The DA Form 31, officially titled "Request and Authority for Leave," plays a critical role in managing leave requests within the U.S. Army. Subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, this form allows service members to request various types of absence, including chargeable, non-chargeable, and a combination thereof, ensuring that their leave is properly documented and approved by the appropriate authorities. For those ready to navigate the process of requesting leave, click the button below to get started on filling out your DA Form 31 efficiently.
In the landscape of military administration, the importance of structured processes and documentation cannot be overstated, particularly when it concerns the well-being and rights of service members. Central to this framework is the DA Form 31, a document that serves as a formal request and authority for leave for members of the Army. This form, governed by the Privacy Act of 1974 and detailed in AR 600-8-10, is a critical piece of administration for both command structures and individual personnel. It comprehensively captures requestor information including name, rank, and leave address, among other details, underlining the procedural aspects of military leave. The types of absence delineated within the form—ranging from chargeable, non-chargeable, to a combination of leaves like annual, emergency, or for permanent change of station—reflect the broad considerations given to a service member’s potential needs. The emphasis on detail extends to specifying the dates and total days requested for leave, accrued leave balances, and the nature of the absence whether chargeable or not. The procedural rigor is further underscored by the requirement for approvals at various levels, illustrating a checks-and-balances approach to leave authorization. The inclusion of sections for departure, extension, and return authority signatures ensures a full-circle documentation process, highlighting the form’s role not just in granting leave, but in maintaining a robust, accountable personnel management system.
Filling out the DA Form 31 is a straightforward process, but it's important to ensure all information is accurate and complete. This form is used by members of the Army to request leave. Below are step-by-step instructions to assist you in completing this form properly. Following these steps will help streamline your request and avoid any unnecessary delays.
Once all steps are completed, review the form thoroughly to ensure all information is accurate and then submit it to the appropriate authority for processing. Remember, providing clear and precise information will help facilitate a smooth process for obtaining leave approval.
What is the DA Form 31?
The DA Form 31, also known as "Request and Authority for Leave," is a document used by members of the United States Army to request permission for temporary leave from duty. It covers a variety of leave types, including annual leave, emergency leave, and terminal leave, among others.
How is the DA Form 31 used within the Army?
The form serves multiple purposes: it officially records a soldier's request for leave, details the type of leave requested, and captures the approval or disapproval by the chain of command. It ensures that all leaves are properly documented and accounted for in the soldier's service record.
What information is required to complete the DA Form 31?
To complete the DA Form 31, soldiers must provide their full name, Department of Defense (DOD) ID number, rank, leave address, and contact information. They also need to specify the type of leave requested, the duration of the leave, and have sections for the approval process, including signatures from the requester, supervisor, and approving authority.
Are there different types of leave covered by the DA Form 31?
Yes, the DA Form 31 covers various types of leave, including annual (ordinary) leave, emergency leave, terminal leave, and others such as Environmental Morale Leave (EML) and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave. Each type of leave has specific rules and requirements.
Can a supervisor sign the DA Form 31 on behalf of the requestor?
Yes, the form allows a supervisor to sign on behalf of the requestor in situations where the requestor cannot sign the form themselves. This ensures that leave requests can be processed expediently when necessary.
What happens after the DA Form 31 is submitted and approved?
Once the DA Form 31 is submitted and approved, it authorizes the soldier to take the approved leave. Departure and return dates are recorded, and the leave is officially documented in the soldier's service record. This record impacts future leave requests and calculations of accrued leave.
Is chargeable and non-chargeable leave differentiated on the DA Form 31?
Yes, the DA Form 31 differentiates between chargeable and non-chargeable leave. Chargeable leave counts against the soldier’s accrued leave balance, while non-chargeable leave does not. Specific documentation for the type of absence requested is necessary.
How does a soldier request an extension of leave using the DA Form 31?
To request an extension of leave, a soldier must fill out the relevant section of the DA Form 31 before the originally approved leave ends. This request must also be approved by the appropriate authority, as indicated in the form's extension approval section.
What are the consequences of not properly completing or submitting the DA Form 31?
Failure to properly complete or submit the DA Form 31 can lead to unauthorized absence (UA), inaccurate leave balances, and potential disciplinary action. It is crucial for the form to be accurately filled out and processed through the appropriate channels to avoid these issues.
Filling out the DA Form 31, which is used to request and authorize leave from military duties, often sees a range of mistakes due to inattention to detail or misunderstanding of the form's requirements. Among these errors, some stand out for their frequency and impact on the processing of leave requests.
One common mistake individuals make is providing incomplete or incorrect information in the Requestor Information section. For example, errors in entering one’s full name, DOD ID, or rank not only delay processing but may result in the rejection of the leave request. Each detail, from the spelling of the name to the accuracy of the DOD ID, must be double-checked for correctness.
Another notable error lies in the leave address section. Applicants sometimes enter their current address instead of the address where they will be during their leave period. It’s imperative that the leave address reflects where the requester will actually be located, as this information can be critical in emergency situations or when official communication is necessary.
Incorrectly identifying the type of absence can also lead to complications. Each category under the type of absence serves a different need and carries its own set of implications for the requester's leave balance and pay. Choosing the wrong category might not only affect the approval of the leave but might also unintentionally affect one’s entitlements.
A subtle yet frequent error occurs in the "Total Days Requested" field. Individuals often forget to include weekends and holidays in their count, leading to miscalculations. It's essential to account for every day away from duty, not just business days, to properly communicate one’s intended leave period.
