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Misconceptions

Understanding the DA 31 form is essential for military personnel seeking leave. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are seven common misunderstandings about this form:

  • Misconception 1: The DA 31 form is only for annual leave.
  • This form covers various types of absences, not just annual leave. It includes emergency leave, PCS leave, and more.

  • Misconception 2: Only the service member can submit the form.
  • While the service member typically submits it, a supervisor can sign on their behalf if they are unavailable.

  • Misconception 3: The form guarantees leave approval.
  • Submitting the DA 31 does not guarantee that leave will be approved. It must be reviewed and authorized by the appropriate authorities.

  • Misconception 4: The leave address is optional.
  • Providing a leave address is crucial as it allows the military to contact you during your absence.

  • Misconception 5: All leave types are chargeable.
  • Not all leave types are chargeable. The form allows for the selection of both chargeable and non-chargeable leave.

  • Misconception 6: The DA 31 form is not subject to privacy regulations.
  • The form is indeed subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, which protects the personal information of service members.

  • Misconception 7: Once submitted, the form cannot be changed.
  • Changes can be made to the form before it is approved. If adjustments are needed, contact your supervisor or the approving authority.

Being informed about these misconceptions can help ensure a smoother leave request process. Always consult with your chain of command if you have questions about the DA 31 form.

Documents used along the form

The DA 31 form is essential for military personnel seeking leave. However, several other documents often accompany it to ensure proper processing and compliance with military regulations. Here’s a list of these documents, each serving a unique purpose.

  • DA Form 4187: This form is used for various personnel actions, including requests for reassignment or changes in duty status. It provides a standardized way to document requests and approvals.
  • DA Form 5008: Known as the Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), this document provides a detailed account of a service member's pay and leave balances. It is crucial for verifying eligibility for leave requests.
  • DA Form 3349: This form is utilized for profiles or medical conditions that may affect a service member's ability to perform their duties. It can impact leave requests based on health considerations.
  • Texas Real Estate Purchase Agreement: This legally binding form defines the purchase terms of a property transaction. For more details, visit OnlineLawDocs.com.
  • DD Form 93: The Record of Emergency Data is vital for ensuring that a service member's emergency contact information is up to date. This is particularly important during periods of leave.
  • DA Form 1059: This form documents academic achievements and training completion. It may be required for leave requests related to educational programs or training courses.
  • DA Form 4507: This is the Request for Leave and Pass. It serves as a formal request for short-term leave or passes, complementing the DA 31 for specific situations.
  • DA Form 137-1: This form is a Unit Clearance Record. It is used to ensure that all administrative actions are completed before a service member departs on leave.
  • AF Form 988: The Leave Request and Authorization form is used by Air Force personnel. It serves a similar purpose to the DA 31 but is specific to the Air Force's leave policies.
  • DA Form 4856: This form is for Developmental Counseling. It may be used to document discussions regarding a service member's leave, especially if there are any concerns about their performance or conduct.

Each of these documents plays a critical role in the leave process. Properly completing and submitting them can help ensure that your leave request is processed smoothly and efficiently.

Steps to Filling Out Da 31

Completing the DA 31 form is an essential process for requesting leave in the military. After filling out this form, it will be submitted to the appropriate authority for approval. This form contains various sections that require accurate information to ensure a smooth leave request process.

  1. Obtain the DA 31 form: You can find the form online or through your unit's administrative office.
  2. Fill in the Control Number: Write the control number at the top of the form.
  3. Complete Requestor Information: Enter your name (last, first, middle initial), DOD ID, rank, and the date in the YYYYMMDD format.
  4. Provide Leave Address: Fill in your leave address, including street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number.
  5. Enter Organization Details: Include your organization, station, point of contact email, and phone number.
  6. Select Type of Absence: Check the appropriate box for chargeable, non-chargeable, or combination leave, and specify the type of leave you are requesting.
  7. Fill in Leave Dates: In the FROM section, provide the start date (YYYYMMDD), total days requested, and TO section for the end date (YYYYMMDD).
  8. Accrued Leave Information: Enter accrued leave balance, chargeable leave requested, and any non-chargeable absence details, including dates and days requested.
  9. Sign the Request: The requestor must sign and date the form. If unavailable, a supervisor can sign on their behalf.
  10. Supervisor Information: The supervisor should fill in their name, title, rank/grade, and indicate approval or disapproval, along with their signature and date.
  11. Approving Authority Details: The approving authority must provide their name, title, rank/grade, and indicate action taken (approved or disapproved) with their signature and date.
  12. Departure Authority Signature: This section requires the departure authority to sign, including the date, time, and their name and title.
  13. Extension Approval Signature: If applicable, fill in the number of days for extension, date approved, and the approving authority's signature and title.
  14. Return Authority Signature: Complete this section with the return authority's name, title, signature, date, and time.
  15. Remarks Section: If necessary, include any additional remarks or information as required.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Personal Information: Failing to provide all required personal details, such as full name, DOD ID, and rank, can lead to delays in processing. Ensure that every field in the requestor information section is filled out completely.

  2. Incorrect Dates: Entering the wrong dates for the leave period is a common mistake. Double-check the "FROM" and "TO" dates to ensure they are accurate and formatted correctly as YYYYMMDD.

  3. Choosing the Wrong Type of Absence: Selecting an incorrect type of absence can cause confusion. It is important to carefully read the options and select the appropriate category, whether it be chargeable, non-chargeable, or a specific type of leave.

  4. Missing Signatures: Not obtaining necessary signatures from the requestor, supervisor, or approving authority can result in the form being rejected. Ensure that all required signatures are collected and dated appropriately before submission.

Get Clarifications on Da 31

What is the DA 31 form used for?

The DA 31 form, officially known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is used by military personnel to request leave from duty. It allows service members to formally document their request for various types of absences, including annual leave, emergency leave, and more. The form ensures that all necessary information is collected for processing the leave request.

Who needs to fill out the DA 31 form?

Any active duty military member who wishes to take leave must complete the DA 31 form. This includes those in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Supervisors may also sign the form on behalf of the requestor if they are unavailable to do so.

What information is required on the DA 31 form?

The DA 31 form requires several key pieces of information:

  • Name of the requestor (last, first, middle initial)
  • DOD ID number
  • Rank
  • Leave address and contact information
  • Type of absence (e.g., chargeable or non-chargeable leave)
  • Dates of leave requested
  • Signatures from the requestor, supervisor, and approving authority

Completing all sections accurately is essential for processing the request smoothly.

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

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

  1. Annual (Ordinary) Leave
  2. Emergency Leave
  3. Environmental Morale Leave (EML)
  4. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave
  5. Reenlistment Leave
  6. Rest and Recuperation Leave

Understanding the type of leave you are applying for is important, as it can affect how the leave is charged and processed.

What happens after I submit the DA 31 form?

Once the DA 31 form is submitted, it will go through a review process. Your supervisor will evaluate the request and either approve or disapprove it. If approved, the appropriate authorities will also sign off on the form. You will then receive confirmation of your leave status. If disapproved, your supervisor should provide a reason for the denial.

Is there a deadline for submitting the DA 31 form?

While there is no strict deadline, it is advisable to submit the DA 31 form as early as possible. This allows sufficient time for review and approval, especially during peak leave periods such as holidays. Check with your unit for any specific guidelines or timelines that may apply.