DAF Form 4364: Record of Promotion Delay Resolution Guide

DAF Form 4364: Record of Promotion Delay Resolution Guide – Air Force and Department of the Air Force (DAF) officers selected for promotion occasionally face a promotion delay due to questions about conduct, performance, or other propriety issues arising after selection. The DAF Form 4364, officially titled Record of Promotion Delay Resolution, serves as the key document to formally resolve such delays.

This form documents the command’s recommendation on whether to terminate the delay, adjust the date of rank (DOR), or take other actions, and it routes through the required review chain, often culminating with Secretary of the Air Force (SecAF) or designee approval.

What Is a Promotion Delay in the Air Force?

A promotion delay temporarily holds an officer’s advancement to the next grade while the command or higher authority investigates potential issues, such as alleged misconduct, failure to meet standards, or other factors affecting promotability. Delays differ from outright removal from the promotion list.

According to DAFI 36-2501 (Officer Promotions and Selective Continuation), a commander can initiate a delay using DAF Form 4363 (Record of Promotion Propriety Action). The delay remains in effect until properly resolved. Only the SecAF (or designee) typically holds authority to end most delays, though processes allow for command recommendations.

Promotion propriety actions protect the integrity of the officer promotion system while giving the affected officer an opportunity to respond.

Purpose of DAF Form 4364

DAF Form 4364 records the resolution of an existing promotion delay. Commanders or reviewing authorities use it to recommend:

  • Termination of the delay and promotion on the original or adjusted effective date.
  • Date of rank adjustment if the officer was unqualified for promotion during part of the delay period.
  • Other resolutions as appropriate (e.g., forwarding for SecAF decision on removal, extension, or termination).

The form ensures a clear, documented record of the rationale, officer notifications, and final decision. It processes similarly to DAF Form 4363 for propriety actions, including legal reviews and officer response opportunities.

Key references include:

  • DAFI 36-2501 (Officer Promotions and Selective Continuation) — the primary governing instruction that prescribes both DAF Forms 4363 and 4364.
  • Related guidance in AFI 36-2504 for Reserve Component officers.

When Is DAF Form 4364 Used?

  • After a promotion delay has been initiated (typically via DAF Form 4363).
  • When the initiating or reviewing commander determines the issues causing the delay have been resolved (e.g., standards met after investigation or rehabilitation).
  • To recommend early termination of the delay or DOR adjustment.
  • As part of the formal promotion propriety action (PPA) package sent through the chain for higher-level review and SecAF action when required.

Examples from practice include cases where a commander recommends terminating a delay with or without DOR adjustment once the officer returns to “within standards.” The form captures the specific reasons and recommended resolution.

Note: Voluntary delays (e.g., for education or assignments) use different processes and forms, such as AF Form 3988 in some cases. DAF Form 4364 primarily addresses involuntary delays tied to propriety concerns.

How to Complete and Process DAF Form 4364?

While the exact block-by-block instructions appear on the form itself, general steps include:

  1. Identification — Officer’s name, rank, DAFSC, unit, promotion board details, original promotion effective date, and delay initiation date.
  2. Rationale — Detailed explanation of why the delay should be resolved, including supporting evidence that the officer now meets promotion standards or that issues have been addressed.
  3. Recommendation — Specific action requested (terminate delay, adjust DOR/effective date, etc.).
  4. Officer Notification & Response — The officer receives notification and an opportunity to submit comments (consistent with due process requirements in DAFI 36-2501).
  5. Chain of Review — Command endorsements, legal sufficiency review (often by JA), and forwarding to AF/A1PP or SecAF/designee for final decision on most cases.
  6. Final Decision — Documentation of the approved resolution, which then allows publication of promotion orders (or removal/continuation of delay).

Processing follows the same general workflow as other promotion propriety actions: timely notification, opportunity to respond, legal review, and Secretarial-level decision where required. Commanders should consult their local Military Personnel Section (MPS), Force Support Squadron, or Staff Judge Advocate for current procedures.

Official Download: Access the current fillable DAF Form 4364 PDF directly from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf4364/daf4364.pdf

Always use the version hosted on e-Publishing.af.mil for the most authoritative copy.

Important Considerations for Officers and Commanders

  • Due Process — Officers receive notice and a chance to submit matters in response. In cases involving sensitive information, a summary may be provided.
  • Timelines — Act promptly; delays can affect pay, seniority, and career progression.
  • Legal Review — Most actions require Judge Advocate review for legal sufficiency before final decision.
  • Outcomes — Possible results include promotion on original date, adjusted DOR, continued delay, or in some cases conversion to removal action.
  • Impact on Career — Promotion propriety actions are serious. Officers facing delays should consult a military justice attorney or area defense counsel early.

Secretarial involvement is common because officer promotions to captain through colonel carry significant weight under law and policy.

  • DAF Form 4363 — Record of Promotion Propriety Action (used to initiate delay or removal recommendations).
  • DAFI 36-2501 — Main instruction for officer promotions (available on e-Publishing).
  • MyPers / AFPC portals for additional guidance on promotion boards and propriety actions.
  • Local MPS or FSS for assistance with processing.

Final Tips

If you are an Air Force officer whose promotion has been delayed, stay engaged with your chain of command and seek legal counsel through your servicing JAG office. Commanders initiating or resolving delays should ensure complete documentation and compliance with DAFI 36-2501 to maintain fairness and legal sufficiency.

For the latest official guidance, always refer to the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing website (www.e-publishing.af.mil) and current versions of DAFI 36-2501.

This article provides general information based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications and is not a substitute for official legal or personnel advice. Policies can be updated; consult your command, MPS, or JAG for case-specific guidance.