Fill a Valid Da 31 Form

How to Use Da 31

Completing the DA Form 31, also known as the Request and Authority for Leave form, is a straightforward process that is essential for service members planning to take any form of leave. This document is designed to ensure all leave requests are systematically processed and recorded in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and Army Regulation 600-8-10. Filling out this form accurately and comprehensively is crucial to ensuring the leave request is processed swiftly and without unnecessary delays. Below are step-by-step instructions to guide you through the completion of the DA Form 31.

1. Control Number: If applicable, enter the control number assigned to your leave request.
2. Name: Write your full name, starting with your last name, followed by your first name and middle initial.
3. DOD ID: Enter your Department of Defense Identification Number.
4. Rank: Specify your current rank within the military.
5. Date: Fill in the current date using the YYYYMMDD format.
6. Leave Address: Provide the street address, city, state, ZIP Code, and a phone number where you can be reached during your leave.
7. Organization, Station, POC Email, and Phone Number: List your unit or organization, your current station, and the point of contact's email and phone number.
8. Type of Absence: Check the appropriate box that corresponds with the type of leave you are requesting (e.g., annual leave, emergency leave, PCS leave, etc.).
9. Dates and Total Days Requested: For sections 9a, 9b, and 9c, enter the start date, total days of leave requested, and the end date of your leave, respectively, using the YYYYMMDD format.
10. Accrued Leave: Under section 10a, 10b, and 10c, specify your accrued leave balance, the number of chargeable leave days you are requesting, and any non-chargeable absence days requested, respectively.
11. Signature of Requestor: Sign and date (YYYYMMDD) to confirm your leave request. If you are unavailable, your supervisor may sign on your behalf.
12. Supervisor Section: Have your supervisor fill in their name, title, rank/grade, indicate their recommendation, and sign and date the form.
13. Approving Authority: The designated approving authority must include their name, title, rank/grade, take action on the request (approved or disapproved), and sign and date the form.
14. Departure: Before departing, the authority signature, date (YYYYMMDD), and time must be recorded along with the name, title, and signature of the departure authority.
15. Extension and Return: If applicable, document any extension approvals or return details in the designated sections, complete with all necessary signatures and dates.
16. Remarks: Use the "Remarks" section for any additional information pertinent to your leave request.

After completing the DA Form 31, ensure that all information is accurate and that the form is submitted to the appropriate authority for approval. Timeliness and accuracy in filling out this form play a vital role in the approval process. Make certain to keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

What is a DA Form 31?

A DA Form 31, formally titled "Request and Authority for Leave," is a document used by members of the United States Army to request formal permission for temporary leave from duty. It covers various types of leave, including annual (ordinary) leave, emergency leave, and leave connected with a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), among others. The form serves to document the start and end dates of the leave, the type of leave, and approvals from supervisors and commanding officers.

Who needs to fill out a DA Form 31?

Any active duty soldier in the United States Army who wishes to take leave for personal, medical, or administrative reasons must fill out a DA Form 31. This form is necessary to officially request and receive approval for the leave period.

Where can I find instructions for completing the DA Form 31?

Instructions for completing the DA Form 31 can be found by clicking on the instructions button provided on the form itself. Additionally, Army Regulation (AR) 600-8-10 details policies and procedures regarding military leave and may offer further guidance on how to properly fill out the form.

What information do I need to provide on a DA Form 31?

To complete a DA Form 31, you will need to provide personal information including your name, Department of Defense Identification (DOD ID) number, rank, and leave address. You must also specify the type of absence requested (e.g., annual, emergency, PCS), the dates of leave, and any chargeable or non-chargeable leave details. Signatures from the requestor, the supervisor, and approving authority are also required.

How do I submit a DA Form 31?

Submission processes for a DA Form 31 can vary based on unit or command. Generally, after completing the form, the soldier should submit it to their immediate supervisor or chain of command for review and approval. Once approved at all required levels, the form is processed administratively for official leave records.

Can a supervisor sign a DA Form 31 for a requestor?

Yes, a supervisor is authorized to sign a DA Form 31 for a requestor in situations where the requestor is not available to sign the form themselves. This is indicated in the form’s instructions and ensures that leave requests can be processed in a timely manner.

