DAF Form 2233E: Air Medal (Achievement) | myDecs Guide – If you’re an Airman or Guardian in the Department of the Air Force (DAF) seeking recognition for outstanding performance during aerial flight, understanding DAF Form 2233E is essential. This specialized certificate form is used exclusively for the Air Medal (Achievement) and is processed through the myDecs application (now myDecs Reimagined on myFSS).
What Is DAF Form 2233E?
DAF Form 2233E is the official Department of the Air Force certificate for the Air Medal (Achievement) variant. It is explicitly designated for myDecs use only, distinguishing it from the heroism version (DAF Form 2233D, which includes two signature lines for higher-level approvals).
This form serves as the formal certificate presented to recipients recognizing meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. It is not a general-purpose decoration form but a targeted template integrated into the digital awards workflow.
The Air Medal itself dates back to 1942 (Executive Order 9158, as amended), honoring single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement in aerial flight that exceed what is normally expected of professional aircrew but fall short of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Air Medal (Achievement) vs. Air Medal (Heroism)
The Department of the Air Force differentiates the Air Medal based on the nature of the action:
- Air Medal (Achievement) — Recognizes meritorious achievement (non-heroic) during aerial flight. This is the version documented on DAF Form 2233E.
- Air Medal (Heroism) — For acts involving heroism, using DAF Form 2233D.
Both fall under the broader Air Medal criteria, but the form and routing may differ slightly depending on the level of valor involved. Note that sustained peacetime operational flights typically do not qualify; the achievement must demonstrate distinction above routine duties.
For sustained meritorious achievement in aerial flight (rather than a single act), Airmen and Guardians should consider the Aerial Achievement Medal (AAM) instead, which has its own processing path.
How DAF Form 2233E Fits into the myDecs Process?
The Department of the Air Force uses myDecs Reimagined (accessed via myFSS) to streamline decoration submissions for currently serving members. Recommendations for the Air Medal (AM) are processed directly in this system.
Key points about the process:
- myDecs Reimagined replaced the older myDecs platform with a simpler, single-page experience that supports ad-hoc routing, full editing until signed, comments, and direct updates to personnel records.
- Users select the appropriate form and reason (Achievement) when drafting the nomination.
- Once approved, the certificate generated aligns with DAF Form 2233E for the Achievement version.
- Approval authority for the Air Medal (without valor) is generally restricted to units with a flying mission, often at the MAJCOM or delegated level.
Note: Older submissions from the legacy myDecs system may need resubmission in the new platform.
Who Qualifies for the Air Medal (Achievement)?
Eligibility requires:
- Participation in aerial flight (manned or unmanned systems may qualify in certain cases).
- A single act or specific achievement demonstrating meritorious performance “with distinction above and beyond that normally expected of professional airmen.”
- The act must not qualify for a higher award like the Distinguished Flying Cross.
MAJCOMs establish and certify specific mission profiles and duty positions that support Air Medal approval. Peacetime sustained activities generally do not meet the threshold.
Both U.S. military personnel and certain civilians/foreign military (in combat support) may be eligible, with approval paths varying accordingly.
Download DAF Form 2233E
You can download the official DAF Form 2233E (Air Medal Achievement certificate) in these formats:
- PDF: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/etc/physical.pdf
- EPUB: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/etc/physical.epub
These links provide the physical/digital certificate templates referenced in DAFMAN 36-2806. Always verify you are accessing the most current version through official e-Publishing channels or myFSS/myDecs.
Important: These are official DAF forms. Do not use unofficial templates for final certificates, as they must integrate properly with myDecs-generated citations and orders for accurate records updating.
Tips for a Strong Air Medal Nomination in myDecs
- Draft Clearly — Use the character limits and approved abbreviations in myDecs Reimagined. Tools like Dec Workbench can help structure opening/closing sentences.
- Highlight Impact — Focus on how the achievement exceeded standards and contributed to the mission.
- Route Correctly — Select the right approval authority and use the dashboard to track progress.
- Coordinate with Leadership — Ensure your supervisor and commander support the package early.
- Check Criteria — Confirm the mission/profile qualifies per your MAJCOM guidance.
For full policy details, consult the latest DAFMAN 36-2806 (Awards and Decorations), available on the Air Force e-Publishing site.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is DAF Form 2233E the same as the Air Force Achievement Medal form?
No. The Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM) uses a different form. DAF Form 2233E is specific to the Air Medal (Achievement) for aerial flight recognition.
Can I print DAF Form 2233E myself?
The form is generated and processed through myDecs for active-duty submissions. Downloaded templates are for reference or specific administrative needs.
Where do I access myDecs Reimagined?
Log into myFSS and select “myDecs.” It supports multiple decorations, including the Air Medal.
What if my Air Medal package is downgraded?
It may be approved at a lower level or converted to another appropriate award (e.g., Aerial Achievement Medal in some cases).
Stay Updated
Awards policy can evolve. Always reference official sources:
- DAFMAN 36-2806 on e-Publishing.af.mil
- myFSS / myDecs Reimagined
- Your unit awards and decorations manager or MAJCOM guidance
DAF Form 2233E plays a key role in formally recognizing exceptional aerial achievements for Airmen and Guardians. By using the myDecs system correctly, you help ensure deserving service members receive timely, accurate recognition that becomes part of their official record.
For assistance with your specific package, contact your servicing Military Personnel Flight (MPF) or use the help features within myDecs Reimagined.
This article is for informational purposes and reflects guidance from official DAF publications as of the latest available updates.