The world of military forms can be overwhelming, especially for those who are new to the process. One of the most commonly used forms is the DA Form 31, also known as the Request and Authority for Leave form. In this article, we will guide you through the process of downloading and filling out the DA Form 31, making it easier for you to navigate the system.
What is the DA Form 31?
The DA Form 31 is a request form used by members of the US Army to apply for leave. The form is used to request time off for various reasons, including vacation, family emergencies, and medical appointments. The form is typically submitted to the soldier's unit or command for approval.
Why is the DA Form 31 Important?
The DA Form 31 is a crucial document that helps soldiers and their commanders manage leave requests efficiently. By using this form, soldiers can ensure that their leave requests are properly documented and approved, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or errors.
How to Download the DA Form 31
To download the DA Form 31, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the official Army website at
- Click on the "Forms" tab at the top of the page
- Search for "DA Form 31" in the search bar
- Click on the "DA Form 31" link to download the form
Alternatively, you can also download the DA Form 31 from other online sources, such as the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) or the Army Publishing Directorate (APD).
Fillable DA Form 31
The DA Form 31 is a fillable form, which means that you can type your information directly into the form using a PDF viewer or editor. To fill out the form, follow these steps:
- Open the DA Form 31 in a PDF viewer or editor
- Click on the first field to start filling out the form
- Enter your information in the required fields, including your name, rank, and unit
- Be sure to sign and date the form
- Save the completed form to your computer or print it out
DA Form 31 Instructions
To ensure that your DA Form 31 is complete and accurate, follow these instructions:
- Section I: Soldier's Information
- Enter your name, rank, and unit
- Provide your Social Security number and date of birth
- Section II: Leave Request
- Specify the type of leave you are requesting (e.g. vacation, family emergency)
- Enter the start and end dates of your leave
- Provide a brief explanation for your leave request
- Section III: Commander's Approval
- Obtain your commander's signature and date
- Ensure that your commander's information is complete and accurate
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When filling out the DA Form 31, there are several common mistakes to avoid:
- Incomplete or inaccurate information
- Failure to sign and date the form
- Insufficient justification for leave request
- Failure to obtain commander's approval
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your DA Form 31 is complete and accurate, reducing the risk of delays or errors.
DA Form 31 FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the DA Form 31:
- Q: What is the purpose of the DA Form 31? A: The DA Form 31 is used to request time off for various reasons, including vacation, family emergencies, and medical appointments.
- Q: How do I download the DA Form 31? A: You can download the DA Form 31 from the official Army website or other online sources.
- Q: What information do I need to provide on the DA Form 31? A: You will need to provide your name, rank, unit, Social Security number, and date of birth, as well as the type of leave you are requesting and the start and end dates of your leave.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the DA Form 31 is an important document that helps soldiers and their commanders manage leave requests efficiently. By following the instructions and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your DA Form 31 is complete and accurate. Remember to download the form from a reliable source and fill it out carefully to avoid any errors or delays.
What is the DA Form 31 used for?
+The DA Form 31 is used to request time off for various reasons, including vacation, family emergencies, and medical appointments.
How do I download the DA Form 31?
+You can download the DA Form 31 from the official Army website or other online sources.
What information do I need to provide on the DA Form 31?
+You will need to provide your name, rank, unit, Social Security number, and date of birth, as well as the type of leave you are requesting and the start and end dates of your leave.