DAF Form 3516: Non-Automated Food Service Inventory Transfer

DAF Form 3516: Non-Automated Food Service Inventory Transfer – The DAF Form 3516, officially titled NON-AUTOMATED FOOD SERVICE INVENTORY TRANSFER RECEIPT, is a critical document used by the Department of the Air Force (DAF) for tracking and documenting the permanent transfer of food service inventory (subsistence) between facilities, bases, camps, sites, or installations. It ensures proper accountability, financial accuracy, and compliance in appropriated fund (APF) food service operations, including dining facilities (DFACs), flight kitchens, central preparation facilities, and field feeding.

This form is prescribed by DAFMAN 34-131, Appropriated Fund (APF) Food Service Program Management, and serves as the primary tool for non-automated operations when moving inventory. Automated systems use “Location Transfers” within their inventory software instead.

Why DAF Form 3516 Matters in Air Force Food Service Operations?

Accurate inventory management directly impacts mission readiness, cost control, and regulatory compliance. Food service personnel handle high-volume subsistence items such as meals ready to eat (MREs), unitized group rations (UGRs), and bulk food purchased through the Subsistence Total Order and Receipt Electronic System (STORES). When inventory moves permanently from one location to another — whether between DFACs on the same installation or across bases — the DAF Form 3516 creates an official audit trail.

Key benefits include:

  • Maintaining financial accountability by recording unit prices and total transfer values.
  • Assigning clear responsibility before, during, and after transit.
  • Supporting monthly monetary records and inventory reconciliation for non-automated sites.
  • Helping prevent loss, waste, or discrepancies in food service accounting.

U.S. Air Force food service managers, storeroom personnel, and supervisors in non-automated operations rely on this form to comply with DAF standards.

When to Use DAF Form 3516?

Use the form for permanent transfers of subsistence between food service facilities. Examples include:

  • Moving excess stock from one DFAC to another on the same or different base.
  • Transferring inventory to support field feeding, flight kitchens, or missile feeding operations.
  • Relocating MREs or UGRs, where lot numbers and NSNs must be tracked precisely.

Do not use it for temporary issues, internal consumption within a single facility, or automated location transfers. For automated operations, follow the specific handbook instructions in the inventory system.

The form is dated 20231010 (October 10, 2023) and remains the current version for official use.

How to Fill Out DAF Form 3516: Step-by-Step Instructions?

The two-page form includes header information, a detailed item table, and signature blocks. Complete it legibly in black ink or via fillable PDF where allowed. Here is the block-by-block guidance based on the official form instructions:

Header / Transfer Details (Blocks 1–4):

  1. Transferred From — Enter the base, camp, site, or installation name, unit/squadron, facility name or building number, and DODAAC of the organization giving up the inventory.
  2. Date Transferred Out — Use YYYY/MM/DD format for the date the sending location relinquishes possession.
  3. Transferred To — Enter the receiving base, camp, site, or installation, unit/squadron, facility or building number, and DODAAC. For flight meals, include the aircraft tail number.
  4. Date Transfer Received — Enter the arrival date at the new location (YYYY/MM/DD). If unknown due to transit, use an estimated date followed by “EST” (e.g., 2026/05/15 EST). The transferring and receiving parties must report any in-transit losses.

Inventory Table (Blocks 5–10, multiple lines allowed):

  1. Stock Number or MRE/UGR NSN — Use the STORES stock number or National Stock Number (NSN) for MREs/UGRs.
  2. Product Name or MRE/UGR Lot Number — Provide the full item description from STORES or the item name plus lot number for rations.
  3. Quantity — Enter the number of units transferred. Use the Purchase Ratio Factor (PRF) for STORES items.
  4. Unit of Issue — Specify the unit (e.g., case, pound, container, oz). Avoid “pallet.”
  5. Unit Price — Enter the cost per unit.
  6. Unit Total Price — Calculate as Quantity × Unit Price.

Totals:

  1. Transfer Total — Sum all Unit Total Prices for the entire shipment.

Signatures (Blocks 12–15):

  1. Transferred By — Print duty title, name, and rank of the person relinquishing responsibility.
  2. Signature of Person Transferring Inventory — Sign to confirm release.
  3. Received By — Print duty title, name, and rank of the person assuming responsibility.
  4. Signature of Person Receiving Inventory — Sign upon receipt and verification.

Both parties share responsibility for reporting any discrepancies or losses during transport.

Download the Official DAF Form 3516 PDF here:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf3516/daf3516.pdf

Best Practices and Compliance Tips

  • Double-check calculations — Ensure unit totals and the grand total are accurate for financial reporting.
  • Retain copies — The transferring and receiving facilities should keep records per the Air Force Records Information Management System (AFRIMS) disposition schedule.
  • Coordinate with accounting — Provide copies to food service accountants for monthly reconciliation and input into monetary records (for non-automated operations).
  • MRE/UGR specifics — Always capture lot numbers to support traceability and potential recalls.
  • Physical verification — The receiving party should inspect items upon arrival and note any issues immediately.

Following DAFMAN 34-131 procedures helps maintain high standards in Air Force food service programs, supporting both garrison and expeditionary operations.

Common Questions About DAF Form 3516

Is DAF Form 3516 the same as the old AF Form 3516?
Yes — it is the updated Department of the Air Force version of the former Air Force form, with the same core purpose.

Can I use it for temporary loans or issues?
No. It is strictly for permanent transfers of inventory responsibility.

Where can I find the governing manual?
Refer to DAFMAN 34-131 for full food service program guidance, including ordering, inventory, and transfer procedures.

Who is authorized to sign the form?
Designated personnel with appropriate duty titles and authority (typically food service supervisors or storeroom managers).

For the most current guidance, always check official e-Publishing sources or consult your local Food Service Officer or Services Squadron.

Proper use of DAF Form 3516 strengthens accountability across U.S. Air Force dining and field feeding operations, helping ensure that every dollar of appropriated funds is tracked effectively while supporting the nutritional needs of Airmen.