Fill a Valid Da 4986 Form

What is the DA Form 4986?

The DA Form 4986, or Personal Property Record, is a document used by members of the Army to record details about their high-value personal property. It's mandated by AR 190-31 and the responsible agency is DCSPER. Its main purpose is to help in the recovery and return of lost or stolen property and the adjudication of claims against the government or private insurance for loss or damage.

Why do I need to complete a DA Form 4986?

Completing a DA Form 4986 allows you to keep an official record of your high-value items which can be crucial in the event that your property is lost or stolen. This record helps in the recovery of your items and supports claims against the government or insurance companies for compensation.

What information is required on the DA Form 4986?

The form requires you to provide identifying data about your personal property including the item's name, quantity, brand, model or style, serial number or marking, the date acquired, and the item's value. Additionally, you must provide your name, Social Security Number (SSN), and signature.

Who verifies the recording of property on the DA Form 4986?

An individual, potentially a superior or property accountability officer, must verify the recording of your property on the DA Form 4986. This individual also needs to sign and date the form to acknowledge verification.

What should I do after completing the DA Form 4986?

Once you have completed marking your property and filling out DA Form 4986, you should display DA Label 167, Warning, Army Operation Identification, in a conspicuous location outside your room or building. This serves as a deterrent to potential theft and indicates that the property inside has been marked for identification by law enforcement agencies.

Is submission of information on DA Form 4986 mandatory?

Submission of information on the DA Form 4986 is voluntary. However, failing to provide this information will not adversely affect the individual but may limit the ability to recover lost or stolen items or impair the process for claiming compensation for lost or damaged items.

Where should I keep my DA Form 4986?

You should keep your DA Form 4986, which contains records of your high-value property, in a safe place. This ensures that the information is secure yet accessible if needed for reporting losses or making claims.

Can information from the DA Form 4986 be used for any other purpose?

Yes, the information recorded on the DA Form 4986 can also assist in the adjudication of claims against the government or private insurance companies for loss or damage to personal property. It thus serves a dual purpose of both helping recover lost or stolen items and aiding in compensation processes.

What is the Privacy Act of 1974’s relevance to DA Form 4986?

The Privacy Act of 1974 mandates the collection of this information, ensuring that personal data recorded on the DA Form 4986 is handled appropriately. It provides the legal authority for the collection of personal information and outlines the principal purpose and routine uses of this information, underscoring the voluntary nature of disclosure and the lack of adverse effects on individuals not providing information.

One common mistake made when filling out the DA Form 4986 is improperly documenting the identifying data of each item of personal property. The form requires detailed information, including the item's name, quantity, brand name, model or style, other descriptions, serial number or marking, date acquired, and value. Failing to provide comprehensive details can significantly reduce the chances of recovering lost or stolen items. Accurately recording this information is critical for the recovery and return of personal property.

Another error often encountered is neglecting to use the prefix “USA” followed by the Social Security Number when marking personal property. This specific marking is a crucial step outlined in the form’s instructions, intended to facilitate the identification of personal property by law enforcement agencies. Skipping this step can lead to complications in the verification and recovery process of the reported property.

Additionally, individuals frequently overlook the importance of displaying DA Label 167, Warning, Army Operation Identification. This label should be placed in a conspicuous location outside the room or building, indicating that property inside has been marked for identification. Failure to display this label can diminish the deterrent effect on potential thieves and may complicate the process of claiming losses or damages against the government or insurance.

A fourth mistake is not keeping the form in a safe place after completion. The form serves as a record of high-value property and plays a vital role in the adjudication of claims for loss or damage. Misplacing or damaging this document can have adverse effects on an individual’s ability to file claims or recover personal property. It's recommended that the completed form be stored securely, where it can be easily accessed when needed but protected from loss or unauthorized access.

The DA Form 4986, Personal Property Record, plays a crucial role in the documentation and protection of valuable personal property for individuals within the Army. However, alongside the DA Form 4986, there are various other forms and documents often utilized to ensure the comprehensive management, accountability, and recovery of personal and government property. Understanding these documents can provide individuals with a better grasp of how to safeguard their belongings and navigate through the procedures in case of loss or damage.

