DAFI36-2685 — Total Force Enlisted Developmental Education

DAFI36-2685 governs Total Force Enlisted Developmental Education, including professional military, continuing, industry, and academic programs.

Search DAFI36-2685

  • Publication number: DAFI36-2685
  • Title: TOTAL FORCE ENLISTED DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION
  • Date: 2026-03-20

View DAFI36-2685 on armypubs.army.mil


It establishes processes for Enlisted Professional Military Education, Professional Continuing Education, Education With Industry, and advanced academic degrees. It also addresses EPME scheduling priorities, deferments, distance learning, waivers, and protected information.

Topics covered

  • Enlisted Professional Military Education
  • Professional Continuing Education
  • Education With Industry
  • Advanced academic degrees
  • EPME scheduling priorities
  • EPME deferments
  • Distance Learning for EPME completion

Questions and answers

What changes were made to EPME deferments?

Authorized EPME deferments have been updated subsequent EPME deferments require NAF or equivalent signature.

When can Distance Learning be used to complete EPME?

Requirements for utilizing Distance Learning for EPME completion are outlined for specific reasons.

How are wing and unit requirement waivers identified?

The authorities to waive wing/unit level requirements in this publication are identified with a tier (“T-0, T-1, T-2, T-3”) number following the compliance statement.

How must waiver requests be submitted?

Submit requests for waivers through the chain of command to the appropriate tier waiver approval authority, or alternately, to the requestor’s commander for non-tiered compliance items in coordination with the publication OPR.

How must records generated by the prescribed processes be handled?

Ensure all records generated as a result of processes prescribed in this publication adhere to Air Force Instruction (AFI) 33-322, Records Management and Information Governance Program, and are disposed in accordance with (IAW) the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule, which is located in the Air Force Records Information Management System (AFRIMS).

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