Human Resources and Administration

What does the Human Resources and Administration career field do?

Manages and executes human resources and administrative programs that directly support Department of the Air Force (DAF) operations. Ensures mission readiness, personnel accountability, and organizational effectiveness through expert application of personnel policy, force management, and personnel operations. Advises commanders and Airmen on career progression, benefits, entitlements, and personnel readiness. Administers assignments, promotions, separations, retention programs, casualty operations, workforce planning, personnel data systems, and compliance inspections. Oversees executive correspondence, operational workflow, and unit-level administrative functions to enable efficient communication and mission execution. Manages military postal operations, ensuring secure and timely processing of official and personal mail in accordance with DAF, United States Postal Service (USPS), and federal regulations. By integrating these diverse functions, HRA professionals enhance strategic personnel management, strengthen organizational cohesion, and contribute directly to the operational success of the Air Force. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 151000, 153100, and 155400.

Duties and responsibilities

• Personnel Programs. Manages military human resource programs and provides guidance to commanders and Airmen on DAF personnel policies. Directs assignments, promotions, separations, retirements, classification, awards, decorations, retraining, casualty reporting, personnel reliability, and readiness programs. Determines program eligibility, counsels Airmen on reenlistment opportunities, benefits, and entitlements, and implements force management tools such as boards, selective reenlistment, and bonus programs. Supplies leadership with detailed personnel reports and statistical analyses to inform strategic decision-making.
• Personnel Data Management and Analysis. Ensures personnel data integrity through systematic auditing, analysis, and discrepancy resolution for both deployed and in-garrison personnel. Develops, interprets, and reviews management assessment products and transaction registers to maintain compliance and accuracy. Conducts routine crosschecks between personnel systems and source documents, identifying and correcting inconsistencies. Compiles, organizes, and submits management data and reports to facilitate personnel decision-making while tracking key metrics to enhance readiness and operational efficiency.
• Personnel Actions and Accountability. Handles personnel processing and accountability, ensuring precise tracking of DAF personnel across garrison and deployed locations. Executes in- and out-processing, duty status reporting, and personnel movement tracking, including leave, temporary duty, hospitalization, sick in quarters, and casualty reporting. Maintains personnel readiness by ensuring timely updates to duty status and personnel records.
• Compliance, Inspection, and Counseling. Conducts inspections to verify compliance with DAF personnel policies and directives. Identifies discrepancies, recommends corrective actions, and monitors personnel processing for timeliness, propriety, and accuracy. Provides counseling and advisory support to Airmen on personnel programs, benefits, entitlements, and career progression, assisting them in navigating administrative processes.
• Commander Support Staff (CSS). Manages organizational personnel and manpower programs, ensuring accuracy in database systems and coordinating personnel actions between units and military personnel organizations. Administers administrative functions, including evaluations, decorations, recognition programs, fitness tracking, and in-/out-processing. Maintains personnel records, duty status changes, and suspense systems for personnel actions and correspondence. Oversees leave web programs and assists Airmen with web-based personnel applications. Prepares and processes disciplinary actions, including Articles 15, letters of reprimand, investigation reports, unfavorable information files, and separation actions in support of command personnel management.
• Personnel Support for Contingency Operations (PERSCO). Executes PERSCO functions, maintaining personnel accountability for deployed forces and ensuring accurate reporting to combatant commanders. Conducts casualty reporting for missing, deceased, ill, or injured personnel while coordinating inbound and outbound operations for deployed locations. Provides critical personnel support, including virtual record updates, emergency leave processing, and promotion actions. Acts as a vital link between deployed personnel and home stations, ensuring operational continuity and personnel readiness in contingency and wartime environments.
• Administrative Support. Provides executive administrative support to General Officers, Senior Executive Service civilians, and military leaders, ensuring seamless coordination of travel, lodging, itineraries, and official functions. Assists commanders in executing official events, including recognition ceremonies and Distinguished Visitor (DV) engagements, by managing logistics, venues, mementos, and guest lists. Leads executive correspondence management, facilitates meetings, and administers organizational communications, including document preparation, distribution, workflow management, and electronic mail organization. Carries out administrative duties such as calendar management, meeting coordination, and customer service while ensuring compliance with communication standards and formatting requirements.
• Postal and Official Mail Operations. Directs and supervises postal operations, ensuring secure handling, processing, and distribution of official correspondence in accordance with United States Postal Service (USPS) and military postal regulations. Manages Military Post Offices (MPO), Aerial Mail Terminals (AMT), and Mail Control Activities (MCA) to facilitate efficient mail processing and delivery for authorized users. Administers postal financial services, including postage sales and money orders, while maintaining accountability through accurate records and reporting. Coordinates mail transportation logistics, resolves distribution issues, and monitors air carrier facilities to ensure timely delivery via military and commercial carriers. Handles official mail functions, including receipt, distribution, expenditure tracking, and compliance with Private Express Statutes. Manages contracting officer representative duties for outsourced operations, ensuring regulatory compliance and effective communication within the organization.

