DODI1400.25V451_DAFI36-1004 — Department Of The Air Force Civilian Recognition Program

DODI1400.25V451_DAFI36-1004 governs Department of the Air Force civilian recognition, including awards programs, eligibility, and procedures.

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  • Publication number: DODI1400.25V451_DAFI36-1004
  • Title: DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE CIVILIAN RECOGNITION PROGRAM
  • Date: 2023-12-18

View DODI1400.25V451_DAFI36-1004 on armypubs.army.mil


The publication covers civilian employee awards, honorary awards, specialized decorations, monetary and time-off awards, quality step increases, and referral bonuses. It establishes requirements for award nominations, approvals, documentation, eligibility, and payment limits.

Applies to: This publication applies to United States Space Force, Regular Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard, except where noted otherwise.

Topics covered

  • Civilian awards programs
  • Monetary awards
  • Time-off awards
  • Quality step increases
  • Honorary awards
  • Specialized decorations
  • Referral bonuses

Questions and answers

What rating is required for a performance-based cash award?

Monetary awards may be granted to an employee whose most recent rating was at Level 3 (fully successful level or equivalent) or higher as defined in section 430.208 of Reference (d). (paragraph 4)

How much can a performance-based cash award be?

An award granted pursuant to this section may not exceed 10 percent of the employee’s annual rate of basic pay, unless the DoD Component head determines that the employee’s exceptional performance merits it. (paragraph 4)

How often can an employee receive a quality step increase?

An employee is eligible for only one quality step increase within any 52-week period. (paragraph 6)

Can a time-off award be converted to cash?

In accordance with section 451.104 of Reference (d), a time-off award must not be converted to a cash payment under any circumstances. (paragraph 3)

Who can nominate someone for an award?

Nominations for awards may be sponsored or endorsed only by a current Department of Defense civilian employee or U.S. military member. (paragraph 4)

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