The section pertaining to accrued leave and chargeable leave requested demands meticulous attention, but it’s often filled out incorrectly. Soldiers sometimes mix up the amount of accrued leave with the amount they’re requesting, resulting in discrepancies that can delay approval. Ensuring that these numbers accurately reflect one’s leave record and request is crucial for a smooth process.
Lastly, the signatures and dates at the end of the form are occasionally overlooked. The form requires the signatures and dates from the requester, the supervisor, and the approving authority to be fully processed. Missing signatures or incorrect dates in these fields can invalidate the request, requiring the applicant to begin the process anew.
Taking the time to carefully review the DA Form 31 before submission can mitigate these common errors. Meticulous attention to detail ensures that the form is filled out correctly the first time, facilitating a smoother transition into and out of leave for military personnel.
When processing a DA Form 31, which is primarily used by members of the Army to request and authorize leave, several other forms and documents often accompany or follow this request. These documents are essential for a variety of reasons, ranging from ensuring the leave is properly documented and approved, to facilitating travel or managing financial affairs associated with leave. Understanding each form's purpose helps streamline the leave process, ensuring that service members are adequately prepared and their leave is correctly recorded.
Completing and submitting the appropriate forms in addition to the DA Form 31 helps ensure that all aspects of a service member's leave are properly managed. From financial adjustments and travel authorizations to ensuring family readiness and personnel updates, these documents collectively support the service member's leave process, making it as smooth and efficient as possible. Ensuring these documents are correctly filled out and promptly submitted not only aids in the administrative process but also in maintaining the well-being and readiness of the service member and their unit.
The Standard Form 52 (SF-52), Request for Personnel Action, shares similarities with the DA Form 31 as it's also used in government agencies, specifically for requesting personnel actions including appointment, promotion, and reassignment, among others. Like the DA 31 form, the SF-52 is a formal document that requires specific information about the individual and their request, emphasizing the formal process in managing personnel changes or requests within a government framework.
Leave Request Form used in the private sector closely resembles the DA Form 31 in its function of applying for time off from work. However, while the DA Form 31 is specific to the military, the Leave Request Form is adaptable across various industries. Both forms typically require personal information, the type of leave requested, and the duration of the leave, ensuring clear communication and official approval for time off.
The Travel Authorization Form is another document similar to the DA Form 31, particularly in its purpose of requesting approval for official travel. While the DA Form 31 might include leave for permanent change of station (PCS) or temporary duty (TDY), the Travel Authorization Form is specifically focused on business travel details, including destination, reason for travel, and estimated costs. Both forms are designed to ensure accountability and proper authorization before travel or leave begins.
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Request Form parallels the DA Form 31 in its use for requesting leave, though its focus is on medical or family reasons covered under FMLA. Both documents serve to officially request and document leave, but the FMLA Request Form is governed by specific regulations that provide protected leave for eligible employees. Despite the different contexts, each form plays a crucial role in managing leave within their respective frameworks, ensuring individuals formally request and receive approval for their absence.
When filling out the DA Form 31, a Request and Authority for Leave, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure the form is completed accurately and effectively. Below are lists of things you should and shouldn't do:
Things You Should Do:
Things You Shouldn't Do:
When it comes to military leave documents, DA Form 31, also known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is essential for service members in the United States Army. There are several misconceptions about this form and its requirements. Understanding these misconceptions can help in accurately completing and processing leave requests.
DA Form 31 is only for vacation leave. This is incorrect. DA Form 31 can be used to request various types of leave, including emergency leave, PCS (Permanent Change of Station) leave, and more, aside from just annual or ordinary leave.
Leave cannot be taken before it’s accrued. This misconception overlooks the provision for advance leave, which allows service members to take leave in anticipation of accruing it eventually.
All leave is chargeable. Not all leave taken necessitates a deduction from the service member’s leave balance. For instance, certain types of leave, like certain emergency or environmental morale leaves (EML), can be non-chargeable.
The supervisor’s signature is always required for approval. While typically true, there are scenarios where a supervisor's signature might not be the final approving authority, especially if specific conditions need higher-level approval.
Any type of absence can be requested with DA Form 31. DA Form 31 specifies certain categories of absence. It cannot be used for absences that don't fall under these specific categories, such as sick leave which is handled differently.
Processing of DA Form 31 is the same across all Army units. The general process for requesting leave is standard; however, some units might have additional requirements or steps based on their specific protocols or the nature of the deployment.
Completing DA Form 31 is solely the responsibility of the service member. While it’s the service member's responsibility to initiate the form, completing it accurately often requires information and signatures from supervisors or other authorities.
Electronic signatures are not accepted on DA Form 31. This is outdated information. With advancements in technology, electronic signatures are now often accepted and even encouraged for efficiency.
DA Form 31 is only for active-duty soldiers. Reservists and National Guard members also use DA Form 31 for requesting leave, subject to their specific command’s policies and operational requirements.
Service members can take leave without submitting DA Form 31. Informal leave arrangements are not officially sanctioned. DA Form 31 is a necessary document for leave to be formally recognized and to ensure it is properly recorded and accounted for.
Understanding the specifics of DA Form 31 is crucial for both service members and their command. It ensures that leave is requested, granted, and recorded properly, preventing any unnecessary discrepancies or misunderstandings regarding a service member's leave status.
Understanding how to correctly fill out and use the DA Form 31, which is essential for requesting leave within the military, ensures that members can accurately apply for their deserved time off. Here are some key takeaways:
Correctly completing the DA Form 31 is essential for a smooth leave process, ensuring service members can take their deserved breaks while keeping an accurate record of their leave status.
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