The DA Form 31, also known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is a document used by the Department of Defense in the United States. This form allows military personnel to apply for various types of leave, from annual to emergency, and includes provisions for chargeable and non-chargeable absences. The administration of this form is guided by the Privacy Act of 1974 and specific Army regulations, with the DCS, G-1 serving as the proponent agency.
In the structured world of military administration, the DA Form 31 stands as a critical document for managing leave requests from service members. Classified under the Privacy Act of 1974, and governed by the regulation AR 600-8-10, the form acts as a formal request and authority for leave, outlining the necessary steps and information required for its completion. The form includes various sections such as requestor information, which captures the service member's name, rank, and contact details while detailing the type of leave—distinguishing between chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination thereof. Types of leave can range from annual or ordinary leave to more specific situations like emergency leave, environmental morale leave, or permanent change of station. Additionally, the form indicates the total days requested for leave, accrued leave, and the authority for approving or disapproving the request. Signatures from the requestor, supervisor, and approving authority are mandatory to proceed with the leave request, ensuring a multi-level review process. The DA Form 31 embodies a structured approach to time off, ensuring personnel can manage personal affairs or emergencies while maintaining the rigorous demands of military life.
Filling out the DA Form 31, which is officially titled "Request and Authority for Leave," is a methodical process that requires attention to detail. This form is widely used within the U.S. Army to request leave, encapsulating both chargeable and non-chargeable leave types. It plays a crucial role in the administrative aspects of managing military leave, making it essential for service members to complete it accurately to avoid potential delays in their leave approval process. Below are the detailed steps to fill out this form correctly:
After completing the DA Form 31, it's important to double-check all entries for accuracy and completeness. Submit the form to your supervisor or leave administration authority, who will then process your leave request. Pay close attention to sections requiring signatures and dates, as these are often crucial for the timely processing of your leave.
What is a DA Form 31?
DA Form 31, officially titled "Request and Authority for Leave," is a document used by members of the Army to request permission for temporary leave from active duty. It spans various types of leaves, including ordinary, emergency, and terminal leave. The form outlines the details of the requested leave, including duration and type, and requires approval from the appropriate authority within the military.
How do I fill out a DA Form 31?
To fill out a DA Form 31, start by entering your control number and requester information such as your last name, first name, middle initial, DOD ID, rank, and the date in YYYYMMDD format. Next, provide your leave address, organization information, and the type of absence you're requesting (e.g., annual, emergency, etc.). Specify the dates of your leave and the total days requested. You'll also need to include details on accrued leave, chargeable leave requested, and any non-chargeable absence. Finally, the form must be signed by the requester, the supervisor, and the approving authority, indicating their decision.
What types of leave can be requested with DA Form 31?
DA Form 31 allows service members to request various types of leave, including Annual (Ordinary) Leave, Accession Leave, Advance Leave, Emergency Leave, Environmental Morale Leave (EML), Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave, Reenlistment Leave, Rest and Recuperation Leave, Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT) Leave, termination leave, and others. The "Type of Absence" section on the form provides checkboxes for specifying the leave type.
Who needs to sign the DA Form 31?
The DA Form 31 must be signed by multiple parties: the individual requesting the leave, their supervisor, and the approving authority. The supervisor's section includes a recommendation for approval or disapproval, while the approving authority's section indicates the final decision. If the requester is not available to sign, a supervisor can sign on their behalf.
Can DA Form 31 be used for emergency leave?
Yes, DA Form 31 can be used to request emergency leave. The form contains a specific checkbox for "Emergency Leave" under the "Type of Absence" section. Applicants requesting emergency leave must fill out the form with the necessary details and obtain the required approvals.
What happens if my DA Form 31 is disapproved?
If a DA Form 31 is disapproved, the service member will be notified of the decision by their approving authority. The reasons for disapproval should be clearly stated, allowing the service member to understand why the leave request was denied. It may be possible to submit a revised request, addressing the concerns that led to the initial disapproval.
Is DA Form 31 subject to the Privacy Act?
Yes, DA Form 31 is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, which means that personal information provided on the form is protected by law. The Privacy Act ensures that personal data is handled with care and disclosed only for authorized purposes.
How long before my leave should I submit a DA Form 31?
While specific timelines can vary depending on the unit's policies and the nature of the leave, it is generally recommended to submit a DA Form 31 well in advance of the planned leave start date. This provides sufficient time for review and approval processes. Emergency leave requests may be expedited due to their nature.
Where can I find instructions for completing DA Form 31?
Instructions for completing DA Form 31 can be found by clicking on the "instructions" button typically provided with the form or by consulting the AR 600-8-10 regulation that outlines leave and pass administrative procedures. Further guidance may also be available from your unit's personnel or administrative office.
Filling out the DA Form 31, the official Request and Authority for Leave form used by the United States Army, can often be a nuanced task. It’s important to pay close attention to detail to avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays or the rejection of leave requests. Here are nine common mistakes:
Not providing complete requestor information, including the full name and Department of Defense (DoD) ID. This basic information is crucial for identifying the requester within the military system.
Entering incorrect or incomplete leave address details. It's essential to provide a full and accurate address where the requester can be contacted while on leave.
Selecting the wrong type of absence. Each leave type has different rules and implications, so it's vital to choose the correct absence category to avoid processing errors.
