DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
WASHINGTON, DC
DAFI51-509_DAFGM2023-01
10 February 202
3
MEMORANDUM FOR DISTRIBUTION C
ALMAJCOM-FLDCOM-FOA-DRU
FROM: AF/JA
1420 Air Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330-1480
SUBJECT: Department of the Air Force Guidance Memorandum to DAFI 51-509, Appointment to
and Assumption of Command
By Order of the Secretary of the Air Force, this Guidance Memorandum immediately
redesignates Air Force Instruction (AFI) 51-509, Appointment to and Assumption of Command, to
Department of the Air Force Instruction (DAFI) 51-509, and implements changes to DAFI 51-509.
Compliance with this memorandum is mandatory. To the extent its directions are inconsistent with
other Department of the Air Force publications, the information herein prevails in accordance with
DAFI 90-160, Publications and Forms Management. This publication applies to Department of the
Air Force civilian employees and uniformed members of the Regular Air Force (RegAF), the United
States Space Force (USSF), the Air Force Reserve (AFR), and the Air National Guard (ANG). All
references to United States Air Force-specific terminology in DAFI 51-509 should be interpreted to
also apply to the USSF, as appropriate.
The attachment to this memorandum implements guidance and administrative changes to
DAFI 51-509. It officially changes the OPR of DAFI 51-509 to the Operations and International
Law Directorate (AF/JAO) and redesignates the publication as a Department of the Air Force
Instruction. Further, it removes grade requirements to appoint section commanders for eligible units,
clarifies medical officers’ eligibility to serve as air officers commanding at the United States Air
Force Academy, and updates notice of relief of command guidance consistent with DAFI 36-2907,
Adverse Administrative Actions. Finally it updates the Privacy Act statement.
T
his memorandum becomes void after one year has elapsed from the date of this
memorandum, or upon incorporation by interim change to, or rewrite of DAFI 51-509, whichever is
earlier.
CHARLES L. PLUMMER
Lieutenant General, USAF
The Judge Advocate General
Attachment:
Administrative & Guidance Changes
