DAF Form 31: Request for Early Separation (2026 Guide) – DAF Form 31: Airmen/Guardian’s Request for Early Separation/Separation Based on Change in Service Obligation is the official Department of the Air Force form used by enlisted Airmen and Guardians to request voluntary early separation from active duty before their Expiration Term of Service (ETS) or due to a change in their service obligation.
This form serves as a key tool for eligible service members seeking to adjust or end their active duty commitment for approved reasons, such as dependency or hardship, further education, or other qualifying circumstances outlined in Department of the Air Force policy. It applies to Regular Air Force, United States Space Force Guardians, and certain Reserve Component members.
What Is DAF Form 31?
DAF Form 31, titled “Airmen/Guardian’s Request for Early Separation/Separation Based on Change in Service Obligation”, replaced the older AF Form 31. It allows enlisted personnel to formally request separation prior to completing their full term of service or to adjust obligations tied to incentives, training, or contracts.
Key purposes include:
- Requesting early release from active duty for qualifying reasons (e.g., hardship, education, or other voluntary separation provisions in DAFI 36-3211 or related instructions).
- Documenting a change in service obligation, such as waiving or modifying an Active Duty Service Commitment (ADSC) under specific conditions.
- Providing a structured way to submit the request when online self-service options in the virtual Military Personnel Flight (vMPF) are unavailable.
The form is not primarily for involuntary separations or officer actions (officers typically use DAF Form 780 for separation actions). It requires commander endorsement and routing through the Military Personnel Flight (MPF) for processing via a Case Management System (CMS) case in many scenarios.
Download the official form here: DAF Form 31 PDF
Who Should Use DAF Form 31?
- Enlisted Airmen and Guardians in the Regular Air Force or Space Force who meet criteria for voluntary early separation.
- Members with a change in personal circumstances affecting their service obligation (subject to approval and policy at the time of submission).
- Individuals without access to the vMPF self-service “Voluntary Separation” application.
Note: Approval is not guaranteed. Requests are evaluated based on current Department of the Air Force needs, manning requirements, and governing instructions like DAFI 36-3211 (Administrative Separation of Airmen and Guardians) and related guidance memorandums. Early separation may impact benefits, bonuses, or recoupment of incentives.
How to Complete DAF Form 31?
The form includes standard personal identification blocks (Name, Rank, SSN/DOD ID, Unit, etc.) and sections for:
- Reason for Request — Clearly state the basis (e.g., dependency/hardship, education, or specific change in obligation). Provide detailed justification and attach supporting documentation as required by policy (e.g., dependency statements, school acceptance letters).
- Requested Separation Date — Indicate the desired Date of Separation (DOS). Processing timelines and minimum notice periods apply.
- Service Obligation Details — Document current ETS, ADSCs, or other commitments and explain the requested change.
- Member’s Statement — Include a concise explanation of the request and its impact.
- Commander/Supervisor Endorsement — Required; commanders provide comments and recommendations.
Tips for completion:
- Be factual, concise, and attach all required evidence.
- Review the latest DAFI 36-3211 or Personnel Service Delivery guides for specific justification requirements per separation reason.
- Privacy Act information is printed on the form; ensure compliance with handling of personal data.
After completion, obtain your commander’s signature, then route to your local MPF for submission. In some cases (e.g., certain voluntary separation programs), online vMPF submission is preferred when available.
Submission and Processing
- Online option (when available): Log into vMPF > Self-Service Actions > Voluntary Separation.
- Form-based route: Submit DAF Form 31 with commander endorsement to MPF for CMS case creation.
- Processing involves review by the MPF, legal, and appropriate separation authority. Timelines vary based on reason and current force management priorities.
- Members may receive pre-separation counseling, Transition Assistance Program (TAP) benefits, and other support upon approval.
Important considerations:
- Early separation can affect eligibility for certain benefits, separation pay, or future Reserve/Guard affiliation.
- Recoupment of unearned bonuses, incentives, or education assistance may apply unless waived under specific programs.
- Policies evolve; always check current guidance from AFPC or your MPF, especially regarding force-shaping initiatives or special programs.
Common Reasons for Early Separation Requests
While DAF Form 31 supports various scenarios, typical qualifying reasons (per historical and current policy frameworks) include:
- Dependency or genuine hardship (not temporary).
- Further education or professional development.
- Other provisions in DAF instructions allowing voluntary separation prior to ETS.
Each reason has specific documentation thresholds to demonstrate the condition exists and that retention is not in the best interest of the DAF or that approval serves a valid purpose.
Where to Get Help?
- Contact your local Military Personnel Flight (MPF) or Career Development section.
- Refer to official e-Publishing for DAF Form 31 and related publications (DAFI 36-3211, DAFI 36-3203 for retirements/separations).
- AFPC Retirements and Separations branch for specific questions.
Always verify the most current policy. Force management needs change, and approvals depend on Service requirements. Consult your chain of command and MPF before submitting to understand potential outcomes, including characterization of service and benefits.
For the official blank form, use this trusted link from Air Force e-Publishing: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf31/daf31.pdf.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official legal or military advice. Policies are subject to change; refer directly to Department of the Air Force instructions and your servicing personnel office for guidance tailored to your situation.