DAF Form 3538: Retention Recommendation Form (2026 Guide)

DAF Form 3538: Retention Recommendation Form (2026 Guide) – The Department of the Air Force (DAF) Form 3538, officially titled the Retention Recommendation Form (RRF), plays a critical role in the U.S. Air Force’s officer and enlisted evaluations system. Commanders and senior raters use it to document performance-based retention recommendations, primarily for involuntary separation or retirement boards such as Reduction in Force (RIF), Selective Early Retirement Boards (SERB), or similar force-shaping initiatives.

This form helps leadership stratify Airmen based on overall performance, potential, and contributions to the mission when the Air Force must make difficult force management decisions.

What Is DAF Form 3538 Used For?

DAF Form 3538 documents a clear retention recommendation: Retain, Consider, or Do Not Retain. It supports central selection boards and helps ensure the Department of the Air Force retains high-performing personnel while maintaining readiness and force structure requirements.

  • Primary Use: Involuntary separation/retirement boards (used only at the discretion of the Secretary of the Air Force).
  • Related Form: DAF Form 3538E serves as the Enlisted Retention Recommendation Form (ERRF) for certain enlisted processes.
  • Key Context: It works alongside performance reports (OPRs/EPRs) and other evaluation tools governed by DAFI 36-2406, Officer and Enlisted Evaluations Systems (latest updates as of 2024–2026).

Important: This is not a routine performance evaluation or promotion recommendation form. It is specifically tied to force management and retention decisions during periods of drawdown or restructuring.

Who Completes DAF Form 3538?

  • Raters and Senior Raters: Typically commanders or designated senior leaders with oversight of the Airman.
  • Applicability: Regular Air Force (RegAF), Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard (does not apply to U.S. Space Force in the same way).
  • Responsibilities (per DAFI 36-2406, Chapter 9):
    • Complete the form accurately and objectively.
    • Provide the completed form to the Airman for acknowledgment.
    • Submit it through proper channels to AFPC or the relevant board.

For Chief Master Sergeants (CMSgt), additional guidance applies regarding recommendations for increased responsibilities or “Do Not Retain” decisions, which may trigger referral procedures and require senior rater comments.

Key Sections of DAF Form 3538

While the exact layout is in the official PDF, the form generally includes:

  • Member Information: Name, rank, DAFSC, organization, etc.
  • Retention Recommendation: Checkbox or selection for Retain, Consider, or Do Not Retain.
  • Comments/Justification: Space for raters to provide specific, performance-based rationale. “Do Not Retain” recommendations often require more detailed senior rater input and may constitute a referral evaluation.
  • Promotion Recommendation (limited sections, e.g., for SrA–TSgt in some contexts).
  • Signatures: Rater, additional rater (if applicable), senior rater, and member acknowledgment.
  • Privacy Act Statement: Standard federal notice regarding use and protection of personal information.

Detailed field-by-field instructions appear in Table 9.1 of DAFI 36-2406.

“Do Not Retain” selections are significant — they can lead to board review and often require additional documentation (e.g., DAF Form 77 for extended comments).

How to Download the Official DAF Form 3538?

Access the most current version directly from the official source:

→ Download DAF Form 3538 PDF: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf3538/daf3538.pdf

Always use the version hosted on the Air Force e-Publishing website (e-Publishing.af.mil) to ensure compliance. Forms can be filled digitally where supported.

Tip for Airmen: Review the form with your rater or commander if you receive one. You typically have the right to submit a memorandum in response for certain boards (see Figure 9.1 in DAFI 36-2406 for officer rights to respond to central selection boards).

  • DAFI 36-2406 (Officer and Enlisted Evaluations Systems): The primary governing instruction. It details when and how to use DAF Form 3538, responsibilities, submission procedures, and correction processes. Recent versions (2023–2026) include updates to Chapter 9.
  • Force Management Programs: Retention recommendations feed into boards managed by the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC).
  • Privacy Considerations: The form collects personally identifiable information protected under the Privacy Act of 1974.

For the full regulatory context, download the latest DAFI 36-2406 from e-Publishing.af.mil.

Best Practices for Completing or Responding to DAF Form 3538

  1. Be Objective and Specific — Base recommendations on documented performance, not personal opinion.
  2. Timeliness — Meet board deadlines (historical examples include early April/May cutoffs for certain boards; always confirm current timelines with your unit or AFPC).
  3. Member Acknowledgment — Provide the form to the Airman as required.
  4. Appeals/Corrections — Use established processes (e.g., Evaluation Reports Appeal Board or AFBCMR via DD Form 149) if errors occur.
  5. Consult Resources — Talk to your Commander Support Staff (CSS), Military Personnel Flight (MPF), or legal assistance if facing a “Do Not Retain” recommendation.

Why Retention Recommendations Matter?

In a competitive environment with evolving national security needs, the Air Force must maintain the highest standards. DAF Form 3538 provides a standardized way for leadership to differentiate Airmen based on sustained performance and future potential. Strong retention recommendations support career progression, while they also help the service make informed force-shaping decisions.

Note: Policies and board schedules can change. Always verify the latest guidance through official channels:

This article provides general information based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications as of 2026. It is not a substitute for official legal or personnel advice. Consult your chain of command, AFPC, or a qualified military advisor for case-specific guidance.

For the official blank form, click the download link above. Stay mission-ready by understanding your evaluations and retention processes.