If you're a military member or a civilian employee of the Department of Defense, you may have come across the DA Form 7708, also known as the "Special Pay for Mobilization, Alert, or Special Duty Assignment". This form is used to apply for special pay for military personnel and civilians who are mobilized, placed on alert, or assigned to special duty. However, filling out this form can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with the process. In this article, we'll break down the steps to fill out the DA Form 7708 correctly, ensuring you receive the special pay you're eligible for.
Understanding the DA Form 7708
Before we dive into the steps, it's essential to understand the purpose of the DA Form 7708. This form is used to apply for special pay, which includes:
- Mobilization pay for military personnel who are deployed or mobilized for a specific period.
- Alert pay for military personnel who are placed on alert status.
- Special duty pay for civilians and military personnel who are assigned to special duty.
Step 1: Gather Required Information
To fill out the DA Form 7708 correctly, you'll need to gather the required information. This includes:
- Your name and social security number
- Your military or civilian identification number
- Your unit or organization
- Your rank or grade
- The type of special pay you're applying for (mobilization, alert, or special duty)
- The dates of your mobilization, alert, or special duty assignment
- Your pay grade and step
Step 2: Fill Out Section I - Identification
Section I of the DA Form 7708 requires you to provide your identification information. This includes your name, social security number, military or civilian identification number, unit or organization, and rank or grade.
Step 3: Fill Out Section II - Special Pay Information
Section II of the DA Form 7708 requires you to provide information about the special pay you're applying for. This includes the type of special pay, the dates of your mobilization, alert, or special duty assignment, and your pay grade and step.
Step 4: Fill Out Section III - Certification
Section III of the DA Form 7708 requires you to certify that the information you've provided is accurate and true. This section also requires you to sign and date the form.
Step 5: Review and Submit the Form
Once you've completed the DA Form 7708, review it carefully to ensure that all the information is accurate and complete. Sign and date the form, then submit it to your unit or organization for processing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When filling out the DA Form 7708, there are several common mistakes to avoid. These include:
- Incomplete or inaccurate information
- Failure to sign and date the form
- Failure to submit the form to the correct unit or organization
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your DA Form 7708 is processed correctly and that you receive the special pay you're eligible for.
Conclusion
Filling out the DA Form 7708 correctly requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the special pay you're applying for. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your form is complete and accurate, and that you receive the special pay you're eligible for. Remember to review and submit the form carefully, and avoid common mistakes that can delay or prevent payment.
What is the DA Form 7708 used for?
+The DA Form 7708 is used to apply for special pay for military personnel and civilians who are mobilized, placed on alert, or assigned to special duty.
What information do I need to gather to fill out the DA Form 7708?
+You'll need to gather your identification information, including your name, social security number, military or civilian identification number, unit or organization, and rank or grade.
How do I submit the DA Form 7708?
+Once you've completed the form, review it carefully and sign and date it. Then, submit it to your unit or organization for processing.