DAF Form 3517: Exemplary Civilian Service Award Guide

DAF Form 3517: Exemplary Civilian Service Award Guide – The Department of the Air Force Exemplary Civilian Service Award recognizes U.S. Air Force and Space Force civilian employees for clearly outstanding contributions that support command missions. Supervisors and HR professionals often use DAF Form 3517 as the official certificate accompanying this honorary award.

This mid-level civilian recognition is the civilian counterpart to the Air Force Commendation Medal. It honors sustained superior performance or a significant single act that exceeds normal expectations.

What Is the Exemplary Civilian Service Award?

The Exemplary Civilian Service Award (ECSA) acknowledges individual or group civilian employees for:

Clearly outstanding service supporting a command mission over at least one year.
A single act or achievement that significantly advances the command mission.
Completing important projects or reaching major milestones in an exemplary manner.

The award highlights how the recipient’s performance went beyond what is expected of someone in similar roles. It can also be presented at retirement to recognize a strong record of service.

Governing guidance: The award falls under DoDI 1400.25, Volume 451 and its DAF implementation, DAFI 36-1004, Civilian Recognition Program (updated December 18, 2023). Earlier references often cite AFI 36-1004.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible recipients include civilian employees as defined in 5 U.S.C. § 2105 (typically career civilian employees of the Department of the Air Force, including those supporting Air Force and Space Force missions).

Key requirements:

Sustained outstanding performance for at least one year, or a single significant act.
Clear demonstration of exceeding standard expectations for the position.
Contributions with local, command, or broader DAF impact.
No award if the individual is under investigation or has pending disciplinary action related to performance or conduct (with limited exceptions determined by appropriate authority).

Group awards are permitted when collective efforts meet the criteria. Foreign national direct-hire employees paid with U.S. funds may qualify in certain cases (e.g., under USAFE guidelines). Contractors are generally ineligible for the award itself.

Nominations should normally be submitted within six months of the desired presentation date or the end of the service period.

Award Elements

Recipients of the Exemplary Civilian Service Award receive:

A bronze medal featuring the Air Force coat of arms (or DAF emblem) within a wreath of laurel leaves.
A distinctive ribbon: Green edges with three red stripes in the center, bordered by light blue and white.
A miniature medal and bronze-colored lapel emblem for wear with civilian attire.
The official certificate on DAF Form 3517, Department of the Air Force Exemplary Civilian Service Award.

The citation on the certificate uses a standardized format (typically in landscape orientation, Times New Roman or similar font, limited to 9 lines with no more than ~120 characters per line). It avoids acronyms, quotations, and excessive embellishments, focusing on specific accomplishments and their impact. A common closing reads: “The distinctive accomplishments of [Mr./Ms. Name] reflect credit upon himself/herself and the Department of the Air Force.”

DAF Form 3517 – Purpose and Use

DAF Form 3517 serves as the formal certificate for the Exemplary Civilian Service Award. It is available for download from official Air Force e-Publishing sources in PDF and EPUB formats:

The form is prepared as part of the nomination package and signed by the approving authority. It provides a permanent, framed record of the recognition. Always use the most current version from e-Publishing.af.mil to ensure compliance.

Nomination and Approval Process

Initiation: Supervisors or anyone with direct knowledge of the accomplishments prepares the nomination, often using AF Form 1768 (Staff Summary Sheet) or electronic equivalent, plus a one-page justification in bullet format.
Justification and Citation: Detail specific achievements and their impact. The citation must follow strict formatting rules outlined in DAFI 36-1004 (Attachment 3 or equivalent).
Routing: Submit through the civilian personnel section (CPS) and supervisory chain.
Approval Authority: Typically delegated to group commanders, wing commanders, or civilian equivalents (Colonel or GS-15 and above), depending on the command. Check current Table of Approval Authorities in DAFI 36-1004, as it varies by level and command.
Timeline: Process nominations promptly; present the award in a formal ceremony when possible.

Local Civilian Personnel Sections provide detailed guidance and templates specific to your installation or MAJCOM.

How the ECSA Fits in the DAF Civilian Awards Hierarchy?

The Exemplary Civilian Service Award sits as a mid-tier honorary award:

Higher: Department of the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award (DAF Form 1166), Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service, etc.
Lower: Air Force Civilian Achievement Award, Certificates of Appreciation/Commendation.

It recognizes solid, sustained excellence that supports mission goals without rising to the broader DAF-wide impact required for higher honors.

Why This Award Matters?

Civilian employees form the backbone of Department of the Air Force operations—from logistics and engineering to intelligence, acquisition, and mission support. The ECSA publicly acknowledges their dedication, boosts morale, and reinforces a culture of excellence across Air Force and Space Force installations worldwide.

For supervisors: Timely recognition through programs like the ECSA helps retain top talent and motivates teams. For employees: Earning this award strengthens your record for future opportunities and demonstrates tangible impact on national defense.

Official DAF Form 3517 Certificate: Available at the links provided above via Air Force e-Publishing.
Full guidance: Refer to DAFI 36-1004 (DoDI 1400.25 Vol 451 implementation) on e-Publishing.af.mil.
Contact your local Civilian Personnel Section for nomination support, templates, and approval authority details.

Note: Award criteria and procedures can be updated. Always verify the latest guidance directly from official Department of the Air Force publications and your servicing Civilian Personnel Office.

Recognizing outstanding civilian service strengthens the entire Department of the Air Force team. If you are preparing a nomination or have questions about DAF Form 3517, consult your chain of command and HR specialist for command-specific instructions.

This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force guidance as of the latest updates in 2023–2024. For official use, refer to current DAFI 36-1004 and e-Publishing sources.