Fill a Valid Da 31 Form

Here are some common misconceptions about the DA 31 form:

• It’s only for vacation leave. Many people think the DA 31 is solely for taking time off for vacations. In reality, it can be used for various types of leave, including emergency leave and terminal leave.
• Only officers need to fill it out. This form is not exclusive to officers. Any service member, regardless of rank, can use the DA 31 to request leave.
• It’s not necessary to provide a leave address. Some believe that the leave address is optional. However, it is required to ensure that the service member can be contacted during their absence.
• All leave is chargeable. There’s a misconception that all leave taken is chargeable. The DA 31 allows for both chargeable and non-chargeable leave, depending on the circumstances.
• It can be signed by anyone. Some think that any individual can sign the DA 31. Only the requestor, their supervisor, and the approving authority are authorized to sign.
• Submitting the form guarantees approval. Many assume that once the form is submitted, leave will automatically be granted. Approval is at the discretion of the supervisor and the approving authority.
• It’s a one-time submission. Some believe that once a DA 31 is submitted, it cannot be changed. In fact, if circumstances change, a service member can submit a new form or request an extension.
• The form is only for long-term leave. There is a belief that the DA 31 is only necessary for extended absences. However, it is also required for short-term leave, such as a day off.

Filling out the DA 31 form can be a straightforward process, but many people make common mistakes that can delay their leave requests. One frequent error is not providing complete personal information. Ensure that the name, DOD ID, and rank are filled out accurately. Missing or incorrect details can lead to unnecessary complications.

Another mistake often seen is failing to specify the type of absence correctly. The form includes various options such as chargeable and non-chargeable leave. Selecting the wrong type can result in the request being denied or processed incorrectly. Take time to review the options before making a selection.

Dates are crucial on the DA 31 form, and errors in this section can cause significant issues. Many individuals mistakenly enter the wrong format for the dates, which should be in YYYYMMDD format. Double-checking the dates for both the leave period and the request date is essential to avoid confusion.

Additionally, not including a valid leave address is another common oversight. The leave address must be complete with street, city, state, and ZIP code. Omitting this information can hinder communication during the leave period, potentially affecting the approval process.

Some individuals neglect to obtain the necessary signatures from their supervisors or approving authorities. All required signatures must be present for the request to be valid. If the requestor is unavailable, the supervisor can sign on their behalf, but this must be clearly indicated.

Another frequent mistake involves the total days requested. It is vital to ensure that the number of days requested matches the dates entered on the form. Discrepancies can lead to confusion and may result in a denial of the leave request.

Finally, individuals often overlook the remarks section. This area can be used to provide additional context or information that may support the leave request. Not utilizing this space can lead to missed opportunities for clarification or justification of the request.

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

   The DA 31 form, titled "Request and Authority for Leave," is used by military personnel to request leave from duty. This form provides a standardized way for service members to document their leave requests, whether they are for personal reasons, emergencies, or other approved types of absence.

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

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

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

   Both chargeable and non-chargeable leave can be requested on this form.

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

   To complete the DA 31 form, you will need to provide personal information such as your name, rank, and DOD ID. Additionally, you must specify the type of leave you are requesting, the dates of your absence, and your leave address. Ensure that all required signatures are obtained, including those of your supervisor and the approving authority.

4. What should I do if my leave request is denied?

   If your leave request is denied, you should receive a written explanation from the approving authority. It is advisable to discuss the reasons for the denial with your supervisor. Depending on the situation, you may be able to submit a revised request or appeal the decision through appropriate channels.

5. What is the significance of the Privacy Act of 1974 in relation to the DA 31 form?

   The DA 31 form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, which means that the information collected on this form is protected. Personal data should be handled with care and only shared with authorized personnel. This act ensures that service members' information remains confidential and is used solely for the intended purpose of processing leave requests.

6. Where can I find instructions for completing the DA 31 form?

   Instructions for completing the DA 31 form can typically be found by clicking on the instructions button associated with the form. It is important to review these instructions carefully to ensure that all required information is provided accurately.

The DA 31 form, known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is an essential document for military personnel seeking leave. However, it is often accompanied by other forms and documents that help facilitate the leave process and ensure proper record-keeping. Below is a list of additional forms commonly used alongside the DA 31.

• DA Form 4187: This form is used to request a variety of personnel actions, including changes in duty status or reassignment. It may be necessary to complete this form when a service member's leave request involves changes to their official duties.
• DA Form 5001: This document is used for the evaluation of a service member's leave balance. It provides a detailed account of accrued and used leave, ensuring that personnel are aware of their available leave before submitting a DA 31.
• DA Form 3349: This form is utilized to document a service member's physical profile and any limitations that may affect their ability to take leave. It is particularly important for those with medical conditions that could impact their leave eligibility.
• DD Form 1610: This form is used for travel authorization, especially for official travel related to training or duty assignments. If a service member is traveling for leave, this form may be required to outline the travel details.
• DA Form 1059: This document is used to record academic evaluations and training accomplishments. If leave is associated with attending training or educational programs, this form may be relevant for tracking purposes.
• DA Form 31-1: This is an extension request form that allows service members to request an extension of their leave. It is essential for those who may need additional time beyond what was initially approved on the DA 31.

Understanding these additional forms can help streamline the leave process for military personnel. Each document serves a specific purpose and ensures that all aspects of leave are properly managed. By being prepared and informed, service members can navigate their leave requests with greater confidence.