DAF Form 1160: Military Retirement Actions Guide 2026

DAF Form 1160: Military Retirement Actions Guide 2026 – Are you an active-duty Airman, Guardian, or member of the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard planning your military retirement? DAF Form 1160, Military Retirement Actions, is the key document for initiating voluntary retirement processing in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). This form helps service members transition smoothly to retired status and access earned benefits like retired pay, healthcare, and base privileges.

Understanding DAF Form 1160 is essential for a timely and successful retirement. This guide covers eligibility, how to complete and submit the form, required timelines, and supporting resources for U.S. military members.

What Is DAF Form 1160?

DAF Form 1160 is the official Department of the Air Force form titled Military Retirement Actions. It serves as the primary application for voluntary (non-disability) retirement for eligible DAF personnel, including:

  • Regular Air Force (RegAF)
  • United States Space Force (USSF)
  • Air Force Reserve (AFR)
  • Air National Guard (ANG) members qualifying for active-duty retirement

The form captures critical details such as personal information, service history, requested retirement date, and other data needed to process retirement orders. It triggers actions like medical exams, pay setup with DFAS, and benefit calculations.

Note: This form is distinct from disability retirement processes (handled under different authorities) or reserve component retired pay applications for “gray area” retirees.

Download the Official DAF Form 1160:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf1160/daf1160.pdf

Always use the latest version from the official Air Force e-Publishing site.

Who Needs to Use DAF Form 1160?

You generally need DAF Form 1160 if you are:

  • Requesting voluntary active-duty retirement after completing 20 years of Total Active Federal Military Service (TAFMS) (officers also need 10 years of Total Active Federal Commissioned Service – TAFCS, unless waived).
  • An enlisted member reaching High Year Tenure (HYT) who wants to retire instead of separate.
  • A commissioned officer approaching Mandatory Separation Date (MSD).
  • Seeking retirement in lieu of other actions (e.g., demotion), subject to approvals and restrictions.

Reserve Component Note: Members not on extended active duty may use it for active-duty retirement qualification; separate processes apply for age/service reserve retirement.

General officers and certain senior leaders have specialized submission paths through management offices.

Retirement Eligibility Basics (Per DAFI 36-3203)

  • Active-Duty Retirement: Typically requires 20 years TAFMS (plus TAFCS for officers).
  • Mandatory Retirement: Officers face age or service-based MSDs; enlisted face HYT.
  • Waivers exist for certain restrictions (e.g., best interest of the DAF or unique hardships), but prohibitions like pending actions may delay processing.

Always consult the current DAFI 36-3203, Service Retirements (dated 8 July 2025) for full details, tables on waivable conditions, and prohibitions.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete and Submit DAF Form 1160?

  1. Access the Form: Download from e-Publishing or use the online myFSS application where available.
  2. Gather Information:
    • Personal and contact details.
    • Service history and dates.
    • Desired retirement date (effective the 1st of the month).
    • Commander endorsement.
  3. Complete the Form: Follow instructions on the reverse side. Ensure accuracy to avoid delays.
  4. Commander Review: Obtain signature/endorsement.
  5. Submission:
    • Preferred: Online via myFSS (for Colonels and below).
    • Manual: Submit through your Military Personnel Flight (MPF) or Force Support Squadron.
    • Email options for specific cases (e.g., encrypted to AFPC).
    • Timeline: Submit 6–12 months in advance (typically no earlier than 120 days, no later than 60 days before desired date, depending on guidance).
  6. Additional Requirements: Complete a physical exam (e.g., SHPE), pre-retirement counseling via Transition Assistance Program (TAP), and DD Form 2656 for pay setup.

Pro Tip: Use the myFSS retirement application for streamlined processing when available.

Common Retirement Benefits and Next Steps

Upon approval:

  • Retired pay starts on the effective date (calculated based on years of service and high-3 or blended retirement system).
  • TRICARE health coverage.
  • Access to commissaries, exchanges, and other privileges.
  • Possible Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) elections.

Contact DFAS for pay questions and review CRDP/CRSC if applicable for disability compensation.

Tips for a Smooth Retirement Process

  • Start early — Review DAFI 36-3203 and your unit’s retirement guide.
  • Attend TAP workshops.
  • Update records in MilPDS.
  • Consult your MPF, Retirement Services, or AFPC for personalized guidance.
  • For gray area reservists: Apply for pay via myFSS when reaching eligibility age.

Official Resources:

  • Air Force e-Publishing: www.e-publishing.af.mil
  • DAFI 36-3203: Service Retirements
  • AFPC Retirement Page / myFSS
  • DFAS Retired Military Pay

Retiring from the U.S. Air Force or Space Force is a well-earned milestone. Proper use of DAF Form 1160 ensures you receive the benefits and recognition you deserve after years of service.

If you have questions about your specific situation, reach out to your local personnel office or the Total Force Service Center. Plan ahead for a successful transition to civilian life.

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available official DAF publications as of 2025–2026. Always verify with current Air Force instructions and your chain of command.