What happens if a DA Form 31 is disapproved?

If a DA Form 31 is disapproved, the soldier will receive notification and an explanation for the disapproval from their supervisor or the approving authority. Depending on the reason for disapproval, the soldier may be able to adjust their request and resubmit the form.

Is there a digital version of the DA Form 31 available?

Yes, a digital or electronic version of the DA Form 31 is available. Soldiers can fill out and submit the form digitally in accordance with their unit or command’s specific procedures for digital submissions. This allows for faster processing and easier storage of leave records.

How long does it take to process a DA Form 31?

The processing time for a DA Form 31 can vary based on the specific policies of the unit or command and the completeness of the form. Ensuring that the form is filled out accurately and is properly submitted can help expedite the process.

Can a DA Form 31 be used for emergency leave?

Yes, a DA Form 31 can be used to request emergency leave. Soldiers needing to take leave due to an unforeseeable emergency or significant personal event should specify the type of absence as "emergency leave" on the form and have it duly signed and approved by the appropriate authority.

Filling out the DA Form 31 correctly is crucial for service members requesting leave. However, some common mistakes can complicate this process. Recognizing and avoiding these errors can help ensure the leave request is processed smoothly.

1. Not double-checking personal information: It's easy to overlook errors in your name, DOD ID, rank, or date. Incorrect personal details can delay the processing of your leave.

2. Leaving the leave address section incomplete: The leave address, including street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number, must be fully filled out. This information is critical in case you need to be contacted or recalled from leave.

3. Forgetting to specify the type of absence: The DA Form 31 offers several options for absence types, such as annual leave, emergency leave, etc. Failing to clearly mark the correct box can lead to misunderstandings about the nature of your leave.

4. Miscalculating the total days requested: It's important to accurately calculate the number of days you're requesting, including correctly noting the start and end dates. Mistakes here can affect your leave balance.

5. Not obtaining all required signatures: Ensure that your form has been signed by you, your supervisor, and the approving authority. Missing signatures can invalidate your leave request.

6. Misunderstanding chargeable vs. non-chargeable leave: Make sure to correctly designate your leave as chargeable or non-chargeable based on its nature. Misclassification can impact your leave record and pay.

By paying attention to these common pitfalls, service members can better navigate the leave request process.

When processing leave requests for military personnel, the DA Form 31 is a crucial document. However, it is often accompanied by various other forms and documents, each serving its specific purpose within the administrative framework. These documents together ensure a smooth and regulated handling of leave requests, transfers, and other personnel actions. Below is a list of forms and documents frequently used alongside the DA Form 31, offering a brief description of each.

• DA Form 4187: Personnel Action Form - This document is used for a variety of personnel actions including requests for reassignment, extra rations, name changes, and others that are not specifically covered by another form.
• DD Form 1351-2: Travel Voucher or Subvoucher - Used by military members to claim reimbursement for official travel expenses incurred while on temporary duty assignments or when relocating for a permanent change of station.
• DA Form 5960: Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ), and/or Variable Housing Allowance (VHA) - This form is used to document changes in a service member's entitlement for housing allowances.
• LES (Leave and Earnings Statement): A comprehensive statement provided monthly that details a service member's leave status, earnings, deductions, and allotments.
• DA Form 6: Duty Roster - While not directly related to leave, this form is essential for tracking duty assignments and ensuring coverage during a service member's absence.
• DA Form 705: Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard - Must be up to date when applying for certain types of leave or when processing evaluations.
• DA Form 3349: Physical Profile - This form documents any physical limitations a service member may have, potentially influencing their leave or duty assignments.
• DA Form 5500/5501: Body Fat Content Worksheet (Male/Female) - Used in conjunction with fitness test scorecards for those who need to document compliance with body fat standards.
• DA Form 2823: Sworn Statement - May be required in instances where a formal statement is needed to accompany a leave request, particularly in cases of emergency leave.
• Medical Documents: Various medical forms and documents may be required to support a leave request, especially for medical or emergency leave. These might include a doctor's note or medical evaluation forms.

