Fill a Valid Da 31 Form

What is a DA Form 31?

A DA Form 31, also known as a Request and Authority for Leave, is a document used by members of the United States Army to request authorization for temporary leave. This form covers various types of leave, including ordinary (annual) leave, emergency leave, and leave for a permanent change of station, among others.

How do I fill out a DA Form 31?

To fill out a DA Form 31, you must provide your personal and leave request details, including your name, rank, Department of Defense Identification (DOD ID), the type of leave you are requesting, and the dates of your proposed leave. Additionally, you must include your leave address and contact information. Approval signatures from your supervisor and other authorities are also required.

What are the types of leave covered under DA Form 31?

The DA Form 31 covers several types of absence, including chargeable leave like annual or ordinary leave, accession leave, advance leave, and emergency leave, as well as non-chargeable leave like environmental morale leave (EML), permanent change of station (PCS) leave, and more.

Is the DA Form 31 subject to the Privacy Act of 1974?

Yes, the DA Form 31 is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, which requires that individuals be informed of the authority, purpose, and use of the information collected, and that personal data is protected.

Who is the proponent agency for DA Form 31?

The proponent agency for the DA Form 31 is the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1 (DCS, G-1).

Can the supervisor sign the DA Form 31 for the requestor?

Yes, the supervisor can sign the DA Form 31 for the requestor in instances where the requestor is not available to sign the form themselves.

What information is needed for the leave address section?

For the leave address section, you must provide a complete address where you will be during your leave, including street, city, state, ZIP code, and a phone number.

How does a soldier request an extension for leave using DA Form 31?

To request an extension for leave, a soldier must fill out the extension section of the DA Form 31, which includes specifying the number of additional days requested. The approval authority's signature is required to grant the extension.

What happens if the leave is disapproved?

If the leave request on a DA Form 31 is disapproved, it is reflected in the approval section of the form by the approving authority, who must sign and date the disapproval. The soldier is then informed of the decision and must adhere to the regular duty assignments unless further actions are taken.

Are previous editions of the DA Form 31 still valid?

No, previous editions of the DA Form 31 are obsolete. The current version as of June 2020 must be used for all leave requests.

When filling out the DA Form 31, the Request and Authority for Leave form, a significant number of individuals frequently make errors that could delay processing or impact their leave status. One common mistake is incorrectly entering the control number or not filling it out at all. The control number is essential for tracking the leave request through various stages of approval.

Another area where mistakes occur is in the personal information section, particularly with the Date of Departure (DoD) ID number. It's crucial that this number is entered accurately, as it identifies the service member in the Department of Defense's system. An incorrect DoD ID can lead to processing delays or even rejection of the leave request.

Furthermore, many individuals mistakenly provide an incorrect leave address or fail to provide one entirely. The leave address should include a detailed location where the service member can be reached during the leave period. This information is critical, especially in case of emergencies or if there is a need to recall the service member back to duty.

The type of absence selected also causes confusion. The DA Form 31 includes various types of leave, such as chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination thereof. Selecting the incorrect type of absence affects how leave days are calculated and could impact the service member's leave balance adversely.

A common mistake made in the duration of leave requested section is inaccurately calculating the total days of leave. This error is often a result of not understanding how the leave days are counted or overlooking weekends and holidays. Properly calculating the total days requested is essential to avoid exhausting leave balances unexpectedly.

Errors in the signature sections are surprisingly common as well. Some service members forget to sign the form themselves, or when the supervisor is authorized to sign on their behalf, proper documentation of the reason for the requestor's unavailability is not provided. Signatures are a vital part of the form's verification process, and missing or incorrect signatures can invalidate the request.

In the supervisor and approving authority sections, there is sometimes a failure to mark the appropriate approval or disapproval box. This oversight can lead to ambiguity regarding the status of the leave request, causing unnecessary delays in processing.

Lastly, inaccuracies or omissions in the dates and signatures associated with departure, extension, and return could compromise the validity of the leave. These sections confirm the service member's movements and are crucial for accurate leave records. Ensuring these areas are thoroughly and accurately completed is paramount for a smoothly processed leave request.

Submitting a DA Form 31, known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is an essential process for military personnel planning to take leave. This form is just one part of a series of documents that may be needed depending on the nature and circumstances of the leave being requested. Understanding these associated documents can simplify and expedite the leave request process.