Miscalculating the total days requested. This often happens due to confusion over counting the start and end days of leave, which can lead to either overestimating or underestimating the leave duration.
Failing to properly document the accrued leave. Knowing your accrued leave is crucial to ensure that the requested leave does not exceed what is available.
Leaving the signature sections incomplete. Whether it’s the requester, supervisor, or approving authority, each signature is vital for the form's validity.
Inaccurately stating the leave period in the sections requesting details on chargeable, non-chargeable, or advance leave. Precision in these sections ensures that leave is correctly registered and deducted.
Omitting contact information for the Point of Contact (POC) at the organization, leaving a gap in communication should any questions or issues arise during the leave period.
Ignoring the remarks section when additional information is necessary to clarify the leave request, particularly for special circumstances like emergency leave or when requesting advance leave.
Avoiding these pitfalls is key to ensuring that the leave process proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary delay. It’s always a good idea to review the form thoroughly before submission, and consult the instructions or a superior if any part of the form is unclear.
The DA Form 31, or Request and Authority for Leave, is a critical document for members of the United States Army when they need to request time off. However, depending on the nature of the leave or additional circumstances, various other forms and documents often accompany a DA Form 31 submission to ensure all aspects of the leave are properly documented and authorized. Below are some of these essential forms and documents.
Completing and submitting the right combination of these forms and documents, alongside the DA Form 31, helps ensure that leave requests are processed efficiently and accurately, supporting the needs of service members while maintaining operational readiness. Understanding and using these documents correctly is crucial for a streamlined leave process.
Leave Request Form (Federal Civil Service): Similar to the DA Form 31, the federal civil service's leave request form is utilized by employees to request various types of leave, including annual, sick, and administrative leave. Both forms require detailed information about the type of leave requested and personal identification details, alongside supervisory approvals to ensure the leave follows organizational policies and regulations.
Emergency Leave Request (First Responders): This document is used by first responders to request emergency leave due to unforeseen circumstances, paralleling the usage of the DA Form 31 for emergency leave in the military. Submission of these forms includes detailed reasoning for the absence, the anticipated return date, and approval from the supervising authority to ensure that the personnel's absence won't hinder operational readiness or manpower.
Terminal Leave Form (Military Separation): Upon exiting military service, service members fill out a terminal leave form similar to the DA Form 31. This form requests the usage of accrued leave prior to official separation from the service, marking a significant transition point in a service member's career. Both forms detail the leave balance, requested dates, and require authorization from commanding officers, ensuring that the leave coincides with unit requirements and personnel readiness.
State Government Leave Application: This form, used within various state governments for employees to request leave, bears resemblance to the DA Form 31 in terms of structure and purpose. It captures personal information, leave type, and duration, besides requiring management's approval. This process ensures the effective management of leave within public service agencies while maintaining operational efficiency.
Company-Specific Annual Leave Request Forms: Many private sector companies utilize forms for employees to request annual leave, which are akin to the DA Form 31 in their purpose and content. These forms typically include fields for employee information, the type and length of leave requested, and approval signatures from supervisors or human resources managers. They facilitate the orderly planning of leaves within the company, ensuring workforce availability matches the company's operational needs.
When filling out the DA Form 31, it's crucial to pay attention to both the required information and the way it's presented. Here are some dos and don'ts to guide you through this process.
Do:
Don't:
Understanding the DA Form 31, the official Request and Authority for Leave form used by the United States Army, is crucial for service members. However, several misconceptions about the form can lead to confusion. Here, we aim to clear up some of the most common misunderstandings.
This is incorrect. While the form is often used to request ordinary leave, such as vacation, it also covers other types of absence. These include emergency leave, permanent change of station (PCS) leave, and more, reflecting the diverse needs of service members.
Even in cases of emergency leave, approval from a supervisor or commanding officer is necessary. The process ensures all accountable paperwork reflects the service member's absence accurately, regardless of its nature.
Advancements in digital processing allow the submission of DA Form 31 in electronic formats. This development facilitates quicker submission and processing times, aiding service members in obtaining timely approvals.
Not all leave recorded on DA Form 31 is chargeable against a service member's leave balance. There are categories, such as non-chargeable absence and certain types of administrative leave, that do not affect the service member's leave account.
Extensions are not automatically granted and must be approved by a commanding officer. The need for an extension must be communicated and justified by the service member, reflecting respect for military discipline and planning.
Providing a leave address is mandatory, regardless of the leave's duration. It ensures the military can contact the service member if necessary during their absence from duty.
The approval process involves several steps, including review by supervisors and leave authorities. As a result, service members are advised to submit their leave requests well in advance to accommodate any potential delays.
Understanding these aspects of the DA Form 31 is essential for service members to navigate the leave request process successfully. By dispelling these misconceptions, individuals can better prepare and submit their leave forms, ensuring a smoother process for both themselves and their commanders.
When dealing with the DA 31 form, which is used for requesting leave by service members of the United States Army, it's important to understand the process and requirements to ensure a smooth submission. The form is used to request various types of leave, including chargeable, non-chargeable, and others. Understanding how to properly fill out and use this form is crucial for both the individual requesting leave and the approving authorities. Here are four key takeaways to help guide you through the process:
Correctly filling out and understanding the DA 31 form is essential for a straightforward leave process within the U.S. Army. By following these key points, service members can ensure their leave requests are properly documented and processed without unnecessary delay.
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