Printable Da 31 Template in PDF

Da 31: Usage Instruction

When the time comes to request leave, it's important to fill out the DA Form 31 accurately to ensure that the request is processed smoothly. This form, utilized by the Department of the Army, helps in managing leave requests systematically. The process involves providing personal and leave-specific information, making it essential to be thorough and precise. The steps outlined below guide you through each part of the form, reducing the possibility of errors and helping in swift approval.

1. Enter the Control Number if applicable.
2. For Requestor Information, fill in your Name (Last, First, Middle Initial).
3. Input your DOD ID number.
4. Specify your Rank.
5. Provide the current Date in the format YYYYMMDD.
6. For Leave Address, enter your address during the leave period including Street, City, State, ZIP Code, and Phone Number.
7. Under Organization, Station, POC Email, and Phone Number, fill in the relevant information for your unit or office.
8. Choose the Type of Absence by marking the appropriate box for Annual Leave, Emergency Leave, PCS Leave, etc.
9. Fill in the dates for your leave request in parts 9a (FROM), 9c (TO), and the Total Days Requested in part 9b.
10. Under Accrued Leave, specify your current leave balance (10a), chargeable leave requested (10b), and any non-chargeable absence if it's applicable (10c).
11. Sign the form in the designated area for the requestor after carefully reviewing all entered information. If the requestor is unavailable, the supervisor can sign on their behalf.
12. Provide the Supervisor’s Name, Title, and Rank/Grade. The supervisor must indicate their recommendation as either approval or disapproval and then sign and date.
13. The Approving Authority details should be completed similarly, with their name, title, rank/grade, action taken (approved or disapproved), followed by their signature and date.
14. If leave has a departure component, fill in the Departure section with the date, time, and authority name, title, signature, and the date signed.
15. For Extension requests, include the number of days, approval date, and approval authority information.
16. Upon return, complete the Return section with the appropriate date, time, authority name, title, signature, and date signed.
17. Any additional Remarks that need to be noted for Personnel/Finance use should be included in the final section of the form.

Thorough completion and accuracy are crucial in the process of leave request submissions. It's advisable to consult with your supervisor or personnel office if you encounter any difficulties while filling out the form. This ensures that all necessary information is provided and the leave request can proceed without delay.

What is DA Form 31?

DA Form 31, or Request and Authority for Leave, is a document used by members of the U.S. Army to request leave from their duties. It covers different types of absences, including chargeable leave, non-chargeable leave, and various specific categories like emergency leave or permanent change of station leave.

How is DA Form 31 used?

This form is used by Army personnel to formally request time off. The form requires details like the duration of the leave, the type of leave, and the leave address. It must be filled out and submitted for approval to the relevant authorities within the person's chain of command.

What types of leave can be requested with DA Form 31?

Different types of absences can be requested, including annual (ordinary) leave, emergency leave, accession leave, advance leave, environmental morale leave (EML), funded environmental morale leave (FEML), permanent change of station (PCS) leave, reenlistment leave, rest and recuperation leave, consecutive overseas tour (COT) leave, pass termination, and terminal leave.

Is DA Form 31 only for chargeable leave?

No, DA Form 31 is not only for chargeable leave. It allows Army personnel to request both chargeable and non-chargeable leave, as well as a combination of both. The form includes sections to specify the type of absence requested.

What information is required to fill out DA Form 31?

When filling out DA Form 31, you need to provide personal information including your name, rank, DoD ID, leave address, and contact details. You also need to specify the type of leave, duration of the leave requested, and your organization and station.

How does the approval process work for DA Form 31?

After being filled out, DA Form 31 needs to be submitted to the requestor's supervisor for initial approval. It is then forwarded to the approving authority for final approval. The form includes sections for signatures from the requestor (or supervisor if the requestor is unavailable), the supervisor's recommendation, and the approving authority's decision.

Can DA Form 31 be submitted electronically?