• DA Form 4187: Personnel Action Request – This form is used by service members to request a change in duty status, including reassignments, extra rations, name changes, and reclassification. It may accompany the DA 31 when such modifications are relevant to the leave request.
• LES (Leave and Earnings Statement): Though not a form, the LES is a critical document that details a service member's leave balance, earnings, deductions, and allowances. It is often submitted with the DA Form 31 to provide proof of available leave balance.
• DA Form 5960: Authorization to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ), and/or Variable Housing Allowance (VHA) – This form is necessary when a service member is requesting leave in conjunction with a move or any adjustment to housing allowances.
• Travel Orders: When the leave involves official travel, whether for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or Temporary Duty (TDY), travel orders must be issued and submitted with the DA 31.
• Emergency Leave Request and Documentation: For emergency leave, particularly in situations of family hardship or bereavement, additional documentation verifying the emergency may be required. This could include a letter from a doctor, hospital records, or a Red Cross message.

While the DA Form 31 kicks off the leave process, these additional forms and documents play a pivotal role in ensuring that all aspects of the service member's leave are properly accounted for and approved. Together, they create a comprehensive packet that addresses not just the leave itself, but also any attendant changes or requirements that the leave period might necessitate.

The DA Form 31, charged with facilitating leave requests within the military, bears similarity to a spectrum of documents across different sectors, all designed to streamline processes through structured information capture. One notable parallel is the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) Request Form used in civilian employment. Like the DA 31, the FMLA form allows employees to request time off for specific family or medical reasons, ensuring all necessary details—such as the leave duration and reason—are clearly articulated and recorded for approval.

Another close relative in function and structure is the Leave Request Form typically found in non-military government sectors. This form, similar to the DA 31, collects essential employee data, leave type, and dates to ensure accountability and proper management of leave balances. It serves to create a formalized record of absence that parallels the military's need for detailed leave records.

Corporate sectors, too, utilize an Annual Leave Request Form that mirrors the DA 31's purpose. Employees fill in their personal details, desired leave dates, and leave type, enabling a streamlined approval process by supervisors. This similarity underscores the universal need across sectors for a structured approach to leave management.

Universities and colleges employ a Student Leave of Absence Request Form that closely aligns with the DA 31's objectives. This document allows students to formally request a hiatus from their studies, specifying the type and duration of leave, a system necessary for maintaining academic standing and financial aid status just as the DA 31 maintains service members' leave records.

The Travel Authorization Form, used in many businesses, shares a conceptual and procedural likeness with the DA 31. It captures details about the travel plan, justifies the necessity of the trip, and seeks approval - paralleling the DA 31's process of requesting, justifying, and obtaining leave authorization for military personnel.

Within the healthcare sector, the Medical Leave Request Form is employed for acquiring time off due to medical reasons. This form emphasizes specifics such as the medical condition and expected leave duration, paralleling the DA 31's structure for requesting various types of absence, including medical leave.

An Emergency Leave Request Form, like the DA 31's section for emergency leave, is used in various contexts to expedite leave approval during urgent situations. Detailing the nature of the emergency and the immediate need for absence makes it akin to the DA 31's approach for urgent leave scenarios.

The Government Passport Application Form, while not a leave form per se, shares the DA 31's ethos of structured, detailed user information submission for a specific authorization process. This comparison highlights the importance of formal documentation and approval in both travel and leave contexts.

Worker's Compensation Leave Forms are necessary when an employee needs time off due to a work-related injury. Similar to the DA 31's detailed approach to documenting leave requests, these forms require specifics about the injury, its impact on the worker's capacity, and the anticipated duration of absence, ensuring a clear case for leave is presented.

Lastly, the Sabbatical Leave Request Form, used in academic and some professional settings, offers a structured method for requesting extended leave for personal development, research, or rest, mirroring the DA 31's framework for requesting lengthy absences for specific, approved reasons.

Across all these examples, the DA Form 31's influence extends far beyond the military, reflecting a wide-reaching need for organized, formal leave request procedures in a variety of contexts. Each document, while tailored to its specific sector's requirements, shares the common goal of streamlining the leave request process through detailed, standard information gathering.

When filling out the DA Form 31, which is a request and authority for leave, attention to detail and thoroughness are paramount. Below are carefully considered points on what you should and shouldn't do during the process, ensuring your form is completed accurately and efficiently.

