DAF Form 78: General Officer Promotion Recommendation 2026 – DAF Form 78: Department of the Air Force General Officer Promotion Recommendation is the official form used in the U.S. Air Force (and Department of the Air Force) to document performance assessments and promotion recommendations for officers in or eligible for general officer (GO) grades, typically brigadier general (O-7) and above.
Also referred to as the GO PRF (General Officer Promotion Recommendation), it serves as a critical tool in the senior leader evaluation and selection process, helping selection boards evaluate an officer’s demonstrated leadership, character, competence, and potential for higher responsibility in the Department of the Air Force, which includes both the Air Force and Space Force components where applicable.
What Is DAF Form 78 Used For?
The primary purpose of DAF Form 78 is to capture a senior rater’s formal recommendation regarding an officer’s suitability for promotion to the next general officer grade. It documents:
- The officer’s current performance and contributions.
- Specific strengths in leadership, mission accomplishment, and strategic impact.
- A clear promotion recommendation (e.g., “Promote,” “Do Not Promote,” or stronger stratification language where authorized).
- Additional narrative comments that differentiate the officer among peers.
This form supports the rigorous general officer promotion process governed by Department of the Air Force instructions, including DAFI 36-2406 (Officer and Enlisted Evaluations Systems) and DAFI 36-2501 (Officer Promotions and Selective Continuation). It helps central selection boards make informed decisions on advancements to O-7 and O-8 levels (brigadier and major general).
Unlike standard Officer Performance Reports (OPRs) used for lower grades, the DAF Form 78 is tailored specifically for the unique demands and visibility of general officer roles, where strategic vision, joint operations experience, and executive leadership are paramount.
Who Completes and Uses DAF Form 78?
- Senior raters (typically general officers or designated senior leaders in the rating chain) complete the form.
- It applies to officers being considered for promotion within the general officer ranks or those in key positions where a GO-level recommendation is required.
- The form flows through the appropriate chain of command and is submitted in accordance with timelines set for promotion boards.
- Final review and use occur at higher headquarters, including inputs to Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) processes and selection boards convened under Secretary of the Air Force authority.
Procedures for completing the form, including specific block-by-block instructions, are detailed in Chapter 7 of the current DAFI 36-2406.
Key Sections and Structure of DAF Form 78
Although the exact layout is provided in the official PDF, the form generally includes fields for:
- Officer identification data (name, rank, DAFSC, etc.).
- Rater identification and period of report.
- Performance narrative or bullet comments highlighting achievements, leadership impact, and potential.
- Promotion recommendation statement.
- Senior rater’s signature, date, and additional endorsements or stratification (where permitted by policy).
Raters must follow strict guidelines to ensure comments are factual, specific, and focused on performance and potential for the next higher grade. The form emphasizes differentiation among peers and avoids summarizing information already available in the officer’s record (such as previous evaluations or duty history briefs).
Important Note on Completion: Evaluators should reference the latest version of DAFI 36-2406 for detailed instructions, as policies on stratification, fitness documentation, and referral procedures can evolve. Fitness assessment results may need to be addressed in specific contexts, though general officer evaluations have distinct considerations from company-grade or field-grade reports.
How to Download the Official DAF Form 78?
The most current and authoritative version of the form is available directly from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site:
→ Official Download: DAF Form 78 PDF
Always use the official link above to ensure you have the latest revision. Third-party sites may host outdated or unofficial copies.
The Broader General Officer Promotion Process
General officer promotions are highly competitive and governed by statute (Title 10 U.S. Code) and DAF policy. Key elements include:
- Eligibility criteria — Time in grade, performance history, and other requirements outlined in DAFI 36-2501 and DAFI 36-2504 (for Reserve components).
- Selection boards — Convened periodically with membership and guidance from the Secretary of the Air Force.
- Supporting documents — DAF Form 78 works alongside Officer Preselection Briefs (OPB), duty qualification history, awards, and other records.
- Special considerations — Processes exist for Air Force Reserve (AFR) and Air National Guard (ANG) officers, including federal recognition for ANG promotions.
The DAF Form 78 provides the senior rater’s direct input on why a particular officer should (or should not) be promoted, helping boards assess “whole person” factors beyond objective metrics.
Best Practices for Raters and Officers
- Raters: Be specific, objective, and forward-looking. Focus on impact at the strategic level. Follow all formatting and content rules in DAFI 36-2406 to avoid referral or delays.
- Officers under consideration: Maintain a strong performance record across evaluations, assignments, and professional military education. Understand that the GO promotion process emphasizes leadership potential for the most senior roles in the Department of the Air Force.
- Review current guidance: Policies are updated periodically. Consult the latest DAFI 36-2406 (Officer and Enlisted Evaluations Systems) and related promotion instructions on the e-Publishing website.
Why Accurate Completion Matters?
A well-prepared DAF Form 78 directly influences career outcomes for senior leaders who will shape Air Force and Space Force strategy, readiness, and operations for years to come. Errors, vague language, or non-compliance with instructions can weaken an officer’s package or trigger additional reviews.
For the most authoritative information:
- Visit the official Air Force e-Publishing site (e-publishing.af.mil).
- Review DAFI 36-2406 for evaluation procedures.
- Consult DAFI 36-2501 for officer promotion policy.
Download the current DAF Form 78 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf78/daf78.pdf
This form remains a cornerstone document in the Department of the Air Force’s effort to identify and advance its most capable general officers to meet the demands of great power competition and global operations.
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications as of 2026. Always verify the latest policies and forms through official channels (e-publishing.af.mil or AFPC), as instructions and requirements are subject to change.