Fill Out a Valid Da 31 Template

When filling out the DA 31 form, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are four things you should and shouldn't do:

• Do: Provide complete and accurate personal information, including your name, DOD ID, and rank.
• Do: Specify the type of leave you are requesting clearly, whether it is chargeable or non-chargeable.
• Don't: Leave any required fields blank. Incomplete forms may delay the approval process.
• Don't: Forget to sign the form. Your signature is necessary to validate the request.

1. Incorrect Name Format: Many people forget to write their name in the proper format, which is Last, First, Middle Initial.

2. Missing DOD ID: Failing to include the Department of Defense Identification number can lead to delays in processing the request.

3. Incorrect Date Format: Dates must be entered in the YYYYMMDD format. Using a different format can cause confusion.

4. Incomplete Leave Address: Not providing a full leave address, including street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number, can hinder communication.

5. Wrong Type of Absence: Selecting the incorrect type of absence can affect the approval process. It's important to choose wisely.

6. Missing Total Days Requested: Forgetting to fill in the total days requested can lead to processing issues.

7. Accrued Leave Errors: Entering incorrect accrued leave balances can result in problems with leave eligibility.

8. Signature Issues: Not signing the form or having the wrong person sign can cause delays. Ensure the requestor's signature is present.

9. Neglecting Supervisor's Approval: Failing to obtain the supervisor's signature or approval can lead to disapproval of the leave request.

10. Ignoring Remarks Section: Not using the remarks section for additional information can lead to misunderstandings about the leave request.

The DA Form 31, known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is a crucial document for military personnel seeking leave. It serves as a formal request for various types of absences, including annual leave, emergency leave, and terminal leave. Alongside this form, several other documents are often utilized to facilitate the leave process and ensure proper record-keeping. Below is a list of these accompanying forms and documents.

• Leave and Earnings Statement (LES): This document provides a detailed account of a service member's pay, deductions, and leave balance. It is essential for verifying the amount of accrued leave available for use when submitting a DA Form 31.
• Unit Leave Policy: Each military unit typically has a specific policy governing leave requests. This document outlines the procedures, eligibility criteria, and any limitations that service members must adhere to when requesting leave.
• Medical Documentation: In cases where leave is requested for medical reasons, appropriate medical documentation may be required. This could include a doctor's note or other relevant health records to substantiate the need for leave.
• Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale: An official document that records the sale and purchase of a vehicle, serving as proof of transaction between the seller and the buyer, which can be accessed through Formaid Org.
• Travel Orders: If leave involves travel, service members may need to submit travel orders. These orders authorize the movement of personnel and may include details about transportation and accommodations during the leave period.

Understanding these associated documents is vital for service members to navigate the leave process effectively. Each document plays a role in ensuring that leave requests are processed smoothly and in compliance with military regulations.

Understanding the DA 31 form can be challenging, especially with the many misconceptions that exist around it. Here are five common misunderstandings, along with clarifications to help you navigate the process more easily.

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

This form is versatile. It covers various types of absence, including emergency leave, PCS leave, and even environmental morale leave. It’s not limited to just annual leave.

• Misconception 2: You must always fill out the entire form.

While it’s important to provide all necessary information, some sections may not apply to your situation. For instance, if you are not requesting advance leave, you can skip that section.

• Misconception 3: Only the service member can submit the DA 31 form.

In cases where the service member is unavailable, a supervisor can sign on their behalf. This flexibility ensures that requests can still be processed in a timely manner.

• Misconception 4: Once submitted, the leave is guaranteed to be approved.

Approval is not automatic. The form must go through a review process, and the approving authority has the final say. Factors such as mission requirements can influence their decision.

• Misconception 5: You can’t make changes after submitting the form.

If you need to make changes, it’s possible to request an amendment. Just communicate with your supervisor or the approving authority as soon as you realize a change is necessary.

Understanding the DA 31 form is crucial for service members seeking leave. Here are key takeaways to consider:

1. Privacy Act Compliance: The DA 31 form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, ensuring personal information is protected.
2. Requestor Information: Fill out the requestor's name, DOD ID, rank, and contact details accurately to avoid processing delays.
3. Type of Absence: Clearly indicate whether the leave is chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination. This affects leave balances.
4. Leave Dates: Specify the start and end dates of the leave. Ensure the dates are formatted as YYYYMMDD.
5. Signature Requirements: The requestor must sign the form. If unavailable, a supervisor can sign on their behalf.
6. Approval Process: Supervisors and approving authorities must review and sign the form, indicating approval or disapproval.
7. Extension Requests: If an extension is needed, additional signatures and dates must be provided on the form.
8. Return Authority: Include signatures from the return authority to confirm the service member's return from leave.
9. Remarks Section: Use the remarks section for any additional information or clarifications that may assist in processing the leave request.

By following these guidelines, service members can navigate the leave request process more efficiently.

• DA Form 4187 - Personnel Action: This form is used to document various personnel actions, including leave requests. Like the DA 31, it requires information about the individual and the type of action being requested. Both forms require approvals from supervisors and higher authorities.
• DA Form 5001 - Leave Control Log: This document tracks leave taken by service members. Similar to the DA 31, it includes details about the type of leave, dates, and signatures for approval. It serves as a record-keeping tool to monitor leave balances and ensure compliance with regulations.
• DA Form 160 - Application for Active Duty: This form is used for requesting active duty status. It shares similarities with the DA 31 in that it requires personal information, dates, and the purpose of the request. Both forms facilitate the management of personnel actions within the military.
• DA Form 31-1 - Leave Request for Emergency Leave: This specific form is designed for emergency leave requests. Like the DA 31, it requires details about the service member and the nature of the leave. Both forms must be signed by appropriate authorities to ensure proper processing.