• Do review the Privacy Act of 1974 notice before proceeding, as this form contains personal information that requires confidential handling.
• Do ensure your name, Department of Defense (DoD) Identification (ID) number, and rank are correctly entered as these are key identifiers.
• Do accurately enter your leave address and contact information, including a reachable phone number for emergencies or official correspondence.
• Do be clear about the type of absence you are requesting. Whether it's chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination requires proper selection to avoid confusion.
• Don't leave the dates for your leave (Section 9a. FROM and 9c. TO) blank or incorrectly filled. Double-check these dates as they directly impact your leave balance.
• Don't forget to discuss your leave with your supervisor before submitting. Their recommendation (approval or disapproval) is crucial and needs to be informed.
• Don't ignore the accrued leave section. It's important to know your current leave balance to avoid requesting more leave than you have available.
• Don't submit your DA Form 31 without ensuring all necessary signatures are in place, including yours, your supervisor's, and the approving authority's, where applicable.

Following these dos and don'ts will facilitate a smoother processing of your leave request, ensuring that all necessary information is provided and clearly understood. Remember, the accurate and thoughtful completion of this form reflects your professionalism and helps administrative processes run more efficiently.

Misunderstandings about the DA Form 31, which is used by members of the U.S. Army to request and authorize leave, are common. Here are eight misconceptions clarified for a better understanding:

• All leave is chargeable. This is not true. The DA Form 31 allows for different types of absences, including non-chargeable options like Permissive Temporary Duty (PTDY), which may not deduct from a soldier's leave balance.
• Emergency leave is automatically approved. While emergency leave is a priority, it still requires approval from the appropriate authority. The situation's urgency and the soldier's current assignments will be considered.
• The form is only for long-term leave. This misconception could lead to the improper documentation of short-term absences. The DA Form 31 is for any type of official leave, including short durations.
• Approval is guaranteed if the supervisor signs. The supervisor’s recommendation is influential but not the final step in the process. The approving authority, often a higher-ranking officer, has the final say on whether leave is granted.
• The process is immediate. While digital systems have made it quicker, the approval process might still require time. Planning and submitting the DA Form 31 well in advance of the desired leave start date is advisable.
• The form is only for enlisted personnel. Both enlisted members and officers of the Army use the DA Form 31 for leave requests.
• Any type of leave can be taken at any time. Certain types of leave, such as PCS (Permanent Change of Station) leave or Environmental Morale Leave (EML), have specific conditions and timings. Coordination and approval are essential.
• Filling out the form guarantees leave accrual correction. While accurate completion of the DA Form 31 is crucial, it's the personnel and finance offices that handle leave accruals and corrections based on the approved leave records.

Understanding the DA Form 31 and its correct usage ensures that leave is properly requested, authorized, and recorded, facilitating a smoother process for both the requestor and the approving authority.

Understanding the DA 31 form, officially termed as the Request and Authority for Leave, is vital for members of the U.S. Army planning to take leave. Here are six key takeaways for correctly filling out and utilizing this form:

• Personal and Leave Details: The form requires comprehensive personal information starting with your control number, full name, DOD ID, and rank. Additionally, you must provide your leave address including street, city, state, ZIP code and phone number to ensure you can be contacted if necessary during your leave.
• Types of Leave: The DA 31 form caters to various leave types, including chargeable, non-chargeable, and a combination of both. Understanding the category your leave falls under (such as annual, emergency, or terminal leave) is crucial for accurately completing the form.
• Accrual and Request Details: Details about accrued leave, chargeable leave requested, and any non-chargeable absence must be clearly indicated. This information is instrumental in determining your leave balance and ensuring proper leave management.
• Approval Process: The form requires signatures from both the soldier requesting leave and their supervisor or approving authority. This step is integral to the process, as it validates the leave request and ensures it is properly authorized before commencing.
• Departure and Return Sections: The DA 31 includes specific sections for departure and return from leave, requiring signatures and timestamps to accurately track the leave period. This meticulous recording aids in maintaining accurate leave records and personnel accountability.
• Privacy Act Consideration: Individuals filling out the DA 31 must be aware that the form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974. Personal information provided must be protected, and dissemination of the form should be handled with confidentiality in mind.

Filling out the DA 31 form with precision and a thorough understanding of its components ensures a smooth leave approval process, allowing for a well-documented and enjoyable leave period for the service member.