AF Form 4006, Unit Deployment Shortfalls/Reclama, is the Department of the Air Force paper form used to report personnel or equipment shortfalls against a deployment tasking and to submit a reclama asking a higher headquarters to reconsider that tasking. It is prescribed by Air Force Instruction 10-403 and functions as a manual backup for when the automated deployment systems are unavailable.1Department of the Air Force. Department of the Air Force Instruction 10-403 – Deployment Planning and Execution
When You Use AF Form 4006
Air Force units normally track deployment requirements and shortfalls through the Deliberate and Crisis Action Planning and Execution Segments system (DCAPES). AF Form 4006 comes out when DCAPES is not available, whether from a system outage, limited connectivity in an austere location, or another technical issue that blocks electronic reporting.1Department of the Air Force. Department of the Air Force Instruction 10-403 – Deployment Planning and Execution
The same applies when LOGMOD, the logistics module used during deployment operations, is down. AFI 10-403 directs units to fall back on non-automated AF forms, including AF Form 4006, to move deployment information until the automated systems return.1Department of the Air Force. Department of the Air Force Instruction 10-403 – Deployment Planning and Execution
Shortfall or Reclama: What the Form Captures
The form does two related jobs. A shortfall entry documents the gap between what a Unit Type Code requires and what the unit can actually provide. That gap may involve specific Air Force Specialty Codes, particular ranks, or equipment line items the unit cannot source.
A reclama entry goes further. Instead of only reporting the gap, it formally asks a higher headquarters to reconsider the tasking, reduce the requirement, or reassign it to another unit. Reclamas require justification: an explanation of why the unit cannot fill the requirement and, where possible, proposed alternatives. Unit deployment managers are responsible for tracking these shortfalls and routing reclamas through proper channels under AFI 10-403.1Department of the Air Force. Department of the Air Force Instruction 10-403 – Deployment Planning and Execution
How to Fill Out AF Form 4006
Have this information ready before you start:
- Unit and tasking identification. Your unit designation, the applicable Unit Type Code, and the deployment tasking or order number the shortfall relates to.
- Shortfall details. The specific personnel or equipment requirement you cannot fill, with Air Force Specialty Codes for personnel gaps and nomenclature or stock numbers for equipment gaps.
- Reclama justification. If you are requesting relief rather than only flagging a gap, a clear explanation of why the unit cannot meet the tasking and any alternatives you can offer.
Fill in every applicable block. Blank fields where the data is known create ambiguity, and shortfall data feeds directly into higher headquarters planning. An error can leave a unit credited for capability it does not have, or short on resources it needs.
Where to Get the Form
AF Form 4006 is available through the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing website, which hosts current AF forms and publications. Search the site’s product index by form number.2Department of the Air Force E-Publishing. Department of the Air Force E-Publishing Your unit’s deployment management office also typically keeps printed copies of non-automated deployment forms for contingency use.
Submitting the Form and Keeping Records
Because the form exists as a fallback, submission depends on the situation. In most cases the completed form goes from the unit deployment manager to the Installation Deployment Readiness Cell or equivalent deployment control center at the installation. From there, the shortfall or reclama data is entered into DCAPES once the system returns, or forwarded through alternate communication channels to the gaining Major Command or Combatant Command.
Keep a copy of every AF Form 4006 you submit. If a dispute arises later about whether a shortfall was reported or a reclama was filed, your copy is the proof.
Not a Property Custodian Appointment Form
AF Form 4006 is sometimes mistaken for a property custodian appointment form. It is not. Property custodian appointments are handled through signed appointment letters submitted to the Equipment Accountability Element within the Logistics Readiness Squadron, under DAFI 23-111 and DAFMAN 23-300.3Department of the Air Force. DoDI 5000.64 DAFI 23-111 For custodian appointments or turnovers, contact your base Logistics Readiness Squadron.