DA Form 3479: Air Traffic Controller Training Record

DA Form 3479: Air Traffic Controller Training Record – This form serves as a critical, authoritative record for career progression, readiness, and standardization in Army air traffic control operations. It is prescribed for use under TC 3-04.15 (Air Traffic Control Facility Operations, Training, Maintenance, and Standardization), with TRADOC as the proponent agency.

Download the latest DA Form 3479 (OCT 2019) here:
https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/ARN19495_A3479_FINAL.pdf

What Is DA Form 3479?

DA Form 3479, titled Training and Proficiency Record – Air Traffic Controller, is a multi-section document that tracks an individual ATC specialist’s entire career history in the U.S. Army. It replaced earlier versions (such as DA Form 3479-R) and provides a standardized, permanent record of assignments, training events, proficiency evaluations, and radar operations.

Facility chiefs, training supervisors, and ATC personnel use it to maintain readiness, support qualifications, and ensure compliance with Army aviation standards. It functions as both a historical reference and a living training progress report.

Purpose and Importance for U.S. Army Air Traffic Controllers

The primary purpose of DA Form 3479 is to serve as the central, authoritative source for an ATC’s training and proficiency data. It helps commanders and facility chiefs verify that controllers meet required standards for safe and effective operations.

Key benefits include:

  • Documenting duty assignments, ratings, and certifications.
  • Recording initial qualification training, proficiency training, remedial training, and evaluations.
  • Tracking radar and non-radar proficiency through detailed run counts and results.
  • Supporting personnel management, promotions, reassignments, and inspections.
  • Ensuring compliance with TC 3-04.15 and related Army regulations.

Accurate maintenance of this form is essential for operational safety and individual career development in Army ATC facilities.

Structure of DA Form 3479: Sections Overview

The current OCT 2019 version consists of four main sections (reduced from earlier multi-section variants).

Section I – Assignments

This section records the controller’s duty history, including:

  • Installation or location.
  • Facility or section and unit.
  • Dates assigned (From/To).
  • Rank, duties performed, applicable equipment, certificates, awards, and remarks.

It provides a chronological career summary across different assignments.

Section II – Training, Testing, and Evaluations

This core section logs all formal and informal training events, including:

  • Subject/position/equipment.
  • Type of training (qualification, proficiency, remedial, etc.).
  • Date completed.
  • Results (e.g., pass/fail, scores, or ratings).
  • Remarks.

It covers position qualifications, equipment training, testing, and evaluations required for ATC certification and currency.

Section III – Miscellaneous General Comments

This section allows for narrative entries, supervisor comments, certifications, and signatures. It captures additional context, such as special qualifications, awards, or noteworthy performance observations not fitting elsewhere.

Section IV – Individual Radar Record

Specific to radar operations, this section tracks:

  • Monthly and yearly radar runs (Supervised/Simulated – S/S and Live Unsupervised/Live – LV).
  • Specific procedures like PAR, ASR, Emer/No Gyro, etc.
  • Facility Chief verification and signatures.

It ensures controllers maintain required proficiency in radar control tasks.

How to Properly Fill and Maintain DA Form 3479?

Facility chiefs or designated training supervisors are responsible for maintaining the form. Entries should be clear, accurate, and timely.

Best practices:

  • Use the official fillable PDF from Army Publishing Directorate.
  • Enter data in pencil where noted for easy updates (per legacy guidance; follow current TC 3-04.15).
  • Ensure all training is supported by DA Form 3479-1 (Trainee/Controller Evaluation) or other source documents.
  • Verify radar run totals annually with the Facility Chief’s signature.
  • Transfer the complete record folder to the gaining unit upon reassignment.
  • Retain records according to Army Records Retention policies (typically until separation/reclassification plus a retention period).

Always cross-reference with TC 3-04.15 for detailed instructions on entries.

  • DA Form 3479-1: Trainee/Controller Evaluation.
  • DA Form 3479-9: ATC Maintenance Personnel Certification and Related Training Record (for relevant personnel).
  • TC 3-04.15: Primary doctrinal manual for Army ATC operations and training.
  • Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) for the latest forms.

Controllers and facility personnel should also maintain associated training folders with supporting documentation.

Why Accurate DA Form 3479 Records Matter for Army ATC Careers?

Proper use of DA Form 3479 directly impacts readiness, safety, and professional development. It demonstrates compliance during inspections, supports qualification for advanced positions or facilities, and provides verifiable evidence of experience for evaluations and assignments. U.S. Army air traffic controllers should work closely with their facility training programs to keep records current.

For the official form and related publications, visit the U.S. Army Publishing Directorate website. Always consult your local ATC facility chief or training supervisor for unit-specific guidance aligned with TC 3-04.15.