Table of Contents
The DA 31 form plays a crucial role in the process of requesting leave for military personnel. This form, officially titled "Request and Authority for Leave," is designed to capture essential information about the service member, including their name, rank, and Department of Defense ID. It also requires details about the type of leave being requested, which can range from annual leave to emergency leave, and even includes options for permanent change of station leave. The form is structured to ensure that all necessary approvals are obtained, featuring sections for signatures from the requestor, their supervisor, and the approving authority. Notably, it adheres to the Privacy Act of 1974, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal information. Additionally, the DA 31 allows service members to specify the duration of their leave and provides a clear outline for both chargeable and non-chargeable absences. By streamlining the leave request process, the DA 31 form ensures that military personnel can efficiently manage their time away from duty while maintaining compliance with military regulations.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the DA 31 form, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below is a list of things you should and shouldn't do.
- Do provide accurate personal information, including your name and DOD ID.
- Do double-check the dates you are requesting for leave.
- Do specify the type of absence clearly to avoid confusion.
- Do ensure that your supervisor's signature is obtained if you are unavailable to sign.
- Don't leave any sections blank that require your input.
- Don't forget to include your contact information for the leave address.
- Don't use abbreviations that may not be understood by the reviewing authority.
- Don't submit the form without reviewing it for errors or omissions.
How to Use Da 31
Filling out the DA 31 form is a straightforward process that requires specific information about your leave request. Follow these steps carefully to ensure that all necessary details are included, which will help in the approval process.
- Obtain the form: Download or print the DA 31 form from the appropriate military website or your unit's administrative office.
- Fill in the control number: Write the control number at the top of the form.
- Complete your personal information: In Part I, provide your full name (last, first, middle initial), DOD ID, rank, and the date in YYYYMMDD format.
- Provide your leave address: Include your street address, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number.
- Enter organization details: Fill in your organization, station, point of contact (POC) email, and phone number.
- Select the type of absence: Check the appropriate box for chargeable, non-chargeable, or combination leave. Specify the type of leave you are requesting.
- Indicate the leave dates: Fill in the 'FROM' and 'TO' dates in YYYYMMDD format, along with the total days requested.
- Accrued leave details: Provide information about accrued leave, chargeable leave requested, and any non-chargeable absence requested.
- Sign the form: The requestor must sign and date the form. If you are unavailable, your supervisor can sign on your behalf.
- Supervisor's recommendation: Your supervisor will fill in their name, title, rank/grade, and indicate approval or disapproval by signing and dating the form.
- Approving authority's signature: The approving authority will complete their section, including their name, title, rank/grade, and action (approved or disapproved) with a signature and date.
- Departure authority signature: This section must be filled out by the departure authority, including the date, time, name, title, and signature.
- Extension approval signature: If applicable, fill out the number of days, date approved, name, title, and signature of the approval authority.
- Return authority signature: Include the date, time, name, title, and signature of the return authority.
- Complete remarks section: Add any additional remarks as needed.
Once you have filled out the DA 31 form, review it for accuracy. Make sure all signatures are in place before submitting it to the appropriate authority for processing. Proper completion of this form is essential for ensuring your leave request is handled efficiently.
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Documents used along the form
The DA 31 form, officially known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is a crucial document for military personnel seeking to formalize their leave requests. Alongside this form, several other documents may be necessary to ensure a comprehensive leave process. Understanding these forms can help streamline the leave application and approval process.
- Leave and Earnings Statement (LES): This document provides detailed information about a service member's pay, leave balance, and deductions. It is often required to verify the amount of leave accrued before submitting a leave request.
- DA Form 4187: Known as the Personnel Action Form, this document is used to request changes in a service member's status, including changes related to leave. It may be needed if the leave request involves a change in duty status.
- Medical Documentation: In cases of emergency or medical leave, appropriate medical documentation must be submitted. This can include doctor's notes or hospital discharge papers to justify the need for leave.