• DA Form 31 - Request and Authority for Leave: This form is used by Army personnel to request leave from their post. It's crucial for documenting the period during which an individual may not be present to safeguard their personal property.
• DD Form 1750 - Packing List: Often accompanying the movement of property, this form lists items being packed. It serves as a detailed inventory that can be cross-referenced with the DA Form 4986 for property verification and claims.
• DA Form 2062 - Hand Receipt/Annex Number: Utilized for assigning responsibility for Army property issued to soldiers, this document complements the DA Form 4986 by formalizing the accountability of military equipment which could include personal gear.
• DA Form 1594 - Daily Staff Journal or Duty Officer's Log: Essential for recording significant events, this form can be instrumental in noting the occurrence of loss or damage to personal property, providing a timely documentary evidence.
• DD Form 214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty: While not directly related to personal property, this form is crucial for veterans in proving their military service, which can be relevant in claims involving government responsibility for property loss.
• DD Form 1840/1840R - Joint Statement of Loss or Damage at Delivery/Notice of Loss or Damage: These forms are specifically used for declaring any loss or damage to household goods during a move, which is a context where the DA Form 4986's documented items may be referenced.
• DA Form 2404 - Equipment Inspection and Maintenance Worksheet: Important for documenting the condition and maintenance of Army equipment, this form indirectly supports the DA Form 4986 by ensuring the items listed are in serviceable condition or noting issues.
• DA Form 7652 - Commanders’ Emergency Response Program (CERP) Project Nomination: Although focused on community projects, this form shows the broad scope of Army documentation and the importance of detailed record-keeping for accountability, including for personal property.

Together, these forms and documents create a comprehensive ecosystem for the management of property within the military context. They not only assist in the immediate tasks of documentation and accountability but also in the broader objective of safeguarding the personal and government property. For individuals, being familiar with these documents enhances their ability to protect their belongings and navigate administrative processes more efficiently.

The DD Form 1750, Packing List, operates in a logistical capacity analogous to the DA Form 4986 by documenting the contents of shipped containers. Like the DA Form 4986's objective to record high-value personal property, the DD Form 1750 ensures that the details of equipment and items being transported are accurately listed. By detailing the items, quantity, and condition, the DD Form 1750 similarly aids in the accountability and recovery of assets, although within a military supply chain context rather than individual property.

The SF 86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions, shares a core principle with the DA Form 4986: the meticulous documentation of personal information, albeit for distinctly different reasons. Whereas the DA Form 4986 focuses on cataloging personal property of value, the SF 86 collects comprehensive personal background information. This data facilitates background checks and security clearance assessments, underscoring how both documents serve to mitigate risk—whether to national security or to personal property.

The DA Form 31, Request and Authority for Leave, like the DA Form 4986, is another document pivotal to individual affairs within the military. This form doesn't catalog property but rather personal time, managing leave requests for military personnel. The key similarity lies in their administrative nature, designed to record and formalize requests pertinent to the individual—be it for safeguarding personal valuables or for securing authorized leave from duty.

SF 701, Activity Security Checklist, parallels the DA Form 4986 in its preventative approach to safeguarding assets. The SF 701 is utilized daily to ensure classified information and secure areas are protected, mirroring how the DA Form 4986 aims to preempt loss or theft of high-value personal items. Both forms act as tools of accountability, with the former focusing on national security measures and the latter on personal property protection.

The Inventory List, often used in personal and business contexts, bears resemblance to the DA Form 4986 by systematically cataloging items of value. Although not a standardized government form like the DA Form 4986, inventory lists serve a similar purpose of recording assets—facilitating tracking, management, and recovery when necessary. Both documents underscore the importance of maintaining a comprehensive record as a means of asset protection.

The I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form, while primarily focused on confirming the eligibility of individuals to work in the United States, captures personal identification information in a manner reminiscent of the DA Form 4986. Each document collects critical personal data, though directed towards different ends: one towards verifying work authorization and the other towards cataloging personal belongings of value.

The Personal Financial Statement, used by individuals to summarize their financial status, aligns with the DA Form 4986 in its objective to detail personal assets. Although the context differs—with one focusing on an individual's broader financial standing and the other on specific personal property items—both serve to establish a formal record of personal assets. This documentation is crucial for financial planning and recovery efforts, in the case of the DA Form 4986, should personal property be lost or stolen.

Filling out the DA Form 4986, which records your high-value personal property, requires attention to detail and accuracy. This ensures your property can be identified and possibly recovered if lost or stolen. Below are eight important dos and don'ts to consider when completing this form.

