BY ORDER OF THE
SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE
AIR FORCE MANUAL 21-203
29 SEPTEMBER 2021
Incorporating Change 1, 2 February 2023
Maintenance
NUCLEAR ACCOUNTABILITY
PROCEDURES
COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY
ACCESSIBILITY: Publications and forms are available on the e-Publishing website at
www.e-Publishing.af.mil for downloading or ordering.
RELEASABILITY: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication.
OPR: AF/A4LW Certified by: AF/A4L
(Col Holbrook)
Supersedes: AFMAN21-203, 22 November 2019 Pages: 68
This publication implements Air Force Policy Directive (AFPD) 21-2, Munitions, and is
consistent with AFPD 13-5, Air Force Nuclear Mission. It provides nuclear weapons
maintenance and handling guidance and procedures. This publication applies to all civilian
employees and uniformed members of the Regular Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air
National Guard, who maintain and handle nuclear weapons. This publication does not apply to
the United States Space Force. Applicable units will contact applicable major command
(MAJCOM) for interpretations of guidance contained in this publication. 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. See Department of Air Force Instruction
(DAFI) 90-160, Publications and Forms Management and DAF Manual (DAFMAN) 90-161,
Publishing Processes and Procedures for a description of the authorities associated with the Tier
numbers. Submit requests for waivers through the chain of command to the appropriate Tier
waiver approval authority, or alternately, to the requestors commander for non-tiered compliance
items. MAJCOM-directed supplements to this publication must be routed to the office of primary
responsibility (OPR) of this publication for coordination prior to certification and approval. Units
below MAJCOMs will not publish a supplement to this publication. Ensure all records generated
as a result of processes prescribed in this publication adhere to AFI 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. Refer recommended changes and questions about this publication to the
OPR using the DAF Form 847, Recommendation for Change of Publication; route DAF Forms
