Da 31 Form

When filling out the DA 31 form, there are several important aspects to keep in mind. This form is essential for requesting and authorizing leave in the military, and understanding its components can help ensure a smooth process.

• Complete All Required Sections: Ensure that every section of the form is filled out accurately. This includes personal information, leave type, and dates. Missing information can delay the approval process.
• Understand Leave Types: Familiarize yourself with the different types of leave available, such as chargeable, non-chargeable, and various specific leave categories. Selecting the correct type is crucial for your request.
• Signatures Are Necessary: The form requires signatures from the requestor, supervisor, and approving authority. Each signature confirms that the leave request has been reviewed and authorized.
• Keep Privacy in Mind: The DA 31 form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974. Handle the form with care to protect personal information, and be mindful of who has access to it.
• Review Before Submission: Before submitting the form, review all entries for accuracy. Double-check dates, leave addresses, and any remarks to avoid potential issues.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively navigate the process of completing and using the DA 31 form for your leave requests.

Here are some common misconceptions about the DA 31 form, which is used for requesting leave in the military:

• It can only be used for annual leave. The DA 31 form can be used for various types of absences, including emergency leave, PCS leave, and more.
• Only officers need to fill it out. All service members, regardless of rank, must complete the DA 31 when requesting leave.
• It is not required for short leaves. Even for short absences, a DA 31 is necessary to ensure proper documentation and approval.
• Once submitted, it cannot be changed. You can amend your request if needed, but it may require additional approvals.
• Leave is automatically approved. Submitting a DA 31 does not guarantee leave will be granted; it must be approved by your supervisor and the appropriate authority.
• Leave requests can be verbal. A formal written request using the DA 31 is always required for documentation purposes.
• It only needs to be signed by the requestor. The DA 31 requires signatures from the requestor, supervisor, and approving authority.
• It’s only for planned leave. The DA 31 can also be used for unplanned leave, such as emergency situations.
• Filling it out is optional. Completing the DA 31 is mandatory for all leave requests in the military.

Understanding these misconceptions can help service members navigate the leave process more effectively. Always refer to the latest guidelines and instructions when using the DA 31 form.

1. Incomplete Personal Information: Failing to provide all necessary details in the Requestor Information section can lead to delays. Ensure that your name, DOD ID, rank, and other required fields are filled out completely.

2. Incorrect Dates: Entering the wrong dates for the leave request is a common mistake. Double-check the "FROM" and "TO" dates to ensure they align with your intended leave period.

3. Misunderstanding Leave Types: Selecting the incorrect type of absence can cause confusion. Familiarize yourself with the different categories of leave, such as chargeable and non-chargeable, to make the right choice.

4. Omitting Signature: Forgetting to sign the form can result in automatic disapproval. Ensure that both the requestor and supervisor signatures are included before submission.

5. Incorrect Contact Information: Providing an inaccurate leave address or phone number can hinder communication. Always verify that your contact information is current and correct.

6. Ignoring Required Approvals: Not obtaining the necessary approvals from supervisors or authorities can lead to complications. Follow the chain of command to ensure all required signatures are collected.

7. Failure to Specify Accrued Leave: Not indicating the amount of accrued leave can create issues with processing. Clearly state your accrued leave balance and how much you are requesting.

8. Neglecting Remarks Section: Leaving the remarks section blank can limit important context for your request. Use this space to clarify any special circumstances or additional information that may be relevant.

When filling out the DA 31 form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below is a list of things you should and shouldn't do.

• Do provide complete and accurate personal information, including your full name, rank, and DOD ID.
• Do specify the type of leave you are requesting clearly, selecting from the provided options.
• Do include your leave address with all necessary details such as street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number.
• Do double-check the dates for accuracy, ensuring they are in the correct format (YYYYMMDD).

• Don't leave any sections of the form blank; incomplete forms may delay the approval process.
• Don't forget to sign and date the form; your signature is required for processing.
• Don't submit the form without confirming the leave balance; ensure you have enough accrued leave for your request.
• Don't use abbreviations or shorthand that may confuse the reviewers; clarity is crucial.

The DA Form 2-1, or Personnel Qualification Record, serves as a comprehensive document detailing a soldier's qualifications, assignments, and training history. Like the DA 31, it is utilized within the military framework to track essential information. Both forms require personal details such as name, rank, and identification number. While the DA 31 focuses on leave requests, the DA Form 2-1 provides a broader overview of an individual’s career, making it a vital tool for personnel management and planning.

The DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is another important document that shares similarities with the DA 31. This form is issued upon a service member's retirement, separation, or discharge and summarizes their military service record. Both forms require official signatures and are critical for processing entitlements and benefits. While the DA 31 is primarily concerned with leave, the DD Form 214 encapsulates the entirety of a service member's military career, impacting future opportunities and benefits.

The DA Form 4856, Developmental Counseling Form, is used for documenting counseling sessions between a soldier and their leader. Similar to the DA 31, it includes sections for signatures and dates, ensuring accountability in the counseling process. Both forms are integral to maintaining clear communication within the military hierarchy. However, while the DA 31 is focused on leave management, the DA Form 4856 emphasizes personal development and performance feedback.

The DA Form 600-9, Army Body Composition Program, is another document that shares structural similarities with the DA 31. This form is used to assess a soldier’s body composition and ensure compliance with Army standards. Both forms require personal information and signatures, reflecting the importance of adherence to military regulations. While the DA 31 addresses leave requests, the DA Form 600-9 focuses on physical fitness and readiness, both critical to a soldier's career.

When considering important legal documents, the process of creating a thorough Durable Power of Attorney form stands out as a proactive measure in managing one's affairs. This document empowers an individual to designate a trusted person to handle decisions regarding financial or healthcare issues, ensuring that their preferences are honored should they become incapacitated. Utilizing this form can be a significant step in safeguarding your interests and providing clarity for your family and caregivers.

The DA Form 3349, Physical Profile, is designed to document a soldier's medical condition and any limitations affecting their duty. Like the DA 31, it includes information about the soldier's rank and identification. Both forms require signatures from appropriate authorities, ensuring that the information is verified. The DA Form 3349, however, deals with health-related issues, while the DA 31 is concerned with leave management, highlighting different aspects of military service.

The SF 50, Notification of Personnel Action, is a government form used to document changes in an employee's status, such as promotions or transfers. Similar to the DA 31, it requires personal information and official signatures. Both documents play a role in personnel management within the military and civilian sectors. However, the SF 50 focuses on employment actions, whereas the DA 31 is specifically for leave requests, illustrating the diversity of documentation in managing personnel affairs.

The DA Form 1059, Service School Academic Evaluation Report, evaluates a soldier's performance in a training environment. This form, like the DA 31, requires detailed personal information and signatures from evaluators. Both documents are essential for tracking a soldier's progress and career development. However, while the DA 31 is focused on leave, the DA Form 1059 assesses academic achievements, showcasing the various ways in which military personnel are evaluated and managed.