Fill Out a Valid Da 31 Form

Fill Out a Valid Da 31 Form

The DA 31 form, officially known as the "Request and Authority for Leave," is a crucial document used by military personnel to request leave from duty. This form not only serves as a formal request but also ensures compliance with regulations outlined in AR 600-8-10. Understanding the components of the DA 31 form is essential for service members seeking to navigate the leave process smoothly.

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The DA 31 form, formally known as the Request and Authority for Leave, plays a crucial role in managing leave requests within the U.S. military. It is essential for service members seeking to take time off, whether for personal reasons, emergencies, or other significant events. This form is governed by the Privacy Act of 1974, ensuring that the personal information it contains is handled with care. The DA 31 requires detailed information from the requester, including their name, rank, and organization, as well as specifics about the type of leave being requested—ranging from annual leave to emergency leave or even leave related to a permanent change of station. The form also includes sections for accrued leave balances and the total number of days requested, providing a comprehensive overview of the leave situation. Supervisors and approving authorities must sign off on the request, indicating their approval or disapproval, which adds a layer of oversight to the process. This structured approach not only helps maintain operational readiness but also ensures that service members can take necessary breaks while adhering to military regulations.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the DA 31 form, attention to detail is crucial. Below is a list of things you should and should not do to ensure a smooth process.

  • Do provide accurate personal information, including your name and DOD ID.
  • Do specify the type of absence clearly to avoid confusion.
  • Do check the dates carefully to ensure they reflect your intended leave period.
  • Do confirm that your supervisor's signature is obtained if you are unavailable to sign.
  • Do include a valid leave address where you can be reached during your absence.
  • Don't leave any sections blank; incomplete forms may delay processing.
  • Don't use incorrect date formats; ensure you follow the YYYYMMDD format.
  • Don't submit the form without double-checking for errors or omissions.
  • Don't forget to keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

Following these guidelines can help ensure that your leave request is processed efficiently and without unnecessary complications.

Key takeaways

When filling out the DA 31 form, keep these key takeaways in mind to ensure a smooth process:

  • Complete Personal Information: Make sure to fill in your name, DOD ID, rank, and contact details accurately. This information is crucial for processing your leave request.
  • Specify the Type of Absence: Choose the appropriate type of leave from the options provided. Understanding the difference between chargeable and non-chargeable leave is essential.
  • Accurate Dates: Clearly indicate the start and end dates of your requested leave. Double-check these dates to avoid any confusion.
  • Signatures Matter: Ensure that all required signatures are obtained. If you are unavailable to sign, your supervisor can sign on your behalf, but this must be noted.
  • Review the Remarks Section: Utilize the remarks section for any additional information or special circumstances related to your leave request.

Filling out the DA 31 form correctly can make a significant difference in the approval process. Take your time, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.

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Misconceptions

Here are four common misconceptions about the DA 31 form:

  • It is only for military personnel. While the DA 31 form is primarily used by military members to request leave, it can also be utilized by certain civilian employees within the Department of Defense under specific circumstances.
  • All leave requests are automatically approved. This is not true. Each leave request is subject to review and must be approved by a supervisor or approving authority. Factors such as operational needs and the type of leave requested can affect approval.
  • Only annual leave can be requested on the DA 31 form. The form accommodates various types of leave, including emergency leave, environmental morale leave, and terminal leave, among others. Users should select the appropriate type based on their situation.
  • Submitting the form guarantees leave will be granted. The submission of a DA 31 form does not guarantee that leave will be granted. Approval is contingent upon various factors, including the availability of leave and the needs of the organization.

Similar forms

  • SF 50 - Notification of Personnel Action: This document is used to record personnel actions such as appointments, promotions, and separations. Like the DA 31, it requires information about the employee and the nature of the action being taken.
  • Leave and Earnings Statement (LES): The LES provides a summary of an employee's leave balance and earnings. Similar to the DA 31, it reflects the employee's leave status and can influence leave requests.
  • Form DD 214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty: This form documents a service member's discharge from military service. It is similar in that it provides official recognition of time served, including leave taken during service.
  • Form DD 1150 - Request for Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel: This form is used to request travel for temporary duty assignments. Like the DA 31, it requires details about the purpose and duration of absence.
  • Form DA 4856 - Developmental Counseling Form: This document is utilized for counseling sessions within the military. It can address leave issues and employee performance, paralleling the DA 31's focus on absence requests.
  • Form DA 4187 - Personnel Action Request: This form is used for various personnel actions, including leave requests. Both forms require detailed information about the service member and the specific action being requested.
  • Form DA 5500 - Body Fat Content Worksheet: This form is used to assess a service member's body fat. While not directly related to leave, it is similar in that it is a standardized form that requires personal information and is used within military regulations.
  • Form SF 71 - Application for Leave: This form is another leave request document that captures similar information as the DA 31, including the type of leave requested and the duration.