DAF Form 522: Ground Weapons Training Data (Download)

DAF Form 522: Ground Weapons Training Data (Download) – The DAF Form 522, officially titled USAF Ground Weapons Training Data, is a critical Department of the Air Force (DAF) form used to document small arms and ground weapons qualification training. It serves as the official record of firearms training results for Air Force, Air National Guard, and Space Force personnel who are required to carry or operate weapons.

Whether you’re in Security Forces, a CATM (Combat Arms Training and Maintenance) instructor, or a non-security forces member authorized to bear arms, understanding and properly using DAF Form 522 ensures compliance with training standards, supports marksmanship ribbon awards, and maintains readiness.

What Is DAF Form 522 Used For?

DAF Form 522 records individual performance during ground weapons training and qualification firing. Key uses include:

  • Documenting scores and qualifications on various weapons systems (pistols, rifles, shotguns, etc.).
  • Verifying small arms proficiency for arming authorization (often paired with DAF Form 523, USAF Authorization to Bear Firearms).
  • Providing source documentation for the Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (or Sharpshooter/Marksman levels). Personnel qualifying as “Expert” submit a copy of their DAF Form 522 to the Military Personnel Section (MPS) for update in MILPDS records.
  • Supporting unit training records, safety compliance, and audits.
  • Proving qualification for duties requiring weapons proficiency or for post-service needs (such as certain concealed carry exemptions in some states).

The form falls under the Privacy Act and includes a statement explaining routine uses for verifying training qualifications.

Who Needs DAF Form 522?

  • Security Forces and Combat Arms personnel.
  • Aircrew, defenders, law enforcement, and other roles requiring arming.
  • Anyone in a position where ground weapons training is mandatory per AFIs or local policy (e.g., certain base arming rosters).

Units often maintain these records in systems like AFFOGEN or through the Unit Deployment Manager (UDM) and CATM sections. Veterans sometimes request copies for civilian firearms licensing or records.

Key Sections of DAF Form 522

While the exact layout can vary slightly by revision, typical blocks on the USAF Ground Weapons Training Data form include:

  • Personal Information: Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial, Rank/Grade, DoD ID Number, Organization, Office Symbol, Base/Location, DSN/Phone.
  • Training Details: Weapon type/model, ammunition used, training location/range, date of firing, course of fire, and scoring (hits, qualification level: Expert, Sharpshooter, Marksman, or Unqualified).
  • Instructor/Certifier Information: Name, rank, and signature of the qualified Combat Arms instructor.
  • Remarks/Additional Data: Notes on remedial training, night firing, chemical defense gear, or other special conditions.
  • Privacy Act and Signature Blocks.

The form captures both initial qualification and recurring/refresher training.

How to Fill Out and Use DAF Form 522?

  1. Complete Identification Block accurately with current personal and unit data.
  2. Record Firing Results during or immediately after range qualification under CATM supervision.
  3. Have the Form Certified by a qualified small arms instructor.
  4. Distribute Copies as required: one for the individual’s training record, one for the unit, and copies for awards or authorization processing.
  5. Maintain Currency — recurring training intervals are dictated by applicable instructions (often annually or semi-annually depending on duty position).

Tip: Always use the most current version of the form. Older AF IMT 522 versions have been updated under the DAF numbering system.

Where to Download the Official DAF Form 522?

Official sources are always preferred for the latest fillable PDF or EPUB versions:

  • Department of the Air Force e-Publishing (e-publishing.af.mil) — Search for DAF forms or related publications.
  • Direct download links provided in training materials:
    PDF Version
    EPUB Version

Additional fillable templates are sometimes hosted on approved sites like TemplateRoller for convenience (released/updated around 2019 and still referenced in 2026 contexts), but verify against official e-Publishing for your unit’s requirements.

Note: Do not use unofficial third-party sites for final official records. Contact your local CATM, Security Forces, or Training section for assistance.

  • DAF Form 523: USAF Authorization to Bear Firearms.
  • AFI 36-2225 (or current successor): Training and Evaluation guidance that references weapons training documentation.
  • Career Field Education and Training Plans (CFETPs), such as for Security Forces (3P0X1), which list DAF Form 522 as a key training record.
  • Individual Training Records (DAF Form 623 series).

Why Proper Documentation Matters?

Accurate DAF Form 522 records help maintain force readiness, ensure only qualified personnel are armed, support awards and decorations, and protect individuals during audits or legal reviews. Missing or outdated forms can delay deployments, arming authorization, or ribbon entitlements.

For the most current guidance, consult your base Combat Arms office, the official Air Force e-Publishing website, or applicable Department of the Air Force Instructions (DAFIs). Policies can update, so always check with your chain of command or UDM for unit-specific procedures.

Need a copy of your DAF Form 522?
Reach out to your unit’s CATM instructors, Security Forces training section, or UDM. Many bases now store records digitally in systems like AFFOGEN.

This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly referenced Air Force practices as of 2026. It is not a substitute for official Department of the Air Force instructions or guidance from your command.

Stay mission-ready — keep your weapons training documentation current.