The DA 31 form is a document used by members of the United States Department of Army to request leave from active military duty for a specific reason.
These reasons could range from urgent personal matters, such as medical emergencies, to vacations. The form contains specific information that must be filled out, including name, rank, post, reason for leave, etc.
Although it is simple to complete this form, soldiers must make sure to provide accurate information. The form itself asks the members to mention the reason they are requesting leave and state how long they will be away from duty. Other details included in the DA 31 form are name, SSN, rank, type of leave (ordinary, emergency), number of days on leave (start and end dates), etc.
The form’s level of accuracy may have an impact on whether the request is granted. The requestor must submit this document separately to each of their superiors for approval. Each form must be signed. The request for leave will usually be rejected if the necessary information is not provided or proper procedures are not followed.
This form is alternatively referred to as the “army leave form.” The basic sections of the form will be discussed in this article, as well as tips on how to complete it.
Fillable DA 31 Form
How to Complete the DA 31 Form?
The form is not difficult to complete, as most of its sections are self-explanatory. The most important aspect of it is to provide accurate and complete information.
Below is a step-by-step procedure for completing the DA 31 form:
Step 1: Personal details
Start by providing personal details from items 1-7. These sections carry information about the control number, full name, DOD ID (department of defense identification), rank, date (year/month/date), and contact details. You should also include the address where you will be available during your leave, as well as the organization’s, station’s, or POC’s (point of contact) email address. Items 1-5 are used for identification purposes, while items 6–7 are used for communication purposes.
Step 2: Type of absence
Next, indicate the type of leave being requested. You should indicate whether the leave will be chargeable, nonchargeable, or a combination of both. Chargeable leave is subtracted from a member’s designated leave, while nonchargeable leave, or “free leave,” is not charged or deducted from an individual’s leave balance. Examples of chargeable leave include ordinary holidays, rest or vacation, recuperation, etc., while nonchargeable leave includes convalescent absence, injury, childbirth, etc. You should select the type of leave from the options given in the form.
If an emergency leave is needed and transportation and travel are needed, additional details may have to be provided. This includes instructions for scheduling return transportation for the departed unit, the arriving APOD (Aerial Port of Debarkation), the arriving APOE (Aerial Port of Embarkation), and the arriving home unit. Also, if dependents will be accompanying you on the official trip, the DA 31 form should indicate their type of travel (one-way or round trip), their names, the nature of the relationship, their date of birth, and their passport number.
In addition, the authentication details for the travel authorization should be provided. This includes the designation and location of headquarters, accounting citation, date issued, travel order number, title, and signature of the authorizing official.
Step 3: Length of leave
The next step should indicate the duration of the requested leave. The form should indicate the start date, the total number of days requested, and the end date. Item 10 of the form records how much leave has accrued for the specific military member. Section 10b and 10c should capture chargeable and nonchargeable leave as well as any advance or excess absence requested. The start dates and end dates of the two absence categories should be included too.
Step 4: Signatures
The next and most crucial step in completing the DA 31 form is to ensure that it has the correct signatures. The document must be signed by three people: the requestor, the supervisor, and the approving authority. The requestor should sign under Item 11 and indicate the date of signing. If you are unable to sign this section, your supervisor can do so on your behalf.
The supervisor then signs under item 12. They should indicate their name, title, rank or grade, recommendation, signature, and date. The supervisor must state in the recommendation section whether they approve or disapprove of the request. They should indicate their decision by selecting the appropriate checkbox (approval or disapproval).
The approving authority is then required to sign the document. They should first mention their name, title, rank, or grade. They should then indicate their decision as to whether the request is approved or disapproved. Then, they should put their signatures and the date.
If this section is not filled out and signed appropriately, the other information below will not be considered true and enforceable.
Step 5: Departure details
After receiving approval, the form must be completed before departure. Typically, someone will be authorized to oversee the departure. They should indicate the date and time of leave, i.e., the first day of absence. They should also mention their name, title, signature, and date of signing.
Step 6: Extension details
You might occasionally need to extend your leave, probably because of extraordinary circumstances. Any extension to the leave should be approved by the appropriate authority.
Ordinarily, you will have to communicate with the supervisor to seek an extension. Once approved, they should indicate in the form the number of days of the extension, date of approval, name of the approving authority, title, signature, and date of signing.
Step 7: Reporting back on duty
Lastly, once your leave is over, you are required to report to a superior to confirm your return. It is necessary to include this information on the DA 31 leave form so that management is aware and has documentation that you have formally reported back to work. Item 16, should record the date and time of return, the name of the reporting authority (person to whom you report), their title, signature, and date of signing.
Item 17 of the form, which is the last section, is where any comments made by any signatory to the document may be recorded.
note
Although the form can be electronically signed, it still needs to be printed out, submitted, and given to the appropriate supervisor. You must always have the DA 31 form with you at all times during travel.
Also, any changes to the travel destination should be communicated to the supervisor. Lastly, if you need medical care while on leave, you should visit a military medical facility.
Related: Fillable DA Form 4856 | Basics, Types, How to Fill
Conclusion
The DA 31 form is an official document that is used for requesting leave from duty. It should be used to request absences from work and report back. Ensure that the proper channels are used to complete the paperwork. The main purpose of this form is to ensure that the military is aware of your absence, where you are going, and when you will return. This helps in tracking personnel and securing the military’s interests. Additionally, the form is intended to make it simpler and more convenient for active military personnel and their superiors to request and authorize leave.
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