Air National Guard & Air Force Reserve, United States (U.S.) Flag, Retirement Certificates and Award Elements

  • Published
Applicable to: Air National Guard & Air Force Reserve

Upon retirement, Airmen are entitled to receive a United States (U.S.) Flag, Retirement Certificate, Spouse Certificate of Appreciation (if applicable), Presidential Certificate of Appreciation, Presidential Letter (if eligible), and Retirement Lapel Pin.

U.S. Flag
All Guard and Reserve members retiring will receive a U.S. flag. The flag is provided at no cost to the Airman. The option to select "yes" or "no" to receive a U.S. flag will be removed from the retirement application in the near future.

When completing your online retirement request using the virtual Personnel Center (vPC), indicate the date of the retirement ceremony ensuring HQ ARPC provides timely delivery of the flag and retirement certificates.

NOTE: Airmen who retired or were discharged before Oct. 5, 1999, are not authorized to receive a flag at the government's expense. However, a flag can be ordered at their own expense through their U.S. Senator or Representative.

Certificates and Award Elements
Upon approval of Retirement Application, Airmen will receive:

1.Retirement Certificate (DD Form 363AF).
2.Spouse Certificate of Appreciation (if applicable).
3.Presidential Certificate of Appreciation.
4.Retirement Lapel Pin,
5.Presidential Letter (if eligible), for those with 30 years of satisfactory service (Reserve retirement) or 30 years of active duty service (AGR).
6.Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Certificate of Appreciation (AF Form 4370 prepared and provided by servicing Military Personnel Flight or Commander's Support Staff)
Disability Retirement: Upon request (by providing a copy of the retirement order) HQ ARPC will issue eligible retirement elements, as identified above).

For Further Assistance
For more information, contact the Total Force Service Center at 1-800-525-0102.

Related Resources
AFI 36-3209: Separation and Retirement Procedures for Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Members
AFPAM 36-2870: Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Certificate of Appreciation Upon Retirement