The DA Form 31, also known as the "Request and Authority for Leave," is a document used by members of the United States Army to request authorization for temporary leave from active duty. Governed by the Privacy Act of 1974 and outlined in Army Regulation 600-8-10, the form requires detailed information regarding the type of leave requested, including whether it is chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination of both, along with personal and supervisor approval signatures. If you are preparing to take leave and need to complete the DA Form 31, click the button below for further instructions and to fill out the form.
In the structured world of military protocol, the DA Form 31, officially titled "Request and Authority for Leave," plays a crucial role in the leave-taking process for service members. Governed by the Privacy Act of 1974 and adhering to the regulations outlined in AR 600-8-10, this form serves as the primary means by which military personnel apply for various types of leave, from the annual, customary breaks to more specific necessities like emergency or medical leave. The DA Form 31 captures detailed information, including the requester's name, Department of Defense Identification (DOD ID), rank, and the nature of the leave requested—be it chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination thereof. It also specifies the leave period, contact details during the leave, and authorization signatures from supervisors and approving authorities. Furthermore, it accommodates entries relevant to departure, extension, and return from leave, ensuring a comprehensive record is maintained for both personnel and administrative purposes. By systematically streamlining the leave request process, the DA Form 31 underscores the military's commitment to balancing operational efficiency with the personal needs of its members.
Filling out the DA Form 31 accurately is a vital step for military personnel seeking leave. It's a document that requires attention to detail and correct information to ensure that the leave request is processed smoothly. This instruction guide aims to lead you through the process, step by step, to make sure your leave request is completed without any issues. Here’s what you need to do:
Once all the parts of the DA Form 31 are correctly filled out and signatures have been obtained as required, ensure to submit the form to the designated personnel office for processing. Be mindful of the submission deadlines and any pre-leave procedures your unit may have to avoid any delays in your leave approval.
What is the DA Form 31 used for?
The DA Form 31, also known as a Request and Authority for Leave, is primarily used by members of the Army to request and process leave - including chargeable, non-chargeable, and other types of absence. It serves as an official record for leave taken by soldiers, facilitating the approval process and ensuring the soldier's absence is documented appropriately.
How can one fill out the DA Form 31?
To complete the DA Form 31, the soldier must provide detailed information in different sections. This includes personal identification like name and rank, the type of leave requested, the leave period, and the leave address. They also need to indicate if the leave is chargeable or non-chargeable, and get the necessary approvals and signatures from their superiors. Detailed instructions are available by clicking the instructions button on the form.
What types of leave can be requested with the DA Form 31?
Several types of leave can be requested using the DA Form 31, such as annual (ordinary) leave, emergency leave, environmental morale leave (EML), permanent change of station (PCS) leave, and terminal leave, among others. Soldiers can also request a combination of leave types if applicable.
Who needs to sign the DA Form 31?
The DA Form 31 requires signatures from the requesting soldier, their supervisor, and the approving authority. Supervisors can sign for the requester if the requester is not available to sign. Afterward, it must be signed by the leave approving authority to indicate approval or disapproval.
What happens after a DA Form 31 is approved?
Once the DA Form 31 is approved by the appropriate authority, the soldier is authorized to go on the requested leave. The form also includes sections for departure, extension, and return, which must be filled out and signed appropriately, documenting the soldier's leave accurately.
Where should a completed DA Form 31 be submitted?
A completed DA Form 31 should be submitted to the soldier's immediate supervisor or unit’s leave processing office. The submission process can vary depending on the unit's specific protocols, so it is advised to check with the unit’s administrative office for guidance.
Completing the DA Form 31 accurately is crucial for military personnel when requesting leave. Mistakes can delay processing or even result in the denial of leave. Here are ten common errors to avoid:
Whether you're planning a vacation, attending to personal matters, or dealing with an emergency, avoiding these pitfalls can help ensure your DA Form 31 is processed smoothly and quickly.
When handling leave requests within the military context, the DA Form 31 is a crucial document for service members requesting leave for various reasons. Nonetheless, this form does not exist in isolation. Various other forms and documents are often utilized alongside DA Form 31 to ensure a comprehensive and well-processed leave request. These additional forms assist in a variety of ways, from detailing medical information to organizing travel and accommodation during leave periods.
Together with the DA Form 31, these documents form a comprehensive suite that addresses the many facets of military leave. From validating the financial and medical readiness for leave to ensuring correct processing and reimbursement for travel, each plays a pivotal role in the efficient management of leave requests within the armed forces. It's imperative for service members to be aware of and understand how to correctly utilize these forms in conjunction with their DA Form 31 to ensure a smooth leave process.
