Blank Da 31 Form

1. What is the purpose of the DA Form 31?

   The DA Form 31, also known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is used by military personnel to formally request leave from duty. This form helps ensure that all requests for leave are documented and processed appropriately. It provides essential information about the service member, including their name, rank, and type of leave requested. It is important to complete this form accurately to avoid any delays or complications in the leave approval process.

2. What types of leave can be requested using the DA Form 31?

   The DA Form 31 allows for various types of leave requests, including:

   • Annual (Ordinary) Leave
   • Accession Leave
   • Advance Leave
   • Emergency Leave
   • Environmental Morale Leave (EML)
   • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave
   • Reenlistment Leave
   • Environmental Morale Leave, Funded (FEML)
   • Rest and Recuperation Leave
   • Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT) Leave
   • Terminal Leave

   Each type of leave has specific eligibility requirements and implications, so it is crucial to select the correct option when filling out the form.

3. How do I fill out the DA Form 31?

   Filling out the DA Form 31 involves several steps:

   1. Begin with your personal information, including your name, DOD ID, and rank.
   2. Provide the date of the request and your leave address, ensuring to include a phone number.
   3. Select the type of absence you are requesting, whether chargeable or non-chargeable.
   4. Indicate the dates of your requested leave, including the total number of days.
   5. Sign the form and have your supervisor and approving authority sign as well.

   Make sure to review the form for accuracy before submitting it to avoid any issues with your leave request.

4. What happens after I submit the DA Form 31?

   Once you submit the DA Form 31, your request will be reviewed by your supervisor and the approving authority. They will assess your request based on operational requirements and your leave balance. If approved, you will receive confirmation of your leave dates. If disapproved, you will be informed of the reasons. It's essential to keep track of your leave status and communicate with your chain of command if you have any questions.

Filling out the DA 31 form can be straightforward, but many people make mistakes that can delay the approval process. One common error is failing to provide complete requestor information. Missing details such as the DOD ID or rank can lead to confusion and unnecessary back-and-forth communication.

Another frequent mistake involves the leave address. Some individuals neglect to include their full address, which should encompass the street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number. Omitting any part of this information can hinder the processing of the leave request.

When selecting the type of absence, it’s important to be precise. Many people either choose the wrong category or leave it blank. This can lead to misunderstandings regarding the nature of the leave being requested. Ensure that you mark the correct box, whether it’s for annual leave, emergency leave, or any other type.

Dates are another area where mistakes often occur. People sometimes enter the wrong date format or provide inconsistent dates for the leave period. Always use the YYYYMMDD format and double-check that the “from” date is earlier than the “to” date. This simple oversight can cause significant delays.

Accrued leave balances must be accurately reported. Some individuals do not check their current leave balance, leading to discrepancies in the form. It’s crucial to ensure that the accrued leave and the chargeable leave requested are correctly filled out to avoid complications.

Another common oversight is the lack of necessary signatures. The requestor’s signature is essential, but people often forget to sign or have their supervisor sign when they are unavailable. This can result in the form being rejected outright.

In the remarks section, individuals sometimes fail to provide additional context that could support their request. Including relevant details can clarify the need for leave and help expedite the approval process.

Lastly, always remember to review the entire form before submission. Many errors can be caught with a simple final check. Taking the time to ensure everything is complete and accurate can save you from potential delays and frustrations.

The DA 31 form is a crucial document for military personnel requesting leave. However, it is often accompanied by several other forms and documents that help facilitate the leave process. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose, ensuring that the request is properly processed and that all necessary approvals are obtained. Below is a list of commonly used forms alongside the DA 31.

• Leave and Earnings Statement (LES): This document provides a detailed account of an individual’s pay, deductions, and leave balance. It is essential for verifying accrued leave and ensuring that the request aligns with the service member's entitlements.
• Request for Orders (RFO): This form is used to formally request travel orders. It may be necessary when the leave is associated with a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or other official travel.
• Unit Leave Policy: Many units have specific policies regarding leave. This document outlines the procedures and requirements for requesting leave within that unit, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
• Medical Documentation: If leave is requested for medical reasons, supporting medical documentation may be required. This can include doctor's notes or medical records that justify the need for leave.
• Emergency Leave Application: This form is specifically for requesting emergency leave due to urgent personal matters. It often requires additional justification and may expedite the approval process.
• Travel Itinerary: When leave involves travel, a travel itinerary may be needed. This document outlines the details of the travel plans, including departure and arrival times, which helps in coordinating leave with unit operations.
• Leave Extension Request: If a service member needs to extend their leave beyond the originally requested dates, this form must be filled out. It requires approval from the appropriate authority.
• Personnel Action Form (DA Form 4187): This form is used to document various personnel actions, including changes in leave status. It may be necessary to update records regarding a service member's leave.
• Travel Voucher (DD Form 1351-2): If the leave involves travel at government expense, this form is used to request reimbursement for travel costs incurred during the leave period.

