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What is the DA 31 form?

The DA 31 form, officially known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is a document used by members of the United States Army to request leave from their duties. It covers various types of leave, including chargeable, non-chargeable, and a combination of both. The form captures detailed information such as the requestor's name, rank, leave address, type of absence requested, and signatures from the requestor, supervisor, and approving authority. The DA 31 form is governed by the Privacy Act of 1974 and is a crucial component in the leave management system within the Army.

How can someone fill out the DA 31 form?

To fill out the DA 31 form, start by entering the requestor's information, including the control number, name, DoD ID, rank, and the date in YYYYMMDD format. Next, provide a leave address that includes street, city, state, zip code, and phone number. Specify the organization, station, and point of contact (POC) email and phone number. Choose the type of absence being requested from among the listed options such as annual, emergency, or terminal leave, among others. Fill in the dates for leave from and to, total days requested, accrued leave, and details about chargeable and non-chargeable leave. Finally, ensure the form is signed by the requestor, supervisor, and approving authority as required.

Who needs to sign the DA 31 form?

The DA 31 form must be signed by several individuals to be valid. Initially, the requestor signs the form; however, in the instance where the requestor is not available to sign, the supervisor can sign on their behalf. Following the requestor's signature, the form requires the supervisor's name, title, and signature to provide a recommendation which can be either approval or disapproval. The final approval comes from the approving authority, who also provides their name, title, rank/grade, and signature to either approve or disapprove the leave request.

Are there different types of leave that can be requested with the DA 31 form?

Yes, the DA 31 form accommodates requests for various types of leave, reflecting the diverse needs of Army personnel. Some of the types of leave include annual (ordinary) leave, accession leave, advance leave, emergency leave, environmental morale leave (EML), permanent change of station (PCS) leave, reenlistment leave, funded environmental morale leave (FEML), rest and recuperation leave, consecutive overseas tour (COT) leave, and terminal leave. Each type of leave is designed to accommodate different situations, ranging from routine time off to more urgent or specific leave needs.

What happens after the DA 31 form is filled out and approved?

Once the DA 31 form is fully completed and has received the necessary approvals, the requester is authorized to proceed with their leave as planned. The form acts as an official record of the leave request and approval, and it should be filed accordingly within the individual's personnel records. Upon departure, the departure authority signature section of the form is filled out, including date and time of departure. If an extension is needed while on leave, there's a dedicated section for extension approval authority to sign. Upon returning, the return authority signs their portion of the form. It's important for the individual to adhere to the specified leave dates and follow any additional instructions or requirements specified by their command.

Filling out the DA Form 31 correctly is vital for service members to ensure their leave is properly recorded and approved. Unfortunately, mistakes can occur, potentially affecting leave approval and processing. Below are ten common errors to avoid.

1. Incorrect or Incomplete Name: Failing to enter the full name (Last, First, Middle Initial) as it appears in official documents can lead to confusion and processing delays.
2. Forgetting the DOD ID Number: This unique identification number is crucial for processing the form. Leaving it blank or entering an incorrect number can cause significant issues.
3. Rank Misclassification: Incorrectly entering the rank, or failing to update it if a recent promotion occurred, can affect the leave approval hierarchy.
4. Wrong Dates Format: Dates must be entered in the YYYYMMDD format. Misformatted dates are a common error that can lead to misunderstandings about the leave period requested.
5. Incomplete Leave Address: The leave address section, including street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number, must be fully completed to ensure the member can be contacted if necessary during leave.
6. Type of Absence Confusion: Not clearly marking the appropriate box for the type of leave (chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination) can delay processing and approval.
7. Inaccurate Leave Dates and Totals: Entering conflicting dates in sections 9a and 9c or incorrect totals in section 9b can invalidate the request or lead to incorrect leave balances.
8. Miscalculating Leave Balances: Overlooking current leave balances when requesting leave can lead to requesting more leave than available, resulting in an automatic disapproval.
9. Signature Omissions: The form requires signatures from the requestor, supervisor, and approving authority. Missing signatures can halt the entire leave request process.
10. Leaving Remarks Section Blank: While not always mandatory, providing relevant remarks or additional information can clarify the leave request and assist in its approval.