Specialty qualifications

Knowledge. Mandatory knowledge includes personnel policies, procedures, and principles of personnel management, covering assignment, promotion, customer service, quality force initiatives, personnel readiness, deployment/mobilization procedures, and PERSCO operations. Proficiency in interviewing and counseling techniques, administrative communications, correspondence management, and general office operations is required. Understanding organizational structure and its relationship to mission execution is essential, along with familiarity with policies, programs, and procedures governing benefits for military personnel, retirees, and family members. Knowledge of Personnel Data System (PDS) capabilities, occupational survey procedures, and benefit programs is critical. Additionally, expertise in office management policies, technologies, and procedures is required, including administrative support for personnel and manpower programs, executive support responsibilities, and postal and official mail operations.

Education. Completion of high school or a General Educational Development (GED) equivalency is required for entry into this specialty. Coursework in business, English composition, public speaking, Microsoft Office applications, and keyboarding is highly desired.

Training. Members must complete training requirements for the core AFSC and applicable shred-specific requirements, as needed, progressively, as each skill level builds upon the prior level. The following training is mandatory for the award of the AFSC indicated in addition to the successful completion of applicable Career Development Course (CDC) requirements and core tasks listed in the Career Field Education and Training Plan (CFETP):

• Entry-Level Training. Successful completion of the HRA initial skills course is mandatory for the award of AFSC 3F031.
• Core Training Requirements. The following training is required for specific AFSC skill levels:
• 3F051: Completion of DAF e-Learning: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Training – Microsoft Office (Beginner Level), DAF e-Learning: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Training – Microsoft Office (Intermediate Level), and Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate (Office 2019).
• 3F071: Completion of all 3F051 and DAF e-Learning: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Training – Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert (Office 2019).

Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC skill-level indicated in addition to successful completion of applicable task requirements listed in the CFETP:

• Core Experience Requirements. Experience requirements for the AFSC skill-level include successful completion of applicable training and task requirements:
• 3F051. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3F031 with completion of all 3F051 core tasks.
• 3F071. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3F051 with completion of all 3F071 core tasks. Experience supervising and performing HRA functions.
• 3F091. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3F071. Experience managing and directing HRA functions and programs.

Other. The following are mandatory as indicated:

• Entry Requirements. For entry into this specialty, see Attachment 4 for additional requirements.
• AFSC Award and Retention Requirements. Personnel must maintain local network access in accordance with AFI 17-130, Cybersecurity Program Management. Notes: AFR specific requirements: Retraining into the 3F0 Career Field is limited to E-6 and below for the Air Force Reserve. ARC Only: Refer to the 3F Introduction section for FSS SEL position information. ANG specific requirements: Retraining into the 3F0 Career Field is limited to E-7 and below. See the ANG Waiver Classification Guide for more details on retraining. A 3F091 must have been earned prior to selection/placement in a 3F000 duty position.

Civilian career paths

Comparable civilian careers for this field pay roughly $34,440–$125,130 per year (median salaries; varies by role and location):

• Administrative Services Managers: $98,890
• Compensation and Benefits Managers: $125,130
• Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists: $67,190
• Customer Service Representatives: $35,830
• Data Entry Keyers: $34,440
• Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs: $47,110
• First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers: $58,450
• Human Resources Assistants: $43,250
• Human Resources Managers: $121,220
• Human Resources Specialists: $63,490
• Office Clerks, General: $35,330
• Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks: $47,020
• Word Processors and Typists: $41,050