DAFPD36-26 — Total Force Development And Management

DAFPD36-26 governs total force development and management policy for educating, training, organizing, equipping, and retaining quality personnel.

Search DAFPD36-26

  • Publication number: DAFPD36-26
  • Title: TOTAL FORCE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
  • Date: 2024-01-18

View DAFPD36-26 on armypubs.army.mil


It establishes policies for career-long development, retention, competency-based development, training, education, and experiential programs. It requires valid requirements and priorities, appropriate resources, developmental opportunities, and performance-based measures to address development gaps.

Applies to: This publication applies to uniformed members of the United States Space Force (USSF), Regular Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard and Department of the Air Force (DAF) civilians.

Topics covered

  • Total force development
  • Personnel retention
  • Competency-based development
  • Developmental programs
  • Training methodologies
  • Workforce planning
  • Career paths

Questions and answers

What is the DAF's priority for personnel?

Developing and retaining quality personnel is a top priority in educating, training, organizing, and equipping the total force to deliver airpower and space capabilities to the joint force in defense of the nation, and in support of the United States’ national security and military objectives. (paragraph 1)

What must the comprehensive retention and force development program do?

Design and maintain a comprehensive retention and force development program that is agile and solicits feedback and produces members prepared to accomplish the mission in a rapidly evolving global environment, while meeting personal and professional needs. (paragraph 1)

How must members be developed?

Develop all members through a deliberate, career-long process based on valid requirements and priorities identified by the DAF two-letter/digit organizations, major commands, field commands, and those specified through higher headquarters policy and guidance. (paragraph 1)

What resources must developmental programs provide?

Provide necessary resources (i.e., people, funding, and infrastructure to include physical, technical, and organizational) to successfully develop, deploy, and sustain operationally proficient members to rapidly respond to worldwide contingencies. (paragraph 1)

How must force development programs measure effectiveness?

Develop or acquire appropriate tools to solicit feedback on force development programs; measure effectiveness using performance-based criteria; and close identified development gaps. (paragraph 1)

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