DAF Form 2278A: Aerial Achievement Medal Certificate Download

DAF Form 2278A: Aerial Achievement Medal Certificate Download – Serving Airmen, Guardians, and Department of the Air Force (DAF) personnel who earn the Aerial Achievement Medal (AAM) often need the proper certificate for their records, promotion packages, or display. DAF Form 2278A is the official certificate specifically designed for the Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal with two signature lines.

This form is referenced directly in DAFMAN 36-2806, Awards and Decorations, which governs DAF awards processing. It differs from DAF Form 2278B (myDecs use only) and older variants with a single Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF) signature line.

What Is the Aerial Achievement Medal (AAM)?

The Aerial Achievement Medal recognizes sustained meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. Established by the Secretary of the Air Force on February 3, 1988 (authorized February 5, 1988), it honors contributions by aircrew members—including pilots, navigators, flight engineers, loadmasters, and remotely piloted aircraft (RPA)/drone operators—that exceed the normal expectations of professional airmen but may not qualify for the higher Air Medal.

Key eligibility criteria (per AFPC and DAF guidance):

  • Sustained meritorious achievement in aerial flight, performed with distinction above routine duties.
  • Missions and duty positions must be pre-approved by the applicable Major Command (MAJCOM). HQ USAF/XO certifies MAJCOM criteria.
  • Common minimum: Often 20 flights of at least 2 hours each (one flight per theater per day). Some cases allow 14 flights for the basic award, with adjusted requirements for the first Oak Leaf Cluster (typically 26 flights).
  • Not awarded for single-event flights.
  • Approval authority for military members is generally delegated to wing commanders in units with a flying mission. Civilian awards require Secretary of the Air Force approval.

The medal features a bronze disc with an eagle facing right, wings displayed, holding lightning bolts—symbolizing aerospace power. It sits below the Air Medal and above the Joint Service Commendation Medal in precedence.

Purpose of DAF Form 2278A (Two Signature Lines)

DAF Form 2278A serves as the formal presentation certificate for the Aerial Achievement Medal. The “two signature lines” version accommodates dual signatures—typically the approving commander (e.g., wing commander) and another authorizing official—making it suitable for certain approval workflows or formal presentations where multiple levels of endorsement appear on the certificate itself.

This physical form complements the digital processing now handled primarily through the myDecs Reimagined application on myFSS. Most current recommendations for the AAM (along with other lower-tier decorations) are submitted and routed electronically, but the signed certificate remains essential for official records and member keepsakes.

Note: Always use the most current version from official Air Force e-Publishing sources to ensure compliance.

How to Download DAF Form 2278A?

Official downloads (provided for U.S. Air Force and Department of the Air Force personnel):

These links point to the official e-Publishing repository. Verify you are on a .mil domain or authenticated AF network when accessing sensitive forms. For the latest forms and instructions, visit the Air Force e-Publishing website (www.e-publishing.af.mil) and search for DAF Form 2278A or consult DAFMAN 36-2806.

Important:

  • Forms are updated periodically; check the revision date.
  • myDecs-generated versions (e.g., DAF Form 2278B) may be used internally for certain workflows.
  • Contact your unit decorations monitor, Military Personnel Flight (MPF), or AFPC/DP3SP for guidance on which version applies to your award package.

Step-by-Step Process for Aerial Achievement Medal Recommendations

  1. Verify Eligibility — Confirm the member’s flights, missions, and position qualify under your MAJCOM’s approved criteria.
  2. Prepare the Package — Use myDecs Reimagined (accessed via myFSS) for electronic submission. Include justification (limited lines per guidance), flight logs, and endorsements.
  3. Route Through Chain of Command — Process within established timelines (typically 20 working days per level where possible).
  4. Approval — Wing-level for most military AAMs in flying units.
  5. Certificate Issuance — Upon approval, generate or complete DAF Form 2278A for signing and presentation.
  6. Update Records — Ensure the award is updated in the member’s personnel record via AFPC.

Nominations should enter official channels within 3 years of the achievement and be awarded within 5 years (with limited exceptions).

Who Qualifies? (Target Audience: U.S. Air Force & Space Force Personnel)

  • Active duty, Reserve, and Air National Guard aircrew in qualifying flying or RPA positions.
  • Certain Department of the Air Force civilians (approval at SecAF level).
  • Personnel whose sustained aerial contributions stand out but do not meet Air Medal thresholds.

The AAM fills an important gap in recognizing professional excellence in non-combat or sustained operational aerial environments.

Tips for Airmen and Supervisors

  • Document flight hours and mission details meticulously—strong supporting evidence strengthens the package.
  • Coordinate early with your unit’s awards and decorations representative.
  • For questions on policy, refer to DAFMAN 36-2806 and DAFI 36-2803.
  • Stay current: The Department of the Air Force continues to streamline the awards process through myDecs Reimagined to reduce administrative burden.

Download DAF Form 2278A today from the official links above and ensure your well-earned Aerial Achievement Medal is properly documented.

This article is for informational purposes and references publicly available Department of the Air Force publications and fact sheets as of 2026. Always consult your chain of command, local guidance, or AFPC for official advice. Policies and forms can be updated; verify the latest versions on e-publishing.af.mil.

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For U.S. service members seeking to honor sustained excellence in aerial operations, understanding and properly using DAF Form 2278A ensures the recognition process is complete and official.