As of the last update to this information, the ability to submit DA Form 31 electronically depends on the specific policies and systems in place within the individual's unit or command. Personnel should check with their immediate supervisors or administrative offices for details on the preferred submission method.

What happens to DA Form 31 after it's approved?

Once approved, DA Form 31 serves as an official record of the leave authorization. Copies are typically kept with the personnel's unit for recordkeeping purposes, and the soldier is responsible for carrying a copy while on leave, especially when required for signing out and returning to duty.

Can leave be extended using DA Form 31?

Yes, leave can be extended using DA Form 31. The form includes a section for requesting an extension, which must be filled out and approved by the approval authority. Documentation and justification for the extension request may be required.

Where can I find more information or assistance with DA Form 31?

For more information or assistance with DA Form 31, U.S. Army personnel should refer to AR 600-8-10 or contact their unit's personnel office. Additional guidance can also be found by accessing Army human resources sites or consulting legal or administrative support within the military.

Filling out the DA Form 31 correctly is crucial for military personnel seeking leave. However, several common mistakes often complicate the process. A widespread error is inaccurately reporting the dates of leave in fields 9a (FROM) and 9c (TO). It’s essential to double-check these dates to ensure they accurately reflect the requested leave period. An incorrect date can delay the approval process or result in the rejection of the leave request.

Another common issue is with the leave address section. Applicants sometimes enter incomplete information in field 6, which asks for the leave address including Street, City, State, ZIP Code, and Phone Number. Leaving out any part of this information can cause unnecessary delays. It's important for personnel to provide a complete address to ensure they can be contacted if necessary during their leave.

Often overlooked is the importance of accurately listing the type of absence in field 8. Choosing the wrong type of absence, such as marking 'annual leave' instead of 'emergency leave,' can affect the processing and approval of the leave. Each type of leave has specific regulations and entitlements, making it crucial to select the correct option.

A frequent slip-up is failing to correctly calculate and enter the total days requested in field 9b. This mistake can happen when the requester miscalculates the days of leave, including or excluding non-duty days incorrectly. It is key to calculate the leave days precisely to avoid confusion or delays in processing the leave request.

Errors in the signature section also pose a problem. In fields 11, 12, and 13, it is mandatory for the requester, supervisor, and approving authority to sign and date the form. Occasionally, signatures are missed or placed in the wrong section, which invalidates the form until corrected. It’s critical for all required signatures to be duly completed to ensure the form is processed smoothly.

Incomplete information in the accrued leave section, particularly in fields 10a (Accrued Leave), 10b (Chargeable Leave Requested), and 10c (Non-Chargeable Absence Requested), is another common error. Applicants sometimes skip these fields or enter inconsistent data. Providing clear, accurate information about accrued and requested leave types helps in the correct processing of leave entitlements.

Last but not least, overlooking the remarks section (field 17) can lead to missed opportunities for providing essential information related to the leave request. Whether it's additional clarification on the leave purpose or special circumstances, utilizing this section can aid in the communication process between the personnel and their command structure. Ensuring all parts of the form are correctly filled out, including the remarks section, supports a smooth leave process.

The DA Form 31, crucial for the process of requesting and authorizing leave for Army personnel, is just one component within a broader ecosystem of military forms and documents that facilitate various personnel actions. Alongside this form, several other documents are frequently utilized to ensure a comprehensive management of military personnel’s leave, travel, and financial matters. Understanding these documents is pivotal for a streamlined administrative process that supports the well-being and accountability of service members.

