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The DA Form 31 is a request and authority for leave used by military personnel. This form helps service members document their leave requests, whether for personal, emergency, or other types of absence. Understanding how to fill out this form correctly is essential for ensuring your leave is approved without unnecessary delays.

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Table of Contents

The DA Form 31, formally known as the Request and Authority for Leave, plays a crucial role in the leave process for military personnel. This document is not just a formality; it is a structured way to request leave while ensuring compliance with military regulations. It is governed by the Privacy Act of 1974, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding personal information. The form requires detailed information from the requestor, including their name, DOD ID, rank, and leave address, as well as the specific type of absence being requested—whether it be chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination of both. Various leave types are available, such as annual leave, emergency leave, and leave for permanent change of station, among others. The form also includes sections for accrued leave balances and the total days requested, ensuring that all relevant details are captured. After submission, the request must go through a chain of approval, involving signatures from the requestor, their supervisor, and the approving authority. This process ensures that all leave requests are properly vetted and documented. Understanding the nuances of the DA Form 31 can help service members navigate their leave options more effectively.

Document Specs

Fact Name Fact Description
Form Purpose The DA Form 31 is used to request and authorize leave for military personnel.
Privacy Compliance This form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, ensuring the protection of personal information.
Governing Regulation For guidance on using this form, refer to Army Regulation (AR) 600-8-10.
Requestor Information The form requires detailed information about the requestor, including name, DOD ID, and rank.
Types of Absence Various leave types can be requested, such as chargeable, non-chargeable, and combinations of both.
Signature Requirements Signatures from the requestor, supervisor, and approving authority are mandatory for processing the leave request.
Leave Duration The form captures the total days requested and specific dates for the leave period.
Extension Procedures There is a section for requesting extensions, requiring additional signatures and approval.
Obsolete Editions The current version of DA Form 31 is dated June 2020; previous editions are no longer valid.

Key takeaways

Filling out the DA 31 form is an important process for requesting leave. Here are some key takeaways to help you understand how to use this form effectively:

  • Privacy Compliance: The DA 31 form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974. Ensure that you handle it with care to protect personal information.
  • Requestor Information: Fill in your name, DOD ID, and rank accurately in Part I. This information is crucial for processing your request.
  • Leave Address: Provide a complete leave address, including street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number. This ensures that you can be reached during your leave.
  • Type of Absence: Clearly indicate whether your leave is chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination. Select the appropriate type from the options provided.
  • Leave Dates: Specify the start and end dates of your requested leave. Double-check the dates to avoid any errors.
  • Signatures Required: Your signature is needed, and if you cannot sign, your supervisor may sign on your behalf. Ensure all necessary signatures are obtained.
  • Approval Process: Understand that your supervisor and approving authority will review your request. Their recommendations and approvals are essential for your leave to be granted.
  • Remarks Section: Use the remarks section to provide any additional information that may support your leave request. This can be helpful for the reviewing authorities.

By keeping these takeaways in mind, you can navigate the DA 31 form with greater confidence and clarity. Take your time to fill it out accurately, as this will help facilitate your leave request.

Documents used along the form

The DA 31 form, which is a request and authority for leave, is an essential document for military personnel seeking time off. However, it is often accompanied by other forms and documents that help streamline the leave process. Below is a list of some commonly used documents alongside the DA 31 form.

  • Leave and Earnings Statement (LES): This document provides a detailed summary of a service member's pay, deductions, and leave balances. It is crucial for verifying accrued leave and understanding financial implications during a leave period.
  • Quitclaim Deed: If you're looking to transfer property ownership, you may want to utilize a Quitclaim Deed form, especially when dealing with trusted parties like family or friends.
  • DA Form 4187: Known as the "Personnel Action" form, this document is used to request changes in a service member's status, such as a change of duty station or a request for leave extension. It ensures that any updates to personnel records are officially documented.
  • Travel Orders: When a service member is traveling for official duties or training, travel orders outline the specifics of the trip, including destination, duration, and funding. These orders are important for reimbursement and accountability during travel.
  • Medical Documentation: If leave is requested for medical reasons, appropriate medical documentation may be required. This could include doctor’s notes or other health-related records that justify the leave request.
  • Family Care Plan (FCP): For service members with dependents, a Family Care Plan outlines arrangements for their care during the member's absence. It is crucial for ensuring that dependents are cared for while the service member is away.

Understanding these additional forms can help ensure a smoother leave process. Each document plays a unique role in supporting the DA 31 form and helps maintain clear communication and proper record-keeping within military operations.

How to Write Da 31

Completing the DA 31 form is an essential step in requesting leave. This form collects important information about the requestor and the type of leave being sought. Following these steps will help ensure that the form is filled out correctly and submitted efficiently.

