7 Ways To Fill Out Da Form 5248-R Correctly

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Filling out the DA Form 5248-R, also known as the "Initiation/Update of the Active Duty Agreement" form, is a crucial step for military personnel and human resources personnel. This form is used to initiate or update an active duty agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions of a service member's active duty service. It's essential to fill out this form correctly to avoid errors, delays, or even rejection. In this article, we will guide you through 7 ways to fill out the DA Form 5248-R correctly.

Understanding the DA Form 5248-R

Before we dive into the 7 ways to fill out the DA Form 5248-R correctly, let's first understand the purpose and importance of this form. The DA Form 5248-R is used to document the terms and conditions of an active duty agreement, including the service member's duty status, tour length, and other essential details. This form is typically completed by human resources personnel or the service member's unit administrator.

1. Gather Required Information

Before starting to fill out the DA Form 5248-R, gather all the required information. This includes:

• The service member's name and social security number
• The service member's duty status (e.g., active duty, reserve, or national guard)
• The tour length and type (e.g., enlistment, reenlistment, or extension)
• The service member's unit and duty station
• The effective date of the active duty agreement

Having all the required information readily available will help you fill out the form accurately and efficiently.

Section-by-Section Guide

The DA Form 5248-R is divided into several sections. Let's break down each section and provide guidance on how to fill it out correctly.

2. Section 1: Service Member Information

In Section 1, you'll need to provide the service member's personal and demographic information. This includes:

• Name
• Social security number
• Date of birth
• Military occupation specialty (MOS) or Air Force specialty code (AFSC)

Make sure to enter the service member's information accurately and legibly.

Section 2: Duty Status and Tour Information

In Section 2, you'll need to provide information about the service member's duty status and tour. This includes:

• Duty status (e.g., active duty, reserve, or national guard)
• Tour length and type (e.g., enlistment, reenlistment, or extension)
• Tour start and end dates

Ensure that you select the correct duty status and tour type, as this will impact the service member's benefits and entitlements.

3. Section 3: Unit and Duty Station Information

In Section 3, you'll need to provide information about the service member's unit and duty station. This includes:

• Unit name and number
• Duty station name and address

Make sure to enter the unit and duty station information accurately, as this will impact the service member's assignment and deployment.

Additional Tips and Reminders

In addition to the section-by-section guide, here are some additional tips and reminders to help you fill out the DA Form 5248-R correctly:

• Use black ink and print legibly
• Avoid erasures or corrections
• Use the correct form version (the most current version is dated February 2020)
• Ensure that the service member signs and dates the form
• Retain a copy of the completed form for the service member's personnel file

4. Verify Information for Accuracy

Before submitting the DA Form 5248-R, verify all the information for accuracy. This includes:

• Reviewing the service member's personnel file
• Checking for errors or discrepancies
• Ensuring that all required information is complete and accurate

Verifying the information for accuracy will help prevent errors, delays, or even rejection of the form.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When filling out the DA Form 5248-R, there are several common mistakes to avoid:

• Incomplete or inaccurate information
• Failure to sign and date the form
• Using an outdated form version
• Failing to retain a copy of the completed form

Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure that the form is completed correctly and efficiently.

5. Use the Correct Form Version

It's essential to use the correct form version when filling out the DA Form 5248-R. The most current version of the form is dated February 2020. Using an outdated form version can result in errors, delays, or even rejection of the form.

Electronic Submission Options

In addition to submitting the DA Form 5248-R in person or by mail, there are also electronic submission options available. These include:

• Online submission through the Army's personnel management system
• Electronic submission through the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)

Using electronic submission options can help streamline the process and reduce errors.

6. Retain a Copy of the Completed Form

After submitting the DA Form 5248-R, retain a copy of the completed form for the service member's personnel file. This will help ensure that the service member's records are up-to-date and accurate.

Additional Resources

If you need additional guidance or resources when filling out the DA Form 5248-R, there are several options available:

• Army Regulation 614-30: "Enlisted Assignments and Utilization Management"
• Army Regulation 600-8-104: "Army Military Human Resource Record Management"
• The Army's personnel management system

Using these additional resources can help ensure that the form is completed correctly and efficiently.

7. Seek Assistance if Needed

Finally, if you need assistance when filling out the DA Form 5248-R, don't hesitate to seek help. You can contact your unit's personnel office or the Army's personnel management system for guidance and support.

Conclusion:

Filling out the DA Form 5248-R correctly is essential for military personnel and human resources personnel. By following these 7 ways to fill out the DA Form 5248-R correctly, you can ensure that the form is completed accurately and efficiently. Remember to gather required information, use the correct form version, and verify information for accuracy. If you need additional guidance or resources, don't hesitate to seek assistance.