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Get Da 31 Form in PDF

The DA Form 31 is a critical document used by military personnel to request and authorize leave. This form ensures that service members follow proper procedures when applying for various types of absences, including annual leave, emergency leave, and more. Understanding how to complete this form accurately is essential for a smooth leave process.

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What to Know About This Form

  1. What is the purpose of the DA 31 form?

    The DA 31 form, titled "Request and Authority for Leave," is used by military personnel to formally request leave from duty. It provides a structured way to communicate the details of the leave request, including the type of leave, duration, and contact information. This form is essential for ensuring that leave is properly documented and authorized.

  2. Who is required to fill out the DA 31 form?

    Any active duty military member who wishes to request leave must complete the DA 31 form. This includes personnel from all branches of the military. The form can also be signed by a supervisor if the requestor is unavailable to sign it themselves.

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

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

    • Annual (Ordinary) Leave
    • Emergency Leave
    • Environmental Morale Leave (EML)
    • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave
    • Reenlistment Leave
    • Rest and Recuperation Leave
    • Terminal Leave
    • Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT) Leave
    • Advance Leave
  4. What information is needed to complete the DA 31 form?

    To complete the DA 31 form, the following information is required:

    • Name (Last, First, Middle Initial)
    • DOD ID
    • Rank
    • Date of request
    • Leave address (including phone number)
    • Organization and station information
    • Type of absence
    • Dates of requested leave
    • Signatures of the requestor, supervisor, and approving authority
  5. What happens after the DA 31 form is submitted?

    Once the DA 31 form is submitted, it will be reviewed by the supervisor and the approving authority. They will either approve or disapprove the leave request based on the information provided and the operational needs of the unit. The requestor will then be notified of the decision.

  6. How does the Privacy Act of 1974 apply to the DA 31 form?

    The DA 31 form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, which means that the information collected on the form is protected. It can only be used for the purpose of processing leave requests and must be handled in accordance with privacy regulations. This ensures that personal information remains confidential.

  7. What should be included in the remarks section of the DA 31 form?

    The remarks section of the DA 31 form allows for additional information that may be relevant to the leave request. This can include special circumstances, reasons for the leave, or any other pertinent details that the requestor wishes to communicate to the approving authority.

Misconceptions

Understanding the DA 31 form is crucial for service members requesting leave. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion and potential issues. Here are six common misconceptions about the DA 31 form, along with clarifications.

  • Misconception 1: The DA 31 form is only for annual leave.
  • This is incorrect. The DA 31 form is used for various types of absences, including emergency leave, environmental morale leave, and more. It encompasses both chargeable and non-chargeable leave types.

  • Misconception 2: Only the service member can sign the DA 31 form.
  • While the service member typically signs the form, a supervisor can sign on their behalf if the service member is unavailable. This provision ensures that leave requests can still be processed in a timely manner.

  • Misconception 3: The DA 31 form does not require a supervisor's approval.
  • This is false. The form must be approved by a supervisor and an approving authority. Their signatures are essential for the leave request to be valid.

  • Misconception 4: Submitting a DA 31 form guarantees leave will be granted.
  • Submitting the form does not guarantee approval. Leave is subject to the discretion of the approving authority, who considers operational needs and other factors.

  • Misconception 5: The DA 31 form is not subject to privacy regulations.
  • This is misleading. The DA 31 form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, which protects the personal information of the service member. Proper handling of this form is essential to maintain confidentiality.

  • Misconception 6: The DA 31 form is the same across all branches of the military.
  • This is not accurate. While the DA 31 form is widely used in the Army, other branches may have different forms or procedures for requesting leave. Always verify the specific requirements for your branch.

Form Breakdown

Fact Name Details
Form Purpose The DA 31 form is used to request and authorize leave for military personnel.
Governing Law This form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 and is guided by AR 600-8-10.
Control Number Each form must include a control number for tracking purposes.
Requestor Information Part I collects essential details such as name, DOD ID, rank, and leave address.
Types of Absence The form offers options for chargeable, non-chargeable, and combination leave types.
Signatures Required Signatures from the requestor, supervisor, and approving authority are mandatory.
Submission Date The form must be submitted well in advance of the requested leave dates.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Personal Information: Many individuals forget to fill out essential personal details such as their full name, DOD ID, and rank. This omission can delay the processing of the leave request.

  2. Incorrect Leave Dates: Entering incorrect start and end dates for the leave can lead to confusion and complications. Always double-check that the dates are accurate and in the correct format (YYYYMMDD).

  3. Failing to Specify Type of Absence: Not selecting the appropriate type of absence is a common mistake. Ensure you mark whether the leave is chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination, and specify the type of leave you are requesting.

  4. Missing Signatures: All necessary signatures must be obtained for the request to be valid. This includes the requestor's signature, supervisor's approval, and the approving authority's signature. Incomplete signatures can result in delays.

  5. Ignoring Remarks Section: Some people overlook the remarks section, which can be crucial for providing additional context or information regarding the leave request. Use this space wisely to clarify any special circumstances.

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