Fill Out Your Da 31 Form

Guide to Using Da 31

Filling out the DA 31 form is an important step in requesting leave. The process requires careful attention to detail to ensure all necessary information is provided. Once completed, this form will need to be submitted to the appropriate authorities for review and approval.

1. Locate the DA 31 form, which can usually be found online or through your unit's administrative office.
2. In the CONTROL NUMBER section, enter the control number if applicable.
3. For PART I - REQUESTOR INFORMATION, fill in your NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial).
4. Enter your DOD ID number.
5. Fill in your RANK.
6. Provide the DATE in the format YYYYMMDD.
7. Complete the LEAVE ADDRESS section with your street address, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number.
8. In the ORGANIZATION, STATION, POC EMAIL AND PHONE NUMBER section, provide the relevant details.
9. For TYPE OF ABSENCE, select the appropriate option by marking the checkbox next to it.
10. In the FROM section, enter the start date of your leave (YYYYMMDD).
11. Specify the TOTAL DAYS REQUESTED.
12. In the TO section, enter the end date of your leave (YYYYMMDD).
13. Complete the ACCRUED LEAVE section, including any chargeable or non-chargeable leave requested.
14. Sign and date the form in the SIGNATURE OF REQUESTOR section.
15. Provide the SUPERVISOR NAME and title, along with their recommendation for approval or disapproval.
16. The approving authority will also need to fill in their information, sign, and date the form.
17. Complete any additional sections for departure, extension, or return authority signatures as needed.
18. In the REMARKS section, include any necessary notes or clarifications.

What is the DA Form 31?

The DA Form 31, also known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is a document used by military personnel to request leave from duty. This form is essential for documenting the type of leave being requested, the duration, and the approval process. It is governed by the Privacy Act of 1974 and is used in accordance with Army Regulation 600-8-10.

What information is required on the DA Form 31?

To complete the DA Form 31, the following information is typically required:

• Name (Last, First, Middle Initial)
• DOD ID
• Rank
• Date of request
• Leave address, including street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number
• Organization and station information
• Type of absence (chargeable, non-chargeable, or combination)
• Dates of leave requested
• Accrued leave balance

Each section must be filled out accurately to ensure proper processing of the leave request.

What types of leave can be requested using the DA Form 31?

The DA Form 31 allows military personnel to request various types of leave, including but not limited to:

• Annual (Ordinary) Leave
• Emergency Leave
• Environmental Morale Leave (EML)
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave
• Reenlistment Leave
• Rest and Recuperation Leave
• Terminal Leave

Each type of leave has specific eligibility criteria and regulations governing its use.

How is the DA Form 31 approved?

The approval process for the DA Form 31 involves multiple signatures. Initially, the requestor signs the form, followed by their supervisor, who can sign on behalf of the requestor if they are unavailable. The approving authority then reviews the request and indicates approval or disapproval. Each signature must include the date and rank of the signatory.

What should I do if my leave request is disapproved?

If a leave request is disapproved, the requestor should review the feedback provided by the approving authority. It may be beneficial to discuss the reasons for disapproval directly with the supervisor or approving authority. If necessary, the requestor can submit a revised request or appeal the decision, depending on the circumstances.

Where can I find the DA Form 31 and instructions for completion?

The DA Form 31 can typically be obtained through official military channels, such as the Army Publishing Directorate website or your unit's administrative office. Instructions for completing the form are often available alongside the form itself, ensuring that users understand the requirements and process for submission.

The DA Form 41, known as the "Request for Leave or Pass," serves a similar purpose to the DA 31 form. Both documents are utilized by military personnel to formally request time away from duty. The DA Form 41 specifically addresses requests for passes, which are typically shorter in duration compared to leave. Like the DA 31, it requires the requestor's personal information, type of absence, and necessary signatures for approval. This form ensures that all requests are documented and processed according to military regulations.

The DA Form 1, or "Personnel Qualification Record," is another document that shares similarities with the DA 31. While the DA Form 1 is primarily used to track an individual’s qualifications and career progression, it also includes sections for documenting leave and absence history. This aspect allows commanders to have a comprehensive view of a service member's availability and performance, paralleling the leave request process outlined in the DA 31.

The DD Form 214, known as the "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is also relevant in discussions about military leave. Although it is not a request form, it includes a record of all active duty service, including periods of leave. This form is crucial for service members transitioning out of the military, as it summarizes their service history, including any leave taken during their tenure, thereby providing context for their overall military career.

The DA Form 2-1, or "Personnel Qualification Record," is similar in that it provides a snapshot of a soldier's career, including their leave status. It is used to maintain a comprehensive record of a service member's assignments, training, and leave history. While it does not serve as a request form, it is essential for tracking an individual's leave over time, much like the DA 31 is used for specific leave requests.

The DA Form 4856, or "Developmental Counseling Form," can also be compared to the DA 31. Although primarily used for counseling purposes, it may include discussions about a service member's leave patterns and the impact on their performance. This form facilitates communication between supervisors and service members, addressing leave as a component of overall career development and readiness.

The DA Form 600-8-10, which pertains to the Army's Leave Policy, outlines the procedures and regulations governing leave requests. This document is essential for understanding the context and rules surrounding the DA 31. It provides the framework within which leave requests are evaluated, ensuring that all personnel are aware of their rights and responsibilities regarding leave.