Together, these documents facilitate a well-organized leave process. Each form ensures that every aspect of a service member's leave, duty, and personnel record is accurately documented and accounted for, which helps in maintaining the efficiency and integrity of military personnel systems.

The DA 31 form, widely used by military personnel to request and authorize leave, shares similarities with various other documents across different sectors. One closely related document is the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) leave request form, used in civilian employment for requesting leave due to family or medical reasons. Both forms require detailed personal and contact information, the reason for absence, and the duration of the leave requested. However, the FMLA form additionally demands medical certification for certain conditions, reflecting its focus on medical and family issues.

Another document akin to the DA 31 form is the Leave Request/Authorization form commonly found in civilian workplaces. This form serves a similar purpose: to formally request time off from work. It captures details like the leave duration, type of leave (such as vacation, personal, or sick leave), and employee information. The main difference lies in the absence types available, with the DA 31 form catering to military-specific leaves like PCS (Permanent Change of Station) or EML (Environmental Morale Leave).

The Absence Request Form used in educational institutions by staff or faculty also parallels the DA 31 form. It necessitates information on the requestor, the leave period, and reasons for the absence. Although both documents facilitate absence reporting, the Absence Request Form usually includes options for compensatory time or unpaid leave, which are not directly applicable to military leave scenarios as outlined in the DA 31.

Travel Authorization forms used within government agencies similarly resemble the DA 31 form in that they request official permission for travel, often detailing the destination, purpose, and timeline. While the DA 31 mainly focuses on leave, both forms serve the overarching purpose of obtaining approval for absence from duty, albeit with the Travel Authorization emphasizing cost details and funding sources.

Emergency Leave Request forms, while generally more specific than the DA 31, also facilitate the process for requesting urgent leave due to unforeseen circumstances. These forms typically require explanation of the emergency situation, mirroring the DA 31’s section for emergency leave but without its broader scope for various leave types.

The TDY (Temporary Duty) Assignment Request, often used within military and government sectors, is designed for short-term assignments away from the primary place of duty, bearing resemblance to the DA 31’s functionality for sanctioning time away. However, TDY requests focus on the assignment's details and justifications, contrasting with the leave-focused nature of the DA 31.

Worker’s Compensation Leave Forms, utilized when an employee is injured on the job and requires time off, share the trait of formalizing absence from duty with the DA 31 form. These forms dive into injury specifics and expected duration of absence for recovery, differing in their specialized nature targeting workplace injuries.

The Sabbatical Leave Application, often found in academic settings, allows faculty members to request extended leave for research or study. Like the DA 31, this form includes sections for the leave duration and purpose but diverges in its orientation towards academic enhancement rather than personal or emergency leave.

The Jury Duty Leave Request form, required when an employee needs to fulfill jury service obligations, captures the necessity for official leave documentation similar to the DA 31. It typically includes summons details and expected absences, focusing narrowly on civic duty compared to the broad military leave options of the DA 31.

Lastly, the Paternity Leave Request form, designed for new fathers seeking time off to care for their newborn or newly adopted child, aligns with the DA 31 in terms of structuring an official leave request. While it specifically addresses paternity leave, it shares the fundamental purpose of documenting an authorized absence, albeit within the context of family expansion.

When filling out the DA Form 31, also known as the Request and Authority for Leave form, individuals should be mindful of the following dos and don'ts to ensure the process is completed accurately and efficiently:

• Do carefully read the Privacy Act of 1974 statement before filling out the form to understand how your personal information will be used.
• Do ensure all information is accurate, particularly your name, DOD ID, rank, leave address, and organization, station, POC email, and phone number to avoid any processing delays.
• Do clearly indicate the type of absence you are requesting, whether it be chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination, and specify the kind, such as annual (Ordinary) leave, emergency leave, etc.
• Do accurately fill in the dates for your leave request, including the 'FROM' and 'TO' dates, to precisely calculate the total days requested.
• Do sign the form where indicated if you are the requestor or ensure it is signed by your supervisor if you are not available to do so.
• Don't leave any necessary fields blank, as incomplete forms may be returned or delayed, including not specifying the chargeable or non-chargeable leave requested.
• Don't guess your accrued leave without verifying; incorrect information can affect the approval process and your leave balance.
• Don't forget to include signatures from the supervisor or approving authority where required; unsigned forms will not be processed.