• Do clearly write or type the information to prevent any misunderstandings or misinterpretations of your entries.
• Do use the prefix “USA” followed by your Social Security Number when marking your personal property, as instructed on the form.
• Do display DA Label 167, Warning, Army Operation Identification, prominently outside your room or building to deter theft and indicate your items are marked.
• Do keep this record in a secure location to ensure it's available if you need to report a loss or support a claim for reimbursement.
• Don't leave any sections blank. If certain information is unknown or not applicable, note that appropriately to indicate the question was not overlooked.
• Don't forget to sign and date the form. Your signature verifies the accuracy of the information recorded.
• Don't disregard the importance of recording all high-value items. You may think some items are less likely to be lost or stolen, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
• Don't use pencil or any easily erasable writing tool. Always use ink to ensure the information remains permanent and tamper-evident.

By following these guidelines, you can help protect your valuable property and ensure a smoother process if recovery efforts or claims become necessary. Accuracy, completeness, and precaution are your best allies when filling out the DA Form 4986.

When discussing the DA Form 4986, "Personal Property Record," several misconceptions frequently arise. Clarifying these misunderstandings is crucial for individuals in the military to accurately utilize the form and ensure their personal property is correctly recorded and protected.

• Misconception 1: The form is mandatory for all military personnel. While highly recommended, completing the DA Form 4986 is voluntary. The primary purpose is to facilitate the recovery and return of lost or stolen property, but there is no penalty for not filling it out.

• Misconception 2: The form offers automatic insurance coverage. Filling out the form does not provide any form of insurance. It is a tool for recording valuable personal items that could assist in recovery efforts and may support claims against the Government or private insurance, but it is not a substitute for an insurance policy.

• Misconception 3: Social Security Numbers are mandatory for marking property. Though the form suggests using the prefix "USA" followed by one's Social Security Number for marking property, this guidance may expose individuals to risks of identity theft. Alternate identifiers are advised, considering personal data security.

• Misconception 4: The submission of DA Form 4986 guarantees the recovery of lost or stolen items. While the form is designed to assist in recovery efforts, there is no guarantee that items will be found or returned. It serves as an aid in the process, not a promise of recovery.

• Misconception 5: Only high-value items should be listed. Although it's wise to prioritize high-value items, including those of sentimental value or with personal significance can also be beneficial. The decision on what to list is ultimately up to the individual and their assessment of what is important to them.

• Misconception 6: The information on the form is shared widely. The data collected on DA Form 4986 is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 and is not widely distributed. It is primarily used to assist in the event of a report of loss, safeguarding the privacy of the individual's property information.

• Misconception 7: The form is only for active-duty personnel. While it is designed with military personnel in mind, the DA Form 4986 can be beneficial for both active-duty members and civilians working within the Department of Defense. It serves as a personal record for anyone who needs to document their valuable property for recovery or claim purposes.

Understanding the purpose and proper use of the DA Form 4986 is important for effectively managing and protecting personal property. Dispelling these misconceptions ensures that individuals are making informed decisions about documenting their possessions.

Filling out the DA Form 4986 is a crucial step for individuals needing to record valuable personal property, not only for organizational purposes but also for significant aid in case of loss or theft. Understanding the procedures and benefits can streamline the process and enhance the security of your property. Here are four key takeaways to consider:

• Importance of Accurate Documentation: It's essential to accurately document all high-value items on the DA Form 4986. This includes the item's name, quantity, brand, model or style, other descriptions, serial number or marking, and the date acquired. Precise documentation assists in the recovery and return of lost or stolen property and facilitates claims against the Government or private insurance.
• Voluntary Disclosure: Providing information on this form is voluntary but crucial. Although there's no adverse effect for not providing the information, the details you provide could play a pivotal role in recovering lost or stolen items and in the adjudication process of claims for any losses or damages.
• Use of the Prefix "USA": When recording personal property, marking it with the prefix “USA” followed by your Social Security Number can significantly aid in its identification. This simple step can make a substantial difference in the ability of law enforcement agencies to recognize and recover your property.
• Safekeeping of the Record: Completing the form is just the first step. It is equally important to keep this record in a safe and secure place. In addition, displaying the DA Label 167, which warns that property has been marked for identification, can deter theft and assist in the recovery of items.

By adhering to the guidelines and utilizing the DA Form 4986 correctly, individuals can better protect their valuable personal property and ensure a swift response in unfortunate incidents of loss or theft. Always remember to update your form as you acquire or dispose of items to keep the record current and useful.