  1. Control Number: Write the control number in the designated box at the top of the form.
  2. Requestor Information: Fill in your name (last, first, middle initial) in the appropriate fields.
  3. DOD ID: Enter your Department of Defense identification number.
  4. Rank: Indicate your military rank.
  5. Date: Write the date in the format YYYYMMDD.
  6. Leave Address: Provide your leave address, including street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number.
  7. Organization Information: Fill in the name of your organization, station, and point of contact (POC) email and phone number.
  8. Type of Absence: Check the appropriate box for the type of leave you are requesting (chargeable, non-chargeable, or combination). Specify the type of leave (e.g., annual, emergency, etc.).
  9. Leave Dates: Complete the fields for the leave period:
    • From date (YYYYMMDD)
    • Total days requested
    • To date (YYYYMMDD)
  10. Leave Balances: Indicate your accrued leave balance and the amount of chargeable and non-chargeable leave requested.
  11. Signatures:
    • Sign and date the form as the requestor. If you cannot sign, your supervisor may sign on your behalf.
    • Your supervisor must fill in their name, title, and rank/grade, and indicate their recommendation (approval or disapproval) along with their signature and date.
    • The approving authority must also fill in their name, title, rank/grade, and action (approved or disapproved) with their signature and date.
  12. Departure Authority Signature: Complete the fields for departure authority signature, including date, time, name, title, and signature.
  13. Extension Approval Authority Signature: If applicable, fill in the number of days for extension, approval date, name, title, and signature.
  14. Return Authority Signature: Complete the return authority signature fields, including date, time, name, title, and signature.
  15. Remarks: Use this section for any additional remarks or information as needed.

After completing the form, review it carefully to ensure all sections are filled out accurately. Once confirmed, submit the DA 31 form to the appropriate authority for processing. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.

Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions about the DA 31 form that can lead to confusion. Understanding the truth behind these myths can help service members navigate the leave process more effectively.

  • Misconception 1: The DA 31 form is only for annual leave.
  • This form is used for various types of absences, including emergency leave, PCS leave, and more. It is not limited to just annual leave.

  • Misconception 2: A supervisor must always sign the DA 31 form.
  • While a supervisor's signature is typically required, they can sign on behalf of the requestor if the requestor is unavailable. This flexibility can ease the process.

  • Misconception 3: Non-chargeable leave does not require approval.
  • Even non-chargeable leave requests must go through the approval process. Proper documentation is still necessary to ensure accountability.

  • Misconception 4: The DA 31 form is not subject to privacy regulations.
  • In fact, the DA 31 form is governed by the Privacy Act of 1974. This means that personal information must be handled with care and confidentiality.

  • Misconception 5: Once submitted, the leave request cannot be changed.
  • Leave requests can be amended before approval. If circumstances change, it's essential to communicate with the appropriate authority to adjust the request.

  • Misconception 6: The DA 31 form is only relevant for active duty members.
  • Reserve and National Guard members also use the DA 31 form when requesting leave. It applies to various components of the military.

Other PDF Forms

Similar forms

The DA Form 31 is similar to the SF-50, which is the Notification of Personnel Action. Both documents serve as official records for leave and personnel actions. The SF-50 outlines changes in an employee's status, such as promotions or leave, while the DA Form 31 specifically focuses on requesting and authorizing leave. Each form requires signatures from relevant authorities to validate the action, ensuring that all parties are informed and in agreement regarding the employee’s leave status.

For individuals navigating the complexities of eviction proceedings, understanding the nuances of a crucial Notice to Quit requirement is essential. This form serves as the initial legal step a landlord takes to request tenants to vacate their property, making it vital for ensuring all parties are informed and compliant with legal obligations.

Another comparable document is the Leave and Earnings Statement (LES). The LES provides a detailed breakdown of an employee's leave balance, earnings, and deductions. Like the DA Form 31, it is crucial for tracking leave usage. While the DA Form 31 is used to request leave, the LES reflects the impact of that leave on an employee's pay and benefits. Both documents are essential for maintaining accurate records of an employee's leave history.

The Request for Leave form (Form 118) used by the Department of Veterans Affairs also shares similarities with the DA Form 31. This form is utilized by VA employees to request various types of leave, including annual and sick leave. Both forms require the requester to provide personal information and details about the leave being requested. They also necessitate approval from a supervisor or designated authority, ensuring that the leave is documented and authorized before the employee can take time off.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Certification form is another document that parallels the DA Form 31. This form is used to request leave under the FMLA for medical or family reasons. Both forms require specific information about the leave request and must be approved by a supervisor. The main difference lies in the purpose of the leave; the DA Form 31 covers a broader range of leave types, while the FMLA form is specifically for qualifying medical or family situations.

Finally, the Application for Leave form used by the U.S. Postal Service is akin to the DA Form 31. This form is designed for employees to formally request time off for various reasons, including vacation or personal matters. Similar to the DA Form 31, it requires the employee to provide details about the leave period and obtain necessary approvals. Both documents serve to ensure that leave is managed properly and that the organization is aware of employee absences.