• DA Form 4187: Known as Personnel Action form, it is employed to request various personnel actions beyond leave, such as reassignments, additional training, or changes in duty status. This flexibility makes it a standard tool in personnel management.
• DD Form 1351-2: The Travel Voucher or Subvoucher is used to claim reimbursement for official travel expenses. When traveling for temporary duty (TDY) or a permanent change of station (PCS), this form is essential for recouping costs incurred during the move.
• DA Form 5960: Authorization to Start, Stop or Change Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), and/or Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) is critical for service members to administer changes in their housing allowances. This is especially relevant during PCS, leave, or when changes in dependency status occur.
• LES (Leave and Earnings Statement): Though not a "form" in the traditional sense, the LES is a critical document detailing a service member's pay, allowances, and leave status. It's vital for financial planning and leave audits.
• DD Form 1172-2: Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment is necessary for updating or requesting military IDs for service members and their dependents. This process often coincides with PCS, deployment, or changes in family status.
• DA Form 5960: Authorization for Voluntary Allotment of Compensation for Payment of Employee Debt is utilized for setting aside a portion of a service member's pay towards the settlement of debts. It underscores the military's commitment to financial responsibility.

Together, these documents complement the DA Form 31, ensuring that military personnel's administrative, financial, and personal needs are efficiently met. Whether it's managing leave, financial affairs, or personal data, the coordinated use of these forms and documents upholds the integrity and readiness of the armed forces. Mastery of these documents underscores a service member’s or administrator’s ability to navigate the complexities of military life, guaranteeing that attention can remain focused on mission accomplishment and personal welfare.

• The DA 4187 Personnel Action form is quite similar to the DA 31 form in purpose and structure. Both forms are utilized within the United States Army to manage personnel actions. The DA 4187 is used for a wide range of personnel actions such as reassignments, extra rations, name changes, and more, somewhat akin to how DA 31 is used for various types of leave requests.

• The SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action form shares similarities with the DA 31 form, primarily in its function related to personnel management. Federal civilian employees use the SF-50 to document employment status changes, such as appointments, promotions, or separations. Both documents play critical roles in recording and authorizing significant status changes.

• The Leave Request/Authorization (NAVPERS 1336/3) form, used by the United States Navy, parallels the DA 31 form. Both serve military personnel by documenting and processing leave requests, although they are specific to their respective branches of service.

• The AF Form 988, Leave Request/Authorization for the Air Force, is akin to the DA 31 form in its function of facilitating leave requests for service members. Similarly, it ensures that leave is appropriately recorded and authorized, underlining its role in personnel management within the Air Force.

• The CG-2025A Leave Request Form, utilized by the Coast Guard, resembles the DA 31 form. Both documents are designed to manage leave requests among their respective service members, ensuring that personal time off is officially recorded and approved.

• The Application for Leave (OPM 71) for civilian federal employees has functions similar to those of the DA 31. Although it caters to civilian personnel, the form enables the request and authorization of leave, marking an important component of personnel management akin to the military-specific DA 31.

• The Request for Time Off form, which is commonly used in private sector organizations, shares the primary objective of the DA 31 form: to officially request and document leave or time off from work. While not specific to the military, its purpose in personnel management mirrors that of the DA 31 form.

Filling out the DA Form 31, a leave request form used by the Department of the Army, requires precision and attention to detail. To ensure a smooth process, consider the following dos and don'ts:

• Review the instructions: Before starting, ensure you understand each section by clicking on the instructions button available with the form.
• Use correct identification information: Fill in your name, DOD ID, and rank accurately to avoid any discrepancies.
• Specify the type of leave: Clearly mark whether the leave is chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination, and specify the exact category of leave you are requesting.
• Provide detailed leave address: Include a complete leave address where you can be contacted, including street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number.
• Sign and date the form: Ensure both you and your supervisor (or approving authority) sign and date the form where required.

• Leave sections blank: Do not skip any required fields. Incomplete forms may lead to delays or rejection of your leave request.
• Estimate dates or information: Provide accurate information for dates and accumulated leave. Guesswork can lead to issues with your leave record.
• Forget to check your leave balance: Before requesting chargeable leave, verify your current leave balance to avoid requesting more leave than you have available.
• Ignore specific instructions from your unit or commander: Always follow any additional guidelines or procedures outlined by your unit or commanding officer that may pertain to leave requests.
• Submit without reviewing for errors: Double-check your form for mistakes before submitting it. Errors can complicate the approval process.

