AFPD51-5 — Administrative Law, Gifts, And Command Relationships

AFPD51-5 governs Air Force administrative law, gifts, and command relationships, including related policy and responsibilities.

Search AFPD51-5

  • Publication number: AFPD51-5
  • Title: ADMINISTRATIVE LAW, GIFTS, AND COMMAND RELATIONSHIPS
  • Date: 2018-08-31

View AFPD51-5 on armypubs.army.mil


It establishes policy for due process in administrative proceedings before boards and for accepting gifts to the Air Force. It also addresses political activities, demonstrations, Article 138 complaints, and command appointments.

Applies to: This Directive applies to all Air Force personnel (Regular Air Force (RegAF), Air Force Reserve (AFR) and Air National Guard (ANG) military and civilian employees, and those with a contractual obligation to abide by the terms of Air Force issuances).

Topics covered

  • Administrative proceedings
  • Air Force gifts
  • Political activities
  • Demonstrations on Air Force installations
  • Article 138 complaints
  • Command appointments

Questions and answers

How must the Air Force acknowledge gifts from donors?

Acknowledge the receipt of gifts in a thankful manner, take care to avoid providing a response that contains an endorsement of the donor, and make no arrangements granting special favors to the donor. (paragraph 2)

What hearing must be provided to people entitled to boards?

Provide a full, fair, and impartial hearing to those entitled to boards and ensure that the rights of all victims, to include a victim of an alleged sex-related offense, as set forth in the allegation under consideration as a basis for a board, and who is identified in the allegation under consideration, are acknowledged and respected. (paragraph 2)

What political activities are prohibited for Air Force members?

Prohibit Air Force members from engaging in political activities that undermine political neutrality of the Armed Forces. (paragraph 2)

What demonstrations are prohibited on an Air Force installation?

Prohibit demonstrations or other activities within an Air Force installation that could interfere with or prevent the orderly accomplishment of the installation mission, or which present a clear danger to loyalty, discipline, or the morale of members of the Armed Forces. (paragraph 2)

Who may exercise command of an Air Force organization?

Allow commanders to appoint commanders of subordinate units under their command while instituting procedures to ensure that only commissioned Air Force officers exercise command of an Air Force organization. (paragraph 2)

Ask Reggie.Bot a question about AFPD51-5