Da 31 Template

Da 31: Usage Instruction

Filling out the DA 31 form is essential for requesting leave. It's important to provide accurate and complete information to ensure a smooth process. Below are the steps to fill out the form correctly.

1. Obtain the Form: Access the DA 31 form from an official military website, or obtain it from your unit’s administrative office.
2. Control Number: In the first section, enter the control number if applicable.
3. Requestor Information: Fill in your full name (last, first, and middle initial) in the appropriate fields.
4. DOD ID: Enter your Department of Defense identification number.
5. Rank: Write your current rank in the designated space.
6. Date: Use the YYYYMMDD format to record the date of completion.
7. Leave Address: Provide your leave address, including street, city, state, ZIP code, and your phone number.
8. Unit Information: Fill in your organization details, station, and point of contact (POC) email and phone number.
9. Type of Absence: Select the type of leave you are requesting by checking the appropriate box.
10. Leave Dates: For "FROM," enter the start date of your leave in YYYYMMDD format. For "TO," enter the end date. Indicate the total number of days requested in the designated space.
11. Leave Balances: Input your accrued leave balance, the amount of chargeable leave requested, and any non-chargeable leave requested.
12. Signatures: The requestor must sign and date the form. If unavailable, the supervisor can sign on your behalf.
13. Supervisor Information: Enter the supervisor’s name, title, rank/grade, and recommendations regarding approval or disapproval. Signature and date are also required.
14. Approving Authority: Provide the name and title of the approving authority along with their decision (approved or disapproved) and signature with date.
15. Departure Authority Signature: This section requires signatures, dates, and times from the departure authority.
16. Extension Approval Authority: If applicable, fill out details regarding extension approval, including number of days and signatures.
17. Return Authority Signature: Collect signatures, dates, and times from the return authority section.
18. Remarks: Use this section for any additional pertinent information that may be required.

Once the form is fully completed, submit it according to your unit's procedures. The approval process will follow, and you will be notified of any next steps or changes. Make sure to keep a copy for your records.

1. What is the DA 31 form?

   The DA 31 form, officially called the Request and Authority for Leave, is a crucial document used by military personnel to request leave from duty. This form captures essential information regarding the type and duration of the requested leave and must be completed accurately to ensure proper processing.

2. Who needs to fill out the DA 31 form?

   Any active duty service member, reservist, or National Guard member who wishes to take leave must complete the DA 31 form. This includes various types of leave such as annual leave, emergency leave, and leave for a permanent change of station.

3. What types of leave can be requested on the DA 31 form?

   The DA 31 form allows for requests of several leave types, including:

   • Annual (Ordinary) Leave
   • Emergency Leave
   • Environmental Morale Leave (EML)
   • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave
   • Consecutive Overseas Tour Leave
   • Terminal Leave
   • Rest and Recuperation Leave

   It’s important to specify the appropriate type when filling out the form.

4. How do I complete the DA 31 form?

   To complete the DA 31 form, follow these steps:

   • Fill in your personal details, including your name, rank, and DOD ID.
   • Indicate the start and end dates of your requested leave.
   • Select the type of absence you are requesting.
   • Provide your leave address and contact information.
   • Sign the form, and have your supervisor and approving authority sign as well.

   Make sure to double-check all entries for accuracy before submission.

5. What should I do if I am unavailable to sign the DA 31?

   If you are unable to sign the form personally, your supervisor is authorized to sign on your behalf. Just ensure that the supervisor acknowledges your request thoroughly to prevent complications.

6. How long does the leave approval process take?

   The timeline for leave approval can vary based on several factors, including the type of leave requested and the workload of the approving authority. Generally, it is advisable to submit your request as early as possible to allow for processing time and avoid conflicts.

7. What happens if my DA 31 form is disapproved?

   If your leave request is disapproved, you should receive feedback from your supervisor or the approving authority explaining the reasons for the denial. Depending on the situation, you may have the opportunity to address the concerns or submit a revised request.

8. Is the DA 31 form subject to privacy regulations?

   Yes, the DA 31 form is regulated under the Privacy Act of 1974. This means that the information you provide is confidential and must be handled securely. It’s essential to ensure that personal data is shared only with authorized individuals involved in the leave approval process.

Filling out the DA 31 form correctly is essential for a successful leave request. However, many individuals make mistakes that can delay the process or lead to disapproval. Below are four common errors that should be avoided.

One significant mistake is failing to include complete contact information in the LEAVE ADDRESS section. This section requires not only the street address but also the city, state, ZIP code, and phone number. Incomplete information may lead to confusion or inability to reach the requestor, resulting in unnecessary delays.

Another frequent error occurs when individuals do not accurately fill in the TYPE OF ABSENCE section. Each type of absence must be checked appropriately. For example, omitting essential details such as whether the leave is chargeable or non-chargeable could cause complications during approval. It is imperative to select the appropriate leave type based on individual circumstances.

Omitting dates or incorrectly entering them in the FROM and TO sections is yet another common pitfall. The dates must be in the correct format (YYYYMMDD) to avoid confusion. A mismatch can lead to misunderstandings regarding the leave timeframe, which may result in disapproval.