Taking these steps will help ensure your DA Form 31 is filled out correctly and efficiently, minimizing the chances of delays in processing your leave request.

When discussing the Department of the Army (DA) Form 31, also known as the "Request and Authority for Leave," many individuals, including service members and their families, may hold misunderstandings about its use, processing, and implications. Clarifying these misconceptions provides a clearer picture of the rights and responsibilities of military personnel regarding leave. Below are ten common misconceptions about the DA Form 31.

• Only for Long-Term Leave: Many believe the DA Form 31 is solely for extended periods of leave. However, it accommodates various types of absences, including short-term leave, emergency leave, and even certain non-chargeable leave scenarios.
• Approval Is Guaranteed: Submitting a DA Form 31 does not ensure approval. The request undergoes scrutiny, considering factors like mission requirements and the individual's leave balance, before a decision is made by the approving authority.
• Immediate Processing: There's an assumption that the DA Form 31 is processed immediately upon submission. Yet, the process can be time-consuming, necessitating the submission well in advance, especially for non-emergency leave.
• Privacy Concerns: While the form does require personal and contact information, it's protected under the Privacy Act of 1974, safeguarding the individual's data from unauthorized disclosure.
• No Room for Error: Some fear that any mistake on the form will result in outright denial. While accuracy is crucial, minor errors can typically be corrected without significant detriment to the leave request.
• Strictly Paper-based: The belief that the DA Form 31 process is strictly on paper persists. In reality, digital processing is increasingly common, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for service members.
• Unchanging: A misconception exists that once approved, the details of the leave are set in stone. Amendments, such as extensions or modifications, can be requested through the proper channels.
• For Active Duty Only: While primarily used by active-duty personnel, members of the Reserve and National Guard may also use the DA Form 31 for certain types of active-duty operational or training absences.
• Limited to Consecutive Days: There's a misconception that leave must be taken in one continuous stretch. Depending on the type and approval, leave can be segmented to accommodate various personal and professional obligations.
• No Impact on Pay: Some assume leave has no impact on pay. However, certain types of leave, particularly those that are non-chargeable or relate to official duties, may have specific implications for a service member's pay and allowances.

Clarifying these misconceptions ensures that members of the military and their support networks are well-informed, facilitating smoother transitions into and out of leave periods. It highlights the importance of understanding procedural nuances to better navigate the complexities of military leave requests.

Filling out and using the DA Form 31, the official Leave Form for the U.S. Army, is a process that requires precision and an understanding of certain key aspects. Here are crucial takeaways:

• Understand the Privacy Act of 1974: The DA Form 31 is subject to this act, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding personal information.
• Complete all sections accurately: Include your full name, DoD ID, rank, and the leave address with a complete phone number to ensure there are no delays or issues with processing the form.
• Specify the type of leave: Clearly mark whether the leave is chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination, and identify the specific category of leave being requested, such as annual (ordinary) leave, emergency leave, or for a permanent change of station (PCS).
• Detail the leave period: Fill in the dates accurately in the format YYYYMMDD for the start and end of the leave period, and indicate the total days requested.
• Understand leave balances: Indicate your accrued leave balance and specify the amount of chargeable and non-chargeable leave requested. This helps in managing leave entitlements effectively.
• Follow signature protocols: The form requires the signatures of the requestor, the supervisor, and the approving authority. Note that a supervisor can sign for the requestor if the requestor is unavailable.
• Keep track of departure, extension, and return: Sections for departure, extension approval, and return authorization must be filled out as applicable, along with relevant authority signatures to ensure the entire period of leave is officially documented.

Proper completion and submission of the DA Form 31 are crucial for the approval of military leave. Attention to detail, understanding the types of leave, and adhering to the procedural requirements will facilitate a smoother leave process.