5 Ways To Fill Da Form 5960 Easily

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In the United States Army, filling out paperwork is an inevitable part of military life. One such form that can be a bit overwhelming is the DA Form 5960, also known as the "Authorization to Apply for a U.S. Passport and/or Request for a No-Fee Passport." This form is typically required for military personnel and their families when applying for a passport or requesting a no-fee passport. In this article, we will break down the DA Form 5960 into manageable sections and provide tips on how to fill it out easily.

Understanding the Purpose of DA Form 5960

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of filling out the form, it's essential to understand its purpose. The DA Form 5960 serves as a request for a no-fee passport, which is a special type of passport issued to military personnel and their families for official government business. The form also authorizes the applicant to apply for a U.S. passport. The information provided on the form will be used to verify the applicant's identity and eligibility for a no-fee passport.

Section 1: Applicant Information

The first section of the DA Form 5960 requires the applicant to provide personal information, including their name, social security number, date of birth, and rank/grade.

Step-by-Step Guide to Section 1:

1. Enter your full name as it appears on your identification documents.
2. Provide your social security number in the format XXX-XX-XXXX.
3. Enter your date of birth in the format MM/DD/YYYY.
4. Specify your rank/grade using the standardized military rank abbreviations (e.g., PVT, SPC, CPT, etc.).

Section 2: Sponsor Information

If the applicant is a dependent, this section requires information about their sponsor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Section 2:

1. Enter the sponsor's full name as it appears on their identification documents.
2. Provide the sponsor's social security number in the format XXX-XX-XXXX.
3. Enter the sponsor's date of birth in the format MM/DD/YYYY.
4. Specify the sponsor's rank/grade using the standardized military rank abbreviations (e.g., PVT, SPC, CPT, etc.).

Section 3: Passport Information

This section requires information about the type of passport being requested.

Step-by-Step Guide to Section 3:

1. Check the box indicating whether you are applying for a no-fee passport or a regular passport.
2. Specify the type of passport you are requesting (e.g., diplomatic, official, or tourist).
3. Provide the purpose of your travel (e.g., official business, tourism, etc.).

Section 4: Certification

This section requires the applicant's certification that the information provided is accurate and complete.

Step-by-Step Guide to Section 4:

1. Read the certification statement carefully.
2. Sign your name in the designated area.
3. Date the form using the format MM/DD/YYYY.

Section 5: Command Verification

This section requires verification from the applicant's command.

Step-by-Step Guide to Section 5:

1. Provide your unit's name and address.
2. Specify your commander's name and rank/grade.
3. Obtain your commander's signature and date.

5 Ways to Fill Out DA Form 5960 Easily

1. Gather all necessary documents: Before starting the form, ensure you have all the required documents, including identification, social security cards, and birth certificates.
2. Use a typewriter or computer: If possible, use a typewriter or computer to fill out the form. This will make it easier to read and reduce errors.
3. Read the instructions carefully: Take the time to read the instructions for each section carefully. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure you provide all the necessary information.
4. Use standardized formats: When providing dates and social security numbers, use the standardized formats (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY, XXX-XX-XXXX).
5. Have someone review your form: Before submitting the form, have someone review it to ensure all the information is accurate and complete.

By following these steps and tips, you should be able to fill out the DA Form 5960 easily and accurately.