The SF 71, or "Application for Leave," is a civilian equivalent to the DA 31 form. It is used by federal employees to request leave and includes similar sections for personal information, type of leave, and required approvals. The SF 71 ensures that civilian leave requests are documented and processed in accordance with federal regulations, paralleling the military's structured approach in the DA 31.

The AF Form 988, known as the "Leave Request/Authorization," is used by Air Force personnel and serves a similar function to the DA 31. It allows service members to request leave and includes information about the type of leave, dates, and necessary approvals. Both forms are designed to streamline the leave request process and ensure proper documentation within their respective branches of the military.

The NAVPERS 1336/3, or "Leave Request," is used by Navy personnel for requesting leave. This form mirrors the DA 31 in its layout and purpose, requiring details such as the requestor's information, type of leave, and supervisory approvals. The NAVPERS 1336/3 ensures that Navy members can formally request leave while adhering to established protocols, similar to the Army's process outlined in the DA 31.

Understanding the DA 31 form is essential for service members seeking leave, but several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are four common misunderstandings:

• Misconception 1: The DA 31 form is only for annual leave requests.

Many believe that the DA 31 form is exclusively for requesting annual leave. In reality, this form covers a variety of absence types, including emergency leave, environmental morale leave, and terminal leave, among others. It serves as a comprehensive tool for all leave requests.

• Misconception 2: Supervisors must always sign the form in person.

Some individuals think that the requestor must be present for their supervisor to sign the form. However, the regulations allow supervisors to sign on behalf of the requestor if they are unavailable. This flexibility can streamline the process, especially in urgent situations.

• Misconception 3: Non-chargeable leave does not require approval.

There is a belief that non-chargeable leave, such as emergency leave, does not need formal approval. This is incorrect. All types of leave, whether chargeable or non-chargeable, must be documented and approved using the DA 31 form to ensure proper record-keeping and accountability.

• Misconception 4: The DA 31 form is not subject to privacy regulations.

Some people may think that the DA 31 form is not governed by privacy laws. However, it is indeed subject to the Privacy Act of 1974. This means that personal information on the form must be handled with care to protect the privacy of the service member.

When filling out the DA 31 form, it’s important to approach the process with care. Here are some helpful tips on what to do and what to avoid:

• Do: Read the instructions carefully before you start filling out the form.
• Do: Ensure all personal information is accurate, including your name and DOD ID.
• Do: Specify the type of leave you are requesting clearly to avoid confusion.
• Do: Double-check the dates you enter for leave to ensure they are correct.
• Do: Sign the form in the appropriate sections before submitting.
• Do: Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
• Do: Submit the form to the correct approving authority in a timely manner.

• Don't: Rush through the form; take your time to fill it out accurately.
• Don't: Forget to include your leave address; this is crucial for communication.
• Don't: Leave any required fields blank; this can delay the approval process.
• Don't: Use abbreviations or unclear terms that might confuse the reviewer.
• Don't: Submit the form without confirming that you have the necessary approvals.
• Don't: Ignore the privacy guidelines; handle the form with confidentiality.
• Don't: Forget to follow up on the status of your leave request after submission.

By following these guidelines, you can streamline the process and increase the chances of a smooth approval for your leave request.

Completing the DA 31 form can be a straightforward process, but several common mistakes can lead to delays or rejections. One frequent error is failing to provide accurate personal information in the REQUESTOR INFORMATION section. This includes the individual's name, DOD ID, and rank. Inaccurate details can complicate the approval process.

Another common mistake is neglecting to specify the TYPE OF ABSENCE. The form requires that individuals select whether the leave is chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination. Omitting this information can lead to confusion and delays in processing the request.

Incorrect dates are also a significant issue. When filling out the FROM and TO fields, individuals must ensure that the dates are in the correct format (YYYYMMDD) and that they accurately reflect the intended leave period. Mistakes in these dates can result in the denial of the request.

Another area where errors frequently occur is in the TOTAL DAYS REQUESTED section. Requestors must calculate the total days accurately, including weekends and holidays if applicable. Miscalculating can lead to discrepancies that require further clarification.

Providing an incomplete LEAVE ADDRESS is another common mistake. This section requires not only the street address but also the city, state, ZIP code, and phone number. Missing any of this information can hinder communication during the leave period.

In addition, individuals often overlook the need for signatures. The REQUESTOR / SUPERVISOR / APPROVING AUTHORITY SIGNATURES section must be completed properly. If the requestor is unavailable, the supervisor can sign on their behalf, but this must be clearly indicated to avoid confusion.

Many people also fail to provide adequate remarks in the REMARKS section. This area is crucial for clarifying any special circumstances surrounding the leave request. A lack of detail can lead to misunderstandings or additional questions from the approving authority.

Another mistake involves not keeping copies of the submitted form. Requestors should always retain a copy of the completed DA 31 for their records. This practice can be beneficial if there are any disputes or questions regarding the leave later on.

Lastly, individuals sometimes submit the form too close to the desired leave dates. It is advisable to submit the DA 31 well in advance to allow sufficient time for processing and approval. Waiting until the last minute can lead to complications that may prevent the leave from being granted.