- Travel Orders: For service members who are traveling for official duties, travel orders must accompany the leave request. These orders outline the details of the travel and may affect the leave approval process.
- DA Form 1059: This form is used to document the completion of a military school or training. It may be relevant for those requesting leave after completing such programs, especially if it affects their duty assignments.
- Leave Authorization Letter: This is a letter from a commanding officer that grants leave to a service member. It serves as an official record of approval and may be required alongside the DA 31 form.
- Unit Leave Policy: Each military unit may have its own leave policy that outlines specific procedures and requirements for requesting leave. Familiarity with this policy can be essential for a successful leave request.
- Emergency Contact Information: Providing emergency contact details may be necessary, especially for non-chargeable leave types. This ensures that the service member can be reached if needed during their absence.
By being aware of these additional forms and documents, service members can better prepare their leave requests, ensuring compliance with military regulations and facilitating a smoother approval process. Each document plays a vital role in the overall leave management system, contributing to the effective functioning of military operations.
Misconceptions
- Misconception 1: The DA 31 form is only for military personnel on active duty.
- Misconception 2: Submitting a DA 31 guarantees that leave will be approved.
- Misconception 3: The DA 31 form is only necessary for annual leave.
- Misconception 4: You can submit the DA 31 form at any time without notice.
- Misconception 5: The DA 31 form is a one-size-fits-all document.
- Misconception 6: You can change your leave dates after submitting the DA 31 without any issues.
This form can be used by all service members, including those in the reserves and National Guard. It applies to anyone requesting leave, regardless of their duty status.
Approval is not automatic. The request must be reviewed and signed off by the appropriate supervisors and authorities. Each request is evaluated based on operational needs and other factors.
This form is required for various types of absences, including emergency leave, PCS leave, and more. It covers a wide range of leave types beyond just annual leave.
It is best to submit the form as early as possible. Some units may have specific timelines for leave requests, and last-minute submissions can lead to disapproval.
Different situations may require different types of leave requests. Each service member should ensure they are using the correct type of absence on the form to reflect their specific needs.
Once submitted, any changes to the leave dates require a new request. It is essential to communicate any changes to your supervisor and follow the proper procedures to avoid complications.
File Specs
| Fact Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | The DA 31 form is used to request and authorize leave for military personnel. |
| Privacy Act | This form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, ensuring personal information is protected. |
| Governing Regulation | For guidance on the use of this form, refer to AR 600-8-10. |
| Control Number | The form includes a control number for tracking purposes. |
| Types of Absence | Various types of leave can be requested, including chargeable and non-chargeable leave. |
| Signatures Required | Signatures from the requestor, supervisor, and approving authority are needed to process the request. |
| Expiration of Previous Editions | The DA Form 31 was last updated in June 2020, and previous editions are considered obsolete. |
Key takeaways
When it comes to filling out the DA 31 form, there are several important points to keep in mind. This form is essential for requesting leave in the military, and understanding how to complete it correctly can make the process smoother.
- Privacy Matters: The DA 31 form is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974. This means your personal information is safeguarded, so be sure to handle it with care.
- Accurate Information: Fill in your name, DOD ID, and rank accurately. Any mistakes could delay the processing of your leave request.
- Types of Leave: Familiarize yourself with the various types of leave you can request. Options include annual leave, emergency leave, and terminal leave, among others. Choose the one that fits your situation best.
- Dates Matter: Clearly indicate the start and end dates of your requested leave. This information is crucial for planning and approval.
- Signature Requirements: Ensure that the requestor’s signature is included. If you are unavailable, your supervisor can sign on your behalf.
- Approval Process: After submission, your supervisor and the approving authority will review your request. They will either approve or disapprove it, so keep an eye on the status.
- Remarks Section: Use the remarks section wisely. This is your opportunity to provide additional context or details that may support your leave request.
By following these key takeaways, you can navigate the process of filling out the DA 31 form with confidence. Remember, attention to detail is key to ensuring your leave is granted without unnecessary delays.