DAF Form 679: Air Force Waiver Request & Approval Guide – US Air Force and Space Force members frequently encounter strict compliance requirements in Department of the Air Force (DAF) publications. When full compliance creates mission challenges, DAF Form 679 provides the official process to request a waiver. This form streamlines deviation requests while maintaining safety, accountability, and documentation standards.
What Is DAF Form 679?
DAF Form 679, titled Department of the Air Force Publication Compliance Item Waiver Request/Approval, is the standardized form for requesting and documenting waivers from compliance items in DAF publications, instructions, manuals, and guidance.
It replaced the older AF Form 679 and serves as the primary tool for commanders and units to seek relief from specific requirements when compliance would hinder mission effectiveness, create disproportionate risk, or prove impractical due to resource constraints.
Key purposes include:
- Requesting temporary or conditional waivers.
- Documenting risk mitigation measures.
- Recording coordination through the chain of command.
- Providing a clear audit trail for approving authorities.
Why Use DAF Form 679? Understanding the Waiver Process?
DAF publications use tiered compliance statements (T-0, T-1, T-2, T-3) to define waiver authorities, per DAFI 90-160 and DAFMAN 90-161. Waivers enhance mission effectiveness while preserving resources and safeguarding personnel.
Common reasons for waivers (from governing instructions):
- Cost of compliance creates unacceptable risk to higher-priority tasks.
- Expected cost of compliance outweighs the benefit.
- Lack of resources prevents compliance.
Waivers are not automatic and require strong justification, risk assessment, and mitigation plans. Approved waivers become part of official records and must be forwarded to the publication’s Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) within 30 days.
Tier Waiver Authorities (Summary):
- T-0: External (e.g., DoD, Congress) – Route through HAF OPR.
- T-1: MAJCOM Commander (delegable to Director level).
- T-2: MAJCOM Commander (delegable to first General Officer).
- T-3: Wing Commander (delegable to Squadron Commander or equivalent).
- Non-tiered: Often commander discretion, with copy to OPR.
How to Complete and Submit DAF Form 679? (Step-by-Step)
- Identify the Requirement — Locate the exact paragraph and publication (e.g., DAFI, DAFMAN) with the compliance item.
- Assess Justification — Gather data on mission impact, risks, costs, and proposed mitigations.
- Download the Form — Obtain the latest version from the official source:
Download DAF Form 679 PDF - Fill Out Section I (Requestor Information):
- Commander/unit seeking waiver.
- Waiver authority (tier level).
- Governing publication and specific requirement.
- Rationale and time period requested.
- Risk mitigation measures.
- Impact if disapproved.
- Use Section II for Coordination — Add signature blocks for chain-of-command review (e.g., Squadron, Group, Wing).
- Attach eSSS — Include an electronic Staff Summary Sheet for routing and additional coordination.
- Route Through Chain of Command — Submit via normal correspondence channels to the appropriate waiver authority.
- Post-Approval Actions:
- File per records management (AFMAN 33-363).
- Send copy to publication OPR.
- Monitor and re-evaluate risk during the waiver period.
- Waivers generally last no longer than the approving commander’s tour (renewable).
Tip: Unit commander’s support staff or Publications/Forms Manager can assist with the eSSS and routing.
Best Practices for Successful Waiver Requests
- Be Specific and Data-Driven — Reference exact publication paragraphs and quantify impacts.
- Emphasize Risk Management — Always include robust mitigation steps.
- Coordinate Early — Discuss with leadership and functional experts before formal submission.
- Timeline Expectation — Aim for completion within 30 days, though higher-tier waivers may take longer.
- Maintain Compliance Culture — Treat waivers as temporary tools, not permanent solutions. Work toward full compliance when possible.
Where to Find Official Guidance?
- Primary References: DAFI 90-160 (Publications and Forms Management) and DAFMAN 90-161 (Publishing Processes and Procedures).
- Official Form Repository: Air Force e-Publishing
- Download Link: DAF Form 679
For unit-specific processes, consult your local Inspector General (IG), Publications Manager, or Commander’s Action Group.
DAF Form 679 empowers Air Force and Space Force leaders to balance regulatory compliance with operational needs. When used correctly, it drives efficiency, reduces unnecessary burdens, and supports the mission without compromising safety or standards. Always consult the latest DAF publications and your chain of command for tailored guidance.
This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute official legal or policy advice. Refer to current DAFI 90-160, DAFMAN 90-161, and your local procedures for authoritative direction.