DAF Form 3559: General Officer Qualification Recommendation – The DAF Form 3559, officially titled General Officer Qualification Recommendation, is a critical document in the U.S. Air Force and Department of the Air Force (DAF) personnel system. It supports the evaluation and selection process for officers being considered for qualification as general officers (O-7 and above).
Prescribed by DAFI 36-2110, Total Force Assignments, this form provides senior raters with a standardized way to document an officer’s performance history, leadership potential, and overall qualification for promotion or assignment into the general officer ranks. It helps selection panels assess candidates across the Total Force, including Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard.
What Is DAF Form 3559 Used For?
Senior leaders use the DAF Form 3559 during general officer qualification boards or related personnel actions. It captures:
- The ratee’s (nominee’s) identification and current assignment details.
- A description of the unit’s mission and the officer’s specific job responsibilities.
- A direct recommendation on the officer’s qualification status for general officer consideration.
The form emphasizes the officer’s entire career performance, significant accomplishments, and leadership impact. Panels, such as those reviewing Reserve Brigadier General Qualification Boards (RBGQB) or similar processes, rely on it alongside other records like performance reports and promotion recommendations.
Key Purpose (per the form’s Privacy Act Statement):
- Support effectiveness/duty performance history
- Inform promotion decisions
- Facilitate other appropriate personnel actions
Authority: Title 10 U.S. Code, Section 9013 (Secretary of the Air Force) and DAFI 36-2110.
Current Version: DAF Form 3559 dated 20220601 (June 1, 2022). Previous editions are obsolete.
Sections of DAF Form 3559
The one-page form includes these main sections (always read DAFI 36-2110 carefully before completion):
I. Ratee Identification
- Name (Last, First, Middle Initial)
- DoD ID Number
- Grade, DAFSC (Duty Air Force Specialty Code)
- PAS Code
- Organization, Command, and Location
II. Unit Mission Description
A concise overview of the unit’s mission.
III. Job Description
- Duty Title
- Key Duties, Tasks, and Responsibilities (focus on leadership scope, impact, and achievements)
IV. Qualification Recommendation
The senior rater provides an overall assessment.
V. Group Size (only completed in certain cases)
Indicates the size of the comparison group when the top recommendation is selected.
VI. Date of Rank
VII. Board ID
VIII. COMP Category (Component category, e.g., Active, Reserve, Guard)
IX. Overall Recommendation
Options typically include:
- Definitely Qualified
- Qualified
- Not Qualified This Board
X. Senior Rater / Head of Management Recommendation
- Rater’s name, grade, branch of service, organization
- Signature and date
The form requires careful, accurate completion because it directly influences high-stakes career decisions for colonels and below being considered for brigadier general or higher.
Who Completes DAF Form 3559?
Senior raters (typically general officers or equivalent senior leaders) complete the form for eligible colonels or lieutenant colonels with strong records of leadership and potential for general officer responsibilities. It is used in both active duty and reserve component processes.
For Air Force Reserve, the form historically helped RBGQB panel members by highlighting career-long performance and accomplishments. Similar principles apply across the DAF.
How to Obtain and Download DAF Form 3559?
The official, fillable PDF is available directly from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site:
→ Download the latest DAF Form 3559 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_re/form/daf3559/daf3559.pdf
Always verify you are using the most current version from www.e-publishing.af.mil. Do not use outdated forms, as they are considered obsolete.
Tips for Completing DAF Form 3559 Effectively
- Follow DAFI 36-2110 — Review the governing instruction thoroughly before starting.
- Be Specific and Impact-Focused — In the Job Description section, highlight measurable achievements, leadership scope, and strategic contributions rather than generic duties.
- Maintain Objectivity — Recommendations must be honest and well-supported by the officer’s record.
- Coordinate Properly — Ensure all required fields (especially signatures and Board ID) are completed accurately to avoid delays in board processing.
- Privacy Considerations — The form collects personally identifiable information protected under the Privacy Act. Disclosure is voluntary, but incomplete submissions may delay or prevent proper evaluation.
Related Resources
- DAFI 36-2110 – Total Force Assignments (governing instruction)
- Air Force e-Publishing Forms Index
- Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) guidance for Reserve component processes
- AFPC or appropriate MAJCOM/FLDCOM personnel channels for active duty questions
Note: Policies and procedures can evolve. Service members should consult their servicing Military Personnel Section (MPS), Force Support Squadron, or the General Officer Management Office (AF/A1LG or equivalent for Space Force/Reserve/Guard) for the most current guidance on general officer qualification boards.
Why This Form Matters for USAF Leadership Development?
The path to general officer is highly competitive and selective. DAF Form 3559 serves as a key tool for senior leaders to identify officers who demonstrate the strategic vision, character, and leadership excellence required at the general officer level. Accurate and thoughtful completion helps ensure the Department of the Air Force selects the best-qualified leaders to guide Airmen and Guardians in an increasingly complex security environment.
For official use only. Always refer to primary Department of the Air Force sources for the latest instructions and requirements.
Official Download Link:
DAF Form 3559 PDF
This article is for informational purposes and is based on official Department of the Air Force publications as of the latest available data. Policies are subject to change.