DAFI36-2803 — Military Decorations And Awards Program

DAFI36-2803 governs the Department of the Air Force military awards program, including military decorations, unit awards, and other recognition.

Search DAFI36-2803

  • Publication number: DAFI36-2803
  • Title: MILITARY DECORATIONS AND AWARDS PROGRAM
  • Date: 2026-01-28

View DAFI36-2803 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers personal military decorations, unit awards, approval authorities, combat operations, valor decorations, campaign and service awards, foreign awards, and recognition certificates. The instruction requires compliance by personnel and units, prohibits supplementation, and identifies waiver and records requirements.

Applies to: It applies to the United States Space Force, Regular Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, the Air National Guard, and the Civil Air Patrol where specified.

Topics covered

  • Personal military decorations
  • Unit awards
  • Approval authorities
  • Combat operations and conditions
  • Valor decorations and awards
  • Campaign, expeditionary, and service awards
  • Foreign awards
  • Recognition certificates

Questions and answers

Who must comply with DAFI36-2803?

Personnel and units at all levels ensure compliance with this publication.

Where are military award processing procedures and criteria found?

Processing procedures and award criteria can be found in DAFMAN 36-2806, Military Awards: Criteria and Procedures.

Who approves changes to approval authorities for personal military decorations and unit awards?

Approves changes to the approval authorities for personal military decorations and unit awards.

What must happen to records generated by processes in DAFI36-2803?

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

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