Following these suggestions will help in facilitating a smoother approval process for your DA Form 31. It is crucial to provide thorough and accurate information to prevent any unnecessary delays or issues in your leave request processing.

When it comes to leave in the military, the DA Form 31 is the official document used to request and authorize leave for service members. However, there are several misconceptions about this form and its use. Let’s clarify some of these misunderstandings:

• It’s only for vacation leave. This is a common misconception. While the DA Form 31 is often used to request vacation, or "ordinary" leave, it also covers a variety of leave types including emergency leave, parental leave, sick leave, and others. The form accommodates diverse needs beyond just taking a break.

• Any leave period requires a DA Form 31. Not all types of absences need this form. For example, passes, which are short, non-chargeable periods of time off typically granted for weekends or holidays, don’t require a DA Form 31. This form is specific to leave that is chargeable or requires formal approval.

• Supervisors cannot sign on behalf of the requestor. In fact, supervisors can sign the DA Form 31 on behalf of the service member if they are not available to sign it themselves. This provision ensures that the process can continue even if the requester is unable to physically sign the document.

• The form is only for Army personnel. While the DA stands for Department of the Army, and the form is primarily designed for Army use, similar processes or forms with different titles might be found in other branches. However, the concept of formal leave requests is universal across the military.

• Leave approvals are guaranteed. Submitting a DA Form 31 does not automatically mean your leave will be approved. The form must be reviewed and approved by the service member's chain of command, and various factors can affect this decision, including mission requirements or current staffing levels.

• There’s no way to request an extension. Actually, the form does have a section for requesting an extension of the leave originally requested. Approval of extensions, like initial leave requests, is at the discretion of the chain of command based on operational needs.

• A DA Form 31 is needed for every type of leave, chargeable or not. The form allows service members to request both chargeable and non-chargeable absences. Understanding the differences between these is crucial, as it affects a service member’s leave balance.

• The form is only for requesting future leave. While the primary function is for requesting upcoming leave, it can also be used to document past absences in some circumstances, such as after returning from emergency leave. This ensures that records are kept up to date and leave balances are accurately maintained.

Understanding how to properly use the DA Form 31 is crucial for service members to manage their leave effectively and to ensure their requests are processed smoothly. Clearing up these misconceptions can help prevent errors and delays in the leave request and approval process.

Filling out and using the DA Form 31, also known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is a process that demands careful attention to detail. Here are ten key takeaways to ensure your leave request is completed correctly and processed smoothly:

• Understand the Privacy Act of 1974: The DA Form 31 is subject to this act, which protects your personal information. Knowing your rights under this act is essential.
• Correctly identifying the type of absence: The form lets you choose from various options such as annual leave, emergency leave, or PCS leave. Selecting the right one is crucial for proper processing.
• Accurate Leave Address: Providing a precise leave address is necessary. This includes the street, city, state, ZIP code, and a reliable phone number.
• Organization and Station Information: Detailing your organization, station, POC email, and phone number helps in the verification and communication process.
• Understanding chargeable vs. non-chargeable leave: Know the difference between these types of leaves. This affects your leave balance and entitlements.
• Completing the Dates Correctly: When filling out the sections for leave duration, using the correct format (YYYYMMDD) and ensuring the dates are accurate is vital to prevent any delays.
• Signatures are crucial: The form requires signatures from the requestor, supervisor, and approving authority. In some cases, a supervisor can sign for the requestor. Ensure all signatures are in place to validate the request.
• Advance and Excess Leave: Understand the provisions for advance and excess leave, as these options might impact your leave balance in specific scenarios.
• Keeping Track of Departure and Return Information: The form includes sections for authority signatures upon departure and return. These must be completed to record accurately the start and end of your leave.
• Checking the Remarks Section: This section is for personnel/finance use and provides additional information regarding the chargeable leave period. Be aware of this information, as it can affect your leave record.

Treating the DA Form 31 with the attention it requires will facilitate a smoother approval process for your leave, ensuring your rights and benefits are upheld throughout your requested absence.