DAF Form 2217A: Distinguished Service Medal Certificate

DAF Form 2217A: Distinguished Service Medal (Two Signature Lines) – Official Certificate for Air Force and Space Force Awards – The DAF Form 2217A serves as the official certificate for the Department of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (DSM), specifically designed with two signature lines. This form supports high-level approvals for one of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force’s most prestigious personal military decorations.

Active-duty Airmen, Guardians, retirees, and personnel involved in awards and decorations processing frequently search for accurate information on this specialized certificate. Whether preparing a retirement package for a general officer, updating personnel records, or ensuring compliance with current Department of the Air Force (DAF) policy, understanding DAF Form 2217A is essential.

What Is the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)?

Congress established the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal on July 6, 1960. It recognizes members of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force who distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a duty of great responsibility—whether in combat or peacetime.

The DSM ranks as one of the highest non-combat personal decorations. It typically goes to senior officers (often O-7 and above) for sustained leadership in positions that significantly impact major commands, programs, or national defense objectives. A limit generally applies—often up to four per career, with specific rules for exceptional service versus retirement awards.

Key eligibility highlights (per DAFI 36-2803 and DAFMAN 36-2806):

  • Exceptionally meritorious service in a position of great responsibility.
  • Normally requires service as a general officer or in equivalent high-level roles.
  • Can include a Combat “C” device when appropriate.
  • Subsequent awards use oak leaf clusters.

The medal features a distinctive design with a sunburst, stars, and a blue stone, symbolizing the firmament. The ribbon is predominantly white with old gold and ultramarine stripes.

What Is DAF Form 2217A?

DAF Form 2217A is the Distinguished Service Medal certificate formatted with two signature lines. It contrasts with the earlier AF Form 2217 (which included lines for the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Secretary of the Air Force).

The “A” version accommodates dual-signature requirements for certain approval authorities, particularly for DSMs awarded to O-7 and O-8 recipients. In these cases, the Director, Air Force Review Boards Agency and the Commander, Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) often sign in collaboration. Other high-level processing (e.g., through the 811th Force Support Squadron for specific senior leaders) may also use this format.

This form is listed explicitly in DAFMAN 36-2806, Military Awards: Criteria and Procedures (the primary manual governing DAF awards processing). Similar dual-signature forms exist for other awards, such as DAF Form 2221A for the Purple Heart.

Note: DAF Form 2217A functions as the certificate itself, not the nomination package. Nominations for the DSM typically use DAF Form 1206 (Nomination for Award), with a detailed narrative of the member’s accomplishments, processed through the chain of command to the appropriate approval authority (often the Secretary of the Air Force level or delegated boards).

Who Uses DAF Form 2217A?

  • Military Personnel Flights (MPFs) and Force Support Squadrons processing senior officer decorations.
  • HQ AFPC and Air Force Review Boards Agency staff.
  • 811 FSS for decorations involving Headquarters Air Force (HAF) senior leaders, MAJCOM commanders, the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force/Space Force, and certain retirement DSMs.
  • Units preparing retirement or end-of-tour recognition for general officers.

The two-signature-line format streamlines certificate preparation when policy requires collaborative signing for legitimacy and oversight at the general officer level.

How to Obtain and Use DAF Form 2217A?

  1. Download the Official Form:
  2. Preparation Guidelines:
    • Follow instructions in DAFMAN 36-2806 for certificate formatting, wording, and signature blocks.
    • Ensure the recipient’s full name, grade, and citation text are accurate.
    • Dual signature lines should align with the specific approval authority (junior signer on the left, senior on the right, per standard formatting practices).
    • The certificate is presented alongside the physical medal set, citation, and special orders.
  3. Processing Flow:
    • Nomination → Chain of Command Review → Approval Authority Decision → Certificate Preparation (using DAF Form 2217A) → Presentation.
    • For joint or high-visibility cases, additional coordination with SAF/MA or AFPC may be required.

Important: Only authorized personnel should prepare and sign official certificates. Improper use or reproduction can violate regulations.

Related Policies and References (Current as of 2026)

  • DAFMAN 36-2806 — Primary source for awards criteria, procedures, and form listings.
  • DAFI 36-2803, Military Decorations and Awards Program — Overarching policy (incorporating changes through early 2026).
  • AFPC Fact Sheet on Distinguished Service Medal — Official eligibility and background.

Personnel should check the Air Force e-Publishing website or consult their servicing MPF for the latest guidance, as Tiered requirements (T-0, T-1, etc.) apply to many steps.

Why Proper Documentation Matters?

Accurate use of DAF Form 2217A ensures the recipient receives a professionally prepared, regulation-compliant certificate that honors their distinguished contributions. For senior leaders, this recognition carries significant weight in official records, promotion packages, and retirement ceremonies.

If you are a commander, personnel specialist, or retiree preparing award elements, download the form from the official links above and cross-reference DAFMAN 36-2806 before submission.

Need help with related forms? Search for DAF Form 1206 for nominations or contact AFPC/DP3SP for policy questions.

This article provides general information based on official Department of the Air Force publications. Always consult current directives and your chain of command for specific cases. Policies can be updated; verify versions on e-publishing.af.mil.