Get Da 31 Form

How to Use Da 31

Completing the DA Form 31 is a straightforward process. You will fill out your personal and leave details accurately to ensure proper processing. Follow the steps outlined below to provide the necessary information for your leave request.

1. CONTROL NUMBER: Leave this section blank unless instructed otherwise.
2. NAME: Enter your last name, first name, and middle initial.
3. DOD ID: Include your Department of Defense Identification Number.
4. RANK: Fill in your military rank.
5. DATE: Write the current date in the format YYYYMMDD.
6. LEAVE ADDRESS: Provide your leave address, including street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number.
7. ORGANIZATION, STATION, POC EMAIL AND PHONE NUMBER: List your organization, station, point of contact email, and phone number.
8. TYPE OF ABSENCE: Select the appropriate option from the list provided (e.g., Annual, Emergency Leave, etc.).
9. FROM: Input the start date of your requested leave in the format YYYYMMDD.
10. TOTAL DAYS REQUESTED: State the total number of days you are requesting off.
11. TO: Enter the end date of your requested leave in the format YYYYMMDD.
12. ACCRUED LEAVE: Fill in the balance of your accrued leave.
13. CHARGEABLE LEAVE REQUESTED: Indicate how many days of chargeable leave you are requesting.
14. NON-CHARGEABLE ABSENCE REQUESTED: If applicable, fill in details about non-chargeable absence, including dates and the number of days.
15. REQUESTOR SIGNATURE: Sign and date the form. A supervisor can sign on your behalf if you are unavailable.
16. SUPERVISOR NAME/TITLE/RANK: The supervisor will enter their name, title, and rank, followed by their recommendation indicated by approval or disapproval.
17. APPROVING AUTHORITY NAME/TITLE/RANK: This section must be completed by the approving authority with a signature and date.
18. DEPARTURE AUTHORITY: The departure authority must sign and date this section, including their title.
19. EXTENSION: If applicable, indicate the number of days and have the approval authority sign and date this section.
20. RETURN AUTHORITY: The return authority must sign, date, and include their title.
21. REMARKS: Add any necessary remarks or comments here.

Once you have filled out the form, ensure all signatures are obtained where indicated. Submit the completed form to the appropriate authority for processing.

What is the DA Form 31 used for?

The DA Form 31, also known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is utilized by military personnel to formally request leave from duty. This form serves as both a request document and a record of approval for various types of leave, such as annual leave, emergency leave, and terminal leave. It is essential for ensuring that personnel maintain proper accountability regarding their absence and allows their supervisors to manage staffing needs effectively.

What information is required to fill out the DA Form 31?

To complete the DA Form 31, individuals need to provide a variety of personal and leave-related information. Key sections include the requestor's name, DOD ID, rank, and leave address. Additionally, the requester must specify the type of absence (chargeable vs. non-chargeable) and detail the dates of requested leave. The form also requires signatures from both the requestor and supervisors at multiple levels, highlighting the need for approval before any leave can be taken. This thorough documentation not only facilitates proper leave management but also adheres to institutional policies.

How does the leave approval process work using the DA Form 31?

The leave approval process involving the DA Form 31 is structured and involves several steps. First, the individual submits the completed form to their supervisor for initial review. The supervisor can either approve or disapprove the request, and this decision is documented on the form. Once the supervisor has made their recommendation, the request then moves to an approving authority who conducts a final review. Approval from this authority is necessary before the leave can officially commence, ensuring multiple layers of oversight and management in personnel absences.

Is the DA Form 31 subject to privacy regulations?

Yes, the DA Form 31 is indeed subject to the Privacy Act of 1974. This means that the personal information contained within the form must be handled carefully to protect the privacy of individuals. Military personnel should be aware that their information is used strictly for processing leave requests and must be safeguarded from unauthorized disclosure. This regulation underscores the importance of secure handling and storage of all forms associated with personnel records.

Many individuals encounter challenges when completing the DA 31 form, which can lead to errors that delay the leave approval process. It’s crucial to understand common mistakes to ensure a smooth submission.

One frequent error is related to control numbers. Sometimes, the control number is either omitted or incorrectly entered. This number is essential for tracking the leave request. Always double-check this section before submitting.

Inaccurate naming conventions can also pose a problem. Failure to correctly format the name in Part I—using only the last name, first name, and middle initial—can result in confusion. Ensure that your name is entered exactly as it appears in official records.

Another mistake involves the date fields. Individuals often mix up the format or input incorrect dates, which can render the request invalid. Use the format YYYYMMDD consistently for all date entries to prevent any issues.

Many also overlook the importance of providing a complete leave address.

This address should include street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number. Inadequate address details can lead to communication issues while the request is being processed.

Selecting the wrong type of leave is a common oversight. It’s critical to accurately check the corresponding box indicating whether the leave is chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination. Misclassification can lead to miscalculations in leave balances.

Lastly, signatures can cause significant delays. Either the requestor or supervisor must sign, and both must include the date. Failing to include these signatures can impede the approval process. Confirm that all required signatures are complete before submitting the form.

By being aware of these potential pitfalls, you can reduce the chance of errors and ensure that your leave request is processed as smoothly as possible.

The DA 31 form, officially known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is essential for military personnel seeking to request leave. In conjunction with the DA 31, there are several other documents that may be required for proper leave processing. Understanding these documents can streamline the leave process and ensure compliance with military regulations.

