Longer periods in some cases.
- Early removal is possible at the discretion of the establishing authority or higher.
UIFs are reviewed for favorable actions and travel with the member on PCS. They are not permanent but can significantly impact careers while active.
Download the Official DAF Form 1137
Direct PDF Download (Official Air Force e-Publishing):
DAF Form 1137 – Unfavorable Information File Summary
This is the current blank, fillable form from the Department of the Air Force.
Related Official Guidance:
- DAFI 36-2907 – Adverse Administrative Actions (14 Jan 2026) – Primary regulation.
Impact on Your Career and Next Steps
An active UIF can affect promotions, assignments, security clearances, and reenlistment. However, it is a rehabilitative tool meant to correct behavior. Many members successfully move past them with strong performance afterward.
Tips if facing a potential UIF:
- Consult your chain of command, First Sergeant, or legal office (Area Defense Counsel) immediately.
- Provide a clear, professional response.
- Focus on rehabilitation and duty performance.
- Seek advice on removal timelines or challenges.
For USAF/ USSF personnel in the continental United States or overseas: Always refer to your local servicing Military Personnel Section (MPS) or legal office for case-specific guidance, as policies apply across Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard (on Title 10), and Space Force.
This article provides general information based on official Department of the Air Force publications as of 2026. Regulations can update—verify with primary sources at e-Publishing.af.mil for the latest. If you need help understanding your specific situation, contact your unit leadership or a military legal professional.