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The DA 31 form, officially known as the Request and Authority for Leave, serves as a crucial document for military personnel seeking to request time off. This form is designed to capture essential details about the leave request, including the type of absence, the dates requested, and the necessary approvals from supervisors and authorities. It is important to note that the DA 31 is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, ensuring that personal information remains protected throughout the process. When filling out the form, requestors must provide their name, rank, and organization, along with a leave address where they can be reached during their absence. The form also allows for various types of leave, such as annual leave, emergency leave, and environmental morale leave, among others. Each request must be carefully reviewed and signed by both the requestor and their supervisor, culminating in an approval or disapproval from the designated authority. This thorough process not only facilitates a smooth transition for service members taking leave but also ensures that all necessary protocols are followed to maintain operational readiness.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Personal Information: Failing to provide all required personal details, such as the full name, DOD ID, or rank, can lead to processing delays. Each section must be carefully filled out to ensure the request is valid.

  2. Incorrect Dates: Entering incorrect dates for leave requests is a common mistake. The start and end dates must be accurate and formatted correctly (YYYYMMDD). Miscalculating the total days requested can also cause confusion.

  3. Choosing the Wrong Type of Absence: Selecting the wrong type of leave can result in the denial of the request. It is important to understand the categories of leave available and select the one that accurately reflects the situation.

  4. Missing Signatures: Not obtaining the necessary signatures from supervisors or approving authorities can invalidate the request. Each required signature must be secured before submission to avoid delays.

  5. Ignoring the Remarks Section: Failing to provide additional information in the remarks section when necessary can lead to misunderstandings. This section is important for explaining special circumstances or requests.

  6. Not Following Instructions: Overlooking the specific instructions provided for filling out the form can lead to errors. It is essential to read and follow all guidelines to ensure the form is completed correctly.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the DA 31 form, it is important to keep several key points in mind. This form is essential for requesting leave from military duties. Below are important takeaways to consider:

  • Privacy Matters: The DA 31 form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974. Handle it with care to protect your personal information.
  • Accurate Information: Ensure that all sections, especially your name, DOD ID, and leave dates, are filled out accurately. Mistakes can delay your leave approval.
  • Type of Absence: Clearly indicate the type of leave you are requesting. Whether it’s chargeable or non-chargeable, this affects your leave balance.
  • Signatures Required: Obtain all necessary signatures. Your supervisor can sign on your behalf if you are unavailable, but ensure the form is fully completed before submission.
  • Follow Instructions: Always refer to the instructions provided with the form. This will guide you through the process and help avoid common errors.
  • Keep Copies: After submission, keep a copy of the completed form for your records. This can be useful for future reference or in case of any discrepancies.

By following these guidelines, you can navigate the process of requesting leave more smoothly and with greater confidence.

Da 31 Example

Understanding Da 31

What is the purpose of the DA 31 form?

The DA 31 form, also known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is used by military personnel to request leave from duty. It serves as an official document to communicate the type of leave requested, the duration, and other necessary details. This form ensures that all leave requests are properly documented and authorized in accordance with military regulations.

Who needs to fill out the DA 31 form?

All active duty military personnel, as well as reservists and National Guard members, must complete the DA 31 form when requesting leave. This includes any type of absence that requires official approval, such as annual leave, emergency leave, or leave associated with a permanent change of station.

What information is required on the DA 31 form?

The form requires several key pieces of information, including:

  1. Your name and DOD ID
  2. Your rank and organization
  3. The type of leave you are requesting
  4. The dates of your requested leave
  5. Your leave address and contact information

Ensure that all fields are accurately filled out to avoid delays in processing your request.

How is the leave type selected on the DA 31 form?

You can select from various types of leave on the form, including:

  • Annual Leave
  • Emergency Leave
  • Environmental Morale Leave
  • Terminal Leave
  • And others as specified

Choose the type that best fits your situation, as this will determine how your leave is categorized and processed.

What happens after I submit the DA 31 form?

Once submitted, your supervisor will review your request. They can approve or disapprove it based on operational needs. If approved, the request will then go to the approving authority for final authorization. You will be notified of the decision, so be sure to follow up if you do not receive a response in a timely manner.

Can someone else sign the DA 31 form on my behalf?

Yes, if you are unavailable to sign the form, your supervisor can sign it on your behalf. However, it is crucial that the request is still submitted in a timely manner to avoid any issues with leave approval.

What should I do if my leave request is disapproved?

If your leave request is disapproved, you should seek feedback from your supervisor to understand the reasons behind the decision. You may have the option to revise your request and resubmit it, or you can discuss alternative leave dates or types that may be more acceptable.

How to Use Da 31

Filling out the DA 31 form is an important step in requesting leave. Once completed, this form will need to be submitted to the appropriate authority for approval. Follow these steps carefully to ensure all necessary information is included and accurate.

  1. Control Number: Write the control number in the designated space at the top of the form.
  2. Requestor Information: Fill in your name (Last, First, Middle Initial) in the second field.
  3. DOD ID: Enter your Department of Defense Identification number.
  4. Rank: Indicate your rank in the appropriate box.
  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 your organization, station, point of contact email, and phone number.
  8. Type of Absence: Select the appropriate type of absence by marking the corresponding box (chargeable, non-chargeable, or combination) and specify the leave type.
  9. Leave Dates: In section 9a, enter the start date of your leave (YYYYMMDD). In 9b, write the total number of days requested. In 9c, indicate the end date of your leave (YYYYMMDD).
  10. Accrued Leave: Fill in the accrued leave balance in 10a. Indicate the chargeable leave requested in 10b and the non-chargeable absence requested in 10c, including the relevant dates and days requested.
  11. Signatures: The requestor must sign and date the form in section 11. If unavailable, a supervisor can sign on their behalf.
  12. Supervisor Information: The supervisor's name, title, and rank/grade should be filled out. Indicate whether the leave is approved or disapproved, and the supervisor must sign and date the form.
  13. Approving Authority: Enter the name, title, and rank/grade of the approving authority. They will indicate whether the leave is approved or disapproved and sign and date the form.
  14. Departure Authority: Complete the departure authority section with the date, time, name, title, and signature of the departure authority.
  15. Extension Approval: If applicable, fill out the extension approval section with the number of days, date approved, name, title, and signature of the approval authority.
  16. Return Authority: Complete the return authority section with the date, time, name, title, and signature of the return authority.
  17. Remarks: Use the remarks section for any additional information as needed.