DD Form 1351-2 (Travel Voucher or Subvoucher): Similar to the DA 31 form, the DD Form 1351-2 is utilized within the Department of Defense for processing travel reimbursements. Both forms require detailed personal and assignment information, and are necessary for the authorization of specific benefits—leave travel allowances in the case of DA 31, and travel expense reimbursements for DD Form 1351-2.
DA Form 4187 (Personnel Action): This form, like the DA 31, is used by soldiers to request a variety of personnel actions, including reassignments, special pay, and changes of personal information. Both forms require approval from superiors and include sections for personal identification and signatures.
OPM Form 71 (Request for Leave or Approved Absence): In the civilian sector of the federal government, the OPM Form 71 serves a similar purpose to the DA 31 form by allowing federal employees to request leave. Both forms collect detailed personal identification and require the nature of the absence to be specified, along with supervisor approval.
DA Form 6 (Duty Roster): Though DA Form 6 is primarily for tracking duty assignments, it shares with DA 31 the requirement for meticulous record-keeping related to personnel management. Both forms play a critical role in managing individual responsibilities and availability within military units.
Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status): While serving a different governmental function, Form I-539 is similar to DA 31 in that it requests a change in status for an individual. Both forms involve administrative processing and approval to alter the individual's current status—immigration status in the case of Form I-539 and leave status for DA 31.
IRS Form 1023 (Application for Recognition of Exemption): Similar to DA 31's role in processing leave, IRS Form 1023 is used by organizations to request a specific status, in this case, tax-exempt status. Both forms require detailed information about the entity applying, whether it's an individual soldier or an organization, and include sections for certification and approval.
VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits): Both the DA 31 and VA Form 21-526EZ involve the submission of personal information to receive benefits—leave in the case of DA 31 and disability compensation through VA Form 21-526EZ. Each form necessitates an official review and approval process.
Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport): While different in purpose, Form DS-11 is similar to DA 31 in that it is an initial request form presenting personal identification information to obtain a specific document, a passport for DS-11 and authorized leave for DA 31. Both forms are integral to initiating a process that grants the applicant permission to travel.
Filling out the DA Form 31, the official document for requesting leave within the Army, requires attention to detail and an understanding of what is expected. Here are some essential dos and don'ts to help ensure the process is smooth and your request is processed without unnecessary delays or complications.
Following these guidelines will help streamline the leave request process, ensuring you can take your well-deserved break without unnecessary administrative hassle.
Only for Extended Leave: A common misconception is that the DA Form 31 is only used for extended periods of leave. While it is commonly used for long-duration leave, it is also required for any length of leave, including short-term absences and passes that are chargeable to the soldier's leave account.
Electronic Signatures Not Allowed: Some believe that electronic signatures are not permitted on the DA Form 31. However, as digital processes become more integrated into administrative practices, electronic signatures are acceptable and valid, provided they follow the established protocol for digital authentication and security.
Approval Guaranteed: Another misconception is that leave requested through DA Form 31 is automatically approved. In reality, the approval of leave is at the discretion of the approving authority, who considers the operational demands and soldier's entitlement before approving or disapproving the request.
Only for Army Personnel: While the DA Form 31 is specifically designed for the U.S. Army, the misconception lies in the belief that similar forms don't exist for other branches of the military. Each branch has its own form and process for leave requests, such as the AF Form 988 for the Air Force.
Leave Address is Optional: It's mistakenly believed that providing a leave address on the DA Form 31 is optional. The leave address is, in fact, a mandatory field, as it allows the Army to locate and contact the soldier in case of emergency or a recall to duty.
Can Be Submitted Any Time Before Leave: Some think that the DA Form 31 can be submitted just before the leave starts. However, the form should be submitted well in advance, allowing sufficient time for processing and approval. The exact time frame can vary, but it is generally recommended to submit the form at least 30 days before the intended leave, especially for extended periods.
Used Only for Leave Approval: The belief that DA Form 31 is solely for obtaining approval for leave is incorrect. This form also serves as an official record of leave and is used to document the start and end dates of leave, tracking chargeable and non-chargeable leave days, and ensuring accurate calculation and deduction from the soldier's leave balance.
Understanding the DA Form 31, essential for military personnel requesting leave, ensures a smooth process. Here are nine key takeaways:
This careful documentation and adherence to the DA Form 31 instructions support a transparent and efficient leave process for all parties involved.
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