Understanding these forms and their purposes can significantly streamline the leave request process for military personnel. Each document plays a vital role in ensuring that requests are handled efficiently and in accordance with military regulations. Being familiar with these forms can help service members navigate their leave requests with greater confidence and clarity.

• SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action: This form is used to document personnel actions such as appointments, promotions, and separations. Like the DA 31, it requires detailed information about the individual and is used for official records.
• DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty: This document summarizes a service member’s military service. Both forms are crucial for tracking a service member's status and entitlements, including leave.
• DA Form 2-1, Personnel Qualification Record: This form provides a comprehensive overview of a soldier's qualifications and assignments. Similar to the DA 31, it is essential for maintaining accurate personnel records.
• DA Form 1059, Academic Evaluation Report: Used to evaluate a soldier's performance in training courses, this form shares the requirement for signatures and approvals, similar to the leave request process in the DA 31.
• DA Form 4856, Developmental Counseling Form: This form documents counseling sessions between a soldier and their leader. Both forms require detailed information and signatures, ensuring accountability in personnel management.
• AF Form 988, Leave Request/Authorization: This form serves a similar purpose in the Air Force, allowing service members to request leave. It includes information about the type of leave and requires approval, just like the DA 31.
• NAVPERS 1336/3, Request for Leave: This document is used by Navy personnel to request leave. It parallels the DA 31 in terms of structure and necessary approvals, emphasizing the importance of formal leave requests.
• OPNAV 1000/2, Application for Leave: Similar to the NAVPERS form, this document is used in the Navy to apply for leave. Both forms require specific details about the leave requested and must be approved by a supervisor.
• Form SF-76, Application for Leave: This form is used by various government agencies to request leave. It shares similarities with the DA 31 in that it requires personal information and the type of leave being requested.

When filling out the DA 31 form, it’s essential to follow certain guidelines to ensure your request is processed smoothly. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn’t do:

• Do read the instructions carefully before starting.
• Do fill in all required fields completely and accurately.
• Do provide your leave address, including a phone number.
• Do ensure your dates are correct and in the proper format (YYYYMMDD).
• Do sign the form before submitting it.
• Don't leave any mandatory fields blank.
• Don't use abbreviations or informal language.
• Don't forget to check the type of absence you are requesting.
• Don't submit the form without verifying all information is correct.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your leave request is processed without unnecessary delays.

Misconceptions about the DA 31 form can lead to confusion regarding its purpose and usage. Below are six common misconceptions clarified for better understanding.

• The DA 31 form is only for military personnel. While primarily used by military members, civilians associated with the Department of Defense may also utilize this form for leave requests.
• All leave types on the form are chargeable. The DA 31 includes both chargeable and non-chargeable leave options. Understanding the distinction is essential for accurate leave management.
• Approval is guaranteed once the form is submitted. Submission does not guarantee approval. Each request is subject to review by the supervisor and approving authority.
• Leave can be taken without prior approval. Taking leave without prior approval can lead to disciplinary actions. Proper channels must be followed to ensure compliance with military regulations.
• The form must be filled out in its entirety. While it is recommended to provide complete information, certain sections may be left blank if they do not apply to the individual’s situation.
• Only the requestor can sign the form. In cases where the requestor is unavailable, a supervisor may sign on their behalf, ensuring that the process continues smoothly.

Understanding these misconceptions can help individuals navigate the leave request process more effectively.

When filling out the DA 31 form, here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

• Understand the Purpose: The DA 31 form is used to request and authorize leave for military personnel. It is essential to fill it out accurately to avoid delays.
• Privacy Considerations: This form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, meaning personal information must be handled with care.
• Complete All Required Fields: Ensure that all necessary information, such as your name, DOD ID, and leave dates, is filled out completely.
• Types of Absence: Familiarize yourself with the different types of leave available, such as chargeable and non-chargeable leave, to select the correct option.
• Signatures Matter: The form requires signatures from the requestor, supervisor, and approving authority. Make sure these are obtained to validate your request.
• Check Dates Carefully: Pay close attention to the dates you enter for leave. Mistakes can lead to complications in your leave approval.
• Review Before Submission: Before submitting the form, review all entries for accuracy. A thorough check can prevent unnecessary issues.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother process when requesting leave using the DA 31 form.