• Leave and Earnings Statement (LES): This document provides a comprehensive breakdown of a service member's pay, deductions, and leave balance. It is often used to verify accrued leave days available for use.
• Travel Orders: These official documents authorize travel and specify the deployment or destination of service members. Travel orders may be required to accompany leave requests, especially during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS).
• Unit Commander’s Memorandum: A letter from a unit commander may be required to support a leave request, particularly for emergency or unusual situations. This memorandum often provides justification for the leave.
• Emergency Leave Request Form: Specific to urgent situations, this form allows personnel to request leave due to family emergencies. It often requires specific supporting documentation to validate the request.
• Pass Request Form: This form is used to request short-term leave or passes and is usually applicable for local travel. It differs from the DA 31 in that it typically covers only short absences.
• Medical Leave Request Form: When leave is needed for medical reasons, this form may be necessary. It requires medical documentation to substantiate the request, especially for prolonged absences.
• Military Personnel Action Request (AR 600-8-2): This form is utilized for administrative actions affecting service members, such as reassignments or extensions of leave. It helps ensure all necessary actions are documented properly.

These documents play a significant role in the leave process for military personnel. By being familiar with each, service members can better navigate potential challenges and ensure a smoother transition from duty to leave. Proper documentation promotes efficiency and adherence to military policies.

• DD Form 214: This document is used when a service member separates from active duty. Like the DA 31, it requires specific personal information and indicates types of absence, but it focuses on the member's service record and discharge details rather than leave requests.
• DA Form 4836: Known as the "Oath of Office," this form is similar in that it requires the signature of an authorizing official. Both forms serve significant functions within military administration, though the DA 4836 is related to commissioning and affirming duty status rather than leave management.
• DA Form 600: This form is used for the application for enlistment, similar to the DA 31 in structure and intention of documentation. Both forms collect vital information and require signatures, but the DA 600 relates to joining the service instead of requesting leave.
• AF Form 988: This form, known as the "Application for Leave," is utilized by Air Force personnel and serves a purpose akin to the DA 31. Both documents request time-off for personnel, capture relevant dates, and require approval, although the AF Form 988 is specific to the Air Force rather than the Army.

When filling out the DA 31 form, there are several important do's and don'ts to keep in mind to ensure your request is processed smoothly.

• Do fill in your name clearly: Make sure to enter your last name, first name, and middle initial in the designated fields.
• Don't skip the control number: Always provide a control number for tracking purposes.
• Do specify your type of absence: Clearly indicate whether your leave is chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination.
• Don't leave dates blank: Fill in the "From" and "To" dates along with the total days requested for leave.
• Do provide a contact address: List your leave address including street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number.
• Don't forget signatures: Ensure you, your supervisor, and the approving authority provide their signatures where required.

Being attentive to these guidelines will enhance the likelihood of a successful leave request.

Understanding the DA 31 form, commonly known as the "Request and Authority for Leave," is crucial for military personnel. However, several misconceptions surround this essential document. Below is a list of prevalent misunderstandings, clarified for your benefit.

• Misconception #1: The DA 31 is only for active duty service members.

This form can be used by a variety of service members, including reservists and retirees, under specific circumstances.

• Misconception #2: You must fill out the entire form to obtain leave.

While it's important to provide comprehensive information, some sections can be left blank if they do not apply to your situation, such as specific types of absence.

• Misconception #3: The approval process is always quick and straightforward.

Approval time can vary greatly. Factors such as the type of leave requested, the chain of command, and current operational needs can influence how quickly requests are processed.

• Misconception #4: All absences are chargeable to leave.

Not all types of leave, such as emergency leave or environmental morale leave, will be charged against your accrued leave balance. Understanding which types are chargeable is crucial.

• Misconception #5: You can only submit a DA 31 for personal reasons.

The form can also be used for reasons related to family emergencies, vacation, or even educational opportunities, reflecting a variety of leave purposes.

• Misconception #6: You can't make changes once submitted.

Changes can be made; however, it often requires going through the approval chain again. Ensuring that all details are accurate before submission is important to avoid delays.

• Misconception #7: The DA 31 does not require signatures.

A signature from the requestor and approval authority is necessary for processing the request. This step is critical to ensure accountability and traceability.

• Misconception #8: Leave requests are automatically granted.

Approval is not guaranteed. Each request is evaluated based on operational requirements and the reason for leave, meaning some requests may be denied.

• Misconception #9: You can submit a DA 31 at any time, regardless of deadlines.

It’s essential to be aware of any specific deadlines within your unit for submitting leave requests. Failure to adhere to these timelines can result in disapproval.

By debunking these misconceptions, service members can navigate the DA 31 form with greater confidence and accuracy. Understanding the details can lead to smoother leave requests and better planning.

The DA Form 31 is an essential tool for service members requesting leave. Below are key takeaways for effectively filling out and utilizing this form.

• Understand the Purpose: The form serves as a request and authority for military leave, guided by regulations in Army Regulation 600-8-10.
• Personal Information: Accurately fill out all required fields in Part I, including your name, DOD ID, and rank to prevent processing delays.
• Leave Type Selection: Clearly indicate the type of absence you are requesting, whether annual, emergency, or other classifications outlined on the form.
• Leave Dates: Specify the starting and ending dates of your leave request, along with the total number of days you are requesting.
• Signatures Required: Ensure that your and your supervisor’s signatures are present. If you are unable to sign, your supervisor can act on your behalf.
• Know Your Leave Balance: Be aware of your accrued leave balance. This helps in determining whether your leave is chargeable or non-chargeable.
• Observance of Privacy: The DA Form 31 is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, so handle the document with care and ensure that personal information is safeguarded.

Following these guidelines can streamline the leave request process and help in achieving timely approvals.