5 Tips For Filling Out Dd Form 1853

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As a military personnel, contractor, or civilian employee, filling out the DD Form 1853 is an essential task that requires attention to detail and accuracy. The DD Form 1853, also known as the "Verification of a Military Service Member's (Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard) Identity and Certification of Verification" form, serves as a crucial document in verifying the identity and service details of military personnel.

In this article, we will provide you with five valuable tips to help you fill out the DD Form 1853 correctly and efficiently. By following these tips, you can ensure that your form is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.

Understanding the DD Form 1853

Before we dive into the tips, it's essential to understand the purpose and scope of the DD Form 1853. The form is used to verify the identity and service details of military personnel, including their name, rank, social security number, and dates of service. The form also requires certification from a verifying official, typically a commanding officer or personnel officer.

<h3-tip 1: Gather Required Information and Documents

To fill out the DD Form 1853 accurately, you'll need to gather specific information and documents. Make sure you have the following:

• Your military ID card or Common Access Card (CAC)
• Your social security number
• Your dates of service, including enlistment and separation dates
• Your rank and branch of service
• Your personnel records, including your DD Form 214 (if applicable)

Having all the necessary information and documents will help you fill out the form quickly and accurately.

Tip 2: Fill Out the Form Legibly and Accurately

When filling out the DD Form 1853, make sure to write legibly and accurately. Use black ink and avoid using whiteout or making corrections. If you make a mistake, start over with a new form.

Pay close attention to the following sections:

• Section 1: Member's Information
• Section 2: Verification of Identity
• Section 3: Certification of Verification

Double-check your answers to ensure accuracy, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you're unsure about any section.

Tip 3: Get Certification from a Verifying Official

The DD Form 1853 requires certification from a verifying official, typically a commanding officer or personnel officer. Make sure to obtain the necessary certification before submitting the form.

The verifying official will review your form, verify your identity, and sign and date the form. This certification is essential to validate your service details and identity.

Tip 4: Submit the Form Correctly

Once you've completed and certified the DD Form 1853, submit it to the required authority. Make sure to follow the submission guidelines, which may include:

• Submitting the form to your personnel office or human resources department
• Faxing or emailing the form to the required authority
• Hand-delivering the form to the verifying official

Double-check the submission guidelines to ensure your form is processed correctly.

Tip 5: Keep a Copy of the Form for Your Records

Finally, keep a copy of the completed and certified DD Form 1853 for your records. This will help you:

• Verify your service details and identity
• Update your personnel records
• Provide proof of service for future purposes

Store the copy in a safe and secure location, such as a personnel file or a secure online storage service.

By following these five tips, you'll be able to fill out the DD Form 1853 accurately and efficiently. Remember to gather required information and documents, fill out the form legibly and accurately, obtain certification from a verifying official, submit the form correctly, and keep a copy for your records.

We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of filling out the DD Form 1853. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to comment below. Share this article with your fellow military personnel, contractors, or civilian employees to help them navigate the process.