Lastly, individuals often overlook the importance of obtaining all necessary signatures at the end of the form. It is crucial that the requestor, supervisor, and approving authority all sign the document appropriately. Missing signatures can invalidate the request, causing further delays in the approval process. Taking time to ensure all signatures are acquired can facilitate a smoother experience.

The DA 31 form is essential for military personnel seeking leave, providing the necessary request and authority for their absence. However, several other documents often accompany the DA 31 to ensure a smooth leave process. Below is a list of these common forms and a brief description of each.

• Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) - This document provides soldiers with a detailed account of their pay, benefits, and leave balances. Understanding their available leave is crucial for filling out the DA 31 form accurately.
• DA Form 4806 - Known as the "Transaction History Record," this form helps track past leave requests and approvals. It assists in providing a reference for both the service member and their supervisor.
• DA Form 2-1 - The "Personnel Qualification Record" contains vital personnel data. This information can include duty assignments and military service that may influence the leave approval process.
• DA Form 4187 - This form, or "Personnel Action," is occasionally used for requesting changes in status, such as a leave extension. It documents the need for a leave adjustment alongside the original DA 31 request.
• MC Form 4290 - This is often required for emergency leave requests. It details the nature of the emergency and helps expedite processing due to urgent circumstances.
• DA Form 600-8-10 - This form outlines the policies and procedures for military leave. Understanding these guidelines can help soldiers navigate their leave requests appropriately.

Familiarity with these documents not only facilitates the leave request process but also strengthens communication between military personnel and their command. Having the right forms in hand can significantly streamline any leave-related actions.

• DA Form 137-3 (Training Record - Army Reserve Component): This form is used by Army Reserve units to keep track of a soldier's training and attendance. Like the DA Form 31, it requires detailed information about the individual, including their name and identifying information. Both documents are essential for maintaining accurate records within military personnel management.
• DA Form 4187 (Personnel Action): This form is used to request various personnel actions, including leave. Similar to the DA Form 31, it requires the requestor's information, the type of action requested, and approval signatures. They both serve as official records for the military, ensuring that personnel actions are documented and processed correctly.
• DD Form 200 (Financial Liability Investigation of Property Loss): This form documents investigations for lost property and seeks accountability. While this form focuses on property, it shares similarities with the DA Form 31 in that both forms require detailed information about individuals involved, as well as approval signatures. They both ensure transparency and proper handling of military responsibilities.
• SGLI (Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance) Election and Certification Form: This document is used for life insurance benefits for service members. Like the DA Form 31, it involves personal information and the need for signatures to validate the request. Both forms aim to manage important aspects of a service member's military career and personal benefits.

When completing the DA 31 form, it's important to follow guidelines that ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here are some critical do’s and don’ts:

• Do double-check your personal information including your name, DOD ID, and rank for accuracy. This is crucial for correct identification.
• Do provide a complete leave address. This ensures that you can be contacted if any questions arise regarding your leave.
• Do clearly specify the type of absence you are requesting. Selecting the wrong category can lead to delays.
• Do ensure your dates for the leave are accurate, including both the start and end dates.
• Do acquire the necessary signatures from your supervisor and approving authority before submission. This validates your request.
• Don’t leave out any required fields. Incomplete forms cause processing delays and may lead to disapproval.
• Don’t forget to keep a copy of the completed form for your records. This is important for tracking your leave request.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your leave request process goes smoothly and efficiently. Properly filling out the DA 31 form can make a significant difference in the speed and ease of obtaining your leave approval.

Many misunderstandings surround the DA 31 form, which is used for requesting leave in the military. Here are five common misconceptions:

• 1. The DA 31 is only for annual leave. Many believe this form is restricted to requesting annual leave. In fact, it covers various types of absences, including emergency leave, environmental morale leave, and permanent change of station leave.
• 2. Only officers can use the DA 31 form. It is a common thought that only officers are allowed to submit this form. However, all service members, regardless of rank, can utilize the DA 31 to request leave.
• 3. The DA 31 does not require supervisor approval. Some may think this form can be submitted without any approval process. In reality, it requires signatures from both the requestor’s supervisor and an approving authority.
• 4. Leave requests submitted on a DA 31 are guaranteed to be approved. Many might assume that filling out the form will automatically result in approved leave. The truth is that approvals depend on various factors, including operational needs and the availability of personnel.
• 5. Once submitted, a DA 31 cannot be changed. There is a belief that once a leave request is submitted, it cannot be modified. Actually, the form allows for corrections and changes before final approval is granted.

The DA 31 form is an important document for military personnel requesting leave. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when filling it out:

• Personal Information: Ensure your name, DOD ID, and rank are correctly filled in; accuracy is crucial.
• Leave Address: Provide a complete leave address, including street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number.
• Type of Absence: Clearly indicate the type of leave you are requesting, such as annual or emergency leave.
• Dates: Specify the exact dates of leave, including the total number of days requested.
• Leave Categories: Be aware of various leave types, including chargeable and non-chargeable, as this affects your leave balance.
• Signatures: Make sure to obtain necessary signatures from your supervisor and approving authority to validate the request.
• Privacy Compliance: Remember that this form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, ensuring your information is handled responsibly.
• Deadline Awareness: Submit your form well in advance of your intended leave dates to avoid complications.
• Additional Remarks: Use the remarks section to clarify any specific needs or situations related to your leave request.

By following these guidelines, you will help ensure a smooth process for your leave request.