DAF Form 153: Civilian Mobility Agreement (Download PDF) – If you’re a Department of the Air Force (DAF) civilian employee in a centrally managed career field position, you may need to complete DAF Form 153. This form formalizes your agreement to the mobility requirements tied to career development and progression in these key roles.
What Is DAF Form 153?
DAF Form 153, titled Department of the Air Force Civilian Centrally Managed Career Development Mobility Agreement, is an official DAF document that outlines the mobility obligations for civilians serving in centrally managed positions. These positions are typically managed at the enterprise level by Career Field Teams (CFTs) at the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) to ensure the development of highly qualified leaders with broad experience across the Department of the Air Force.
The form serves as a mobility agreement, confirming that the employee understands and accepts the potential for relocation or reassignment as a condition of employment in these developmental or leadership-track roles. It supports DAF goals of building depth and breadth of experience through varied assignments, which prepare civilians for higher-level responsibilities.
Note: Earlier versions or related documents sometimes referenced AF Form 202 or similar mobility memorandums. DAF Form 153 is the current standardized form for this purpose in centrally managed career development contexts.
Why Is the Mobility Agreement Required?
The Department of the Air Force emphasizes force development for its civilian workforce through the “Civilians We Need” Career Model. This model includes dual tracks:
- Enterprise Leader track — Often requires geographic mobility, diverse assignments, and experiences beyond a single functional area.
- Functional Expert/Leader track — Focuses on deep technical expertise, with varying mobility needs.
Centrally managed positions (often at GS-12 through GS-14 and equivalent levels) are designed to provide challenging experiences at different geographic locations or organizational levels. Effective career progression frequently involves remaining in CONUS centrally managed positions for defined periods (e.g., at least four years in some cases) before considering further moves to meet mission needs and individual development goals.
Signing the mobility agreement acknowledges that:
- Reassignment or relocation may be necessary for career advancement.
- Employees are expected to be available for positions that enhance their skills and support DAF mission requirements.
- Mobility helps create a flexible, experienced civilian workforce ready for leadership roles.
This aligns with broader DAF guidance in documents such as DAFMAN 36-142, Civilian Career Field Management and Centrally-Managed Programs (updated as of 2025), which stresses varied work experiences for career-minded civilians.
Who Needs to Complete DAF Form 153?
DAF Form 153 primarily applies to:
- Civilians selected for or serving in centrally managed positions within specific career fields.
- Employees participating in career broadening, developmental programs, or force renewal assignments.
- Individuals in roles managed by AFPC Career Field Teams, where centralized referral, promotion panels, or outplacement processes are used.
- Those entering positions that require an Air Force-wide (or DAF-wide) mobility statement.
Local supervisors, Career Field Managers (CFMs), and Civilian Personnel offices determine when the form is required during the hiring, promotion, or assignment process.
Key Elements Typically Covered in the Mobility Agreement
While the exact fields are detailed in the official PDF, mobility agreements generally include:
- Employee name, position title, grade, and organization.
- Acknowledgment of mobility requirements (CONUS and potentially OCONUS).
- Understanding that refusal of a directed reassignment may impact continued employment in the centrally managed position or future opportunities.
- Duration or conditions of the agreement.
- Signatures from the employee, supervisor, and appropriate functional or personnel authority.
- Privacy Act statements and information about how the data will be used.
Always refer to the current version of the form for precise instructions.
How to Download and Complete DAF Form 153?
The official fillable PDF is available directly from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site:
→ Download DAF Form 153 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf153/daf153.pdf
Tips for completion:
- Use Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 8 or higher recommended) for best compatibility.
- Fill out all required fields accurately.
- Ensure all signatures (wet or digital, per local policy) are obtained.
- Submit the completed form through your servicing Civilian Personnel office or as directed by your Career Field Team.
Third-party sites like TemplateRoller may offer previews, but always use the official e-Publishing link for the authoritative version.
Related DAF Civilian Career Resources
- AFPC Civilian Career Management — Information on Career Field Teams, development programs, and broadening opportunities.
- DAFMAN 36-142 — Detailed guidance on centrally managed programs and mobility.
- Civilians We Need Career Model & Roadmaps — Tools for planning your development as either a functional expert or enterprise leader.
- USAJOBS announcements for DAF civilian positions often mention mobility as a condition of employment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is mobility mandatory for all DAF civilians?
No. It primarily applies to centrally managed positions and certain developmental roles. Many local or functional expert positions have more limited mobility expectations.
What happens if I decline a reassignment?
Consequences can vary but may include removal from the centrally managed program, impact on promotion potential, or other personnel actions consistent with DAF policy.
Does this affect my PCS entitlements?
When a permanent change of station (PCS) is directed, standard federal civilian PCS benefits generally apply. Consult your Civilian Personnel office for specifics.
Where can I get help completing the form?
Contact your local Civilian Personnel Flight (CPF), your Career Field Team at AFPC, or your supervisor.
Final Thoughts
DAF Form 153 is a critical part of the Department of the Air Force’s commitment to developing a skilled, adaptable civilian workforce. By formalizing mobility expectations, it helps align individual career growth with the evolving needs of the Air Force and Space Force.
If you’re pursuing advancement in a centrally managed career field, view the mobility agreement as an investment in your long-term professional development and leadership potential.
For the most current guidance, always check the official Air Force e-Publishing website and consult your servicing HR professionals. Policies and forms can be updated, so verify you are using the latest revision.
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available DAF resources as of 2026. It is not a substitute for official policy or legal advice.