Avoiding these mistakes when completing the DA Form 31 not only streamlines the process but also ensures that service members can take their deserved leave without unnecessary hurdles or delays.

When preparing for leave or managing personnel affairs within the military, the DA Form 31, which is utilized for requesting and authorizing leave, is often accompanied by several other essential forms and documents. These documents ensure a smooth process for requesting leave, transitioning between stations, or managing pay and personal affairs. Below is a description of such documents often used in conjunction with the DA Form 31.

• DD Form 1351-2: This form serves as the Travel Voucher or Subvoucher, which is essential for service members when they are requesting reimbursement for travel expenses. This document is particularly important for those who are relocating or have gone on temporary duty that requires travel. It details expenses such as transportation, lodging, and meals.
• DD Form 1172-2: The Application for Identification Card/DEERS Enrollment is crucial for service members and their families. It's used for enrolling dependents into the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), and for the issuance of military identification cards. This process is often necessary when a service member is preparing for leave or a permanent change of station (PCS), ensuring their dependents' benefits continuity.
• DA Form 5960: Authorizes to Start, Stop, or Change Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ), and/or Variable Housing Allowance (VHA). This form is essential for service members undergoing changes in their living situations, such as moving to a new duty station or changes in dependent status. It ensures that allowances are adjusted accordingly, affecting the service member's pay.
• SGLV 8286: The Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate is critical for service members to update their life insurance coverage and beneficiary information. Before deploying or going on leave, especially for an extended period, service members often review and update this document to ensure their loved ones are properly designated as beneficiaries.

Each of these forms plays a vital role in the administrative and personal preparedness of service members. While the DA Form 31 initiates the leave process, these accompanying documents ensure all aspects of a service member's personal and financial affairs are in order, highlighting the interconnected nature of military administrative processes.

• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) form is similar to the DA 31 form as both are used to request leave, though their contexts differ. The DA 31 form is specific to military personnel seeking leave for various reasons including personal time off, family emergencies, or relocation. On the other hand, the FMLA form is utilized by employees in civilian occupations to request leave for family and medical reasons, such as the birth of a child or a serious health condition. Both require detailed information about the leave requested and must be approved by a supervisor or authority.

• The Leave Request Form commonly used in corporate settings parallels the DA 31 form. While the DA 31 is specific to the military, the corporate Leave Request Form is utilized by employees requesting time off work. Each form mandates the submission of the leave dates, reason for absence, and contact information while away. Additionally, both documents necessitate approval from a higher authority to grant the requested leave.

• A Time Off Request Form used in various businesses can be compared to the DA 31 form. This form shares the concept of requesting time away from work duties, where employees have to specify the duration and reason for their absence. Like the DA 31, this form must go through an approval process. Although tailored to different audiences, both forms streamline the process of requesting and documenting leave periods.

• The Pass Request Form found in military and certain civilian setups also resembles the DA 31 form in purpose and procedure. The Pass Request Form is designed for short-term absences or passes, contrasting with the more extensive leave options available in the DA 31 form. However, both documents serve to formalize the request for time away from official duties and include fields for personal information, leave duration, and approval signatures, ensuring authorized absence tracking.

Filling out the DA Form 31, the official Request and Authority for Leave document in the military, requires attention to detail and understanding of the process. The goal is to ensure that the form is submitted correctly to avoid any delays or issues in the approval of your leave. Below are some essential dos and don'ts to consider when completing this form:

• Verify all personal information: Ensure that your name, DoD ID, rank, and contact information are accurately filled out. This information is crucial for the approval process and any communication that may be necessary.
• Clearly specify the type of leave: Mark the appropriate box for the type of absence you're requesting, whether it's chargeable leave, non-chargeable, or a combination. Understanding the differences between these types is vital.
• Include accurate leave dates: Specify the exact dates you plan to start and end your leave, ensuring they are in the YYYYMMDD format. Accuracy here is crucial for proper leave accounting and planning.
• Sign and date the form: Your signature and the date are required to validate the form. If you are unable to sign, a supervisor may do so on your behalf, but this should be clearly indicated.
• Follow up on the approval process: After submission, keep in contact with your supervisor or the approving authority to check the status of your leave request. Being proactive can help address any issues promptly.
• Review the completed form for errors: Before submission, double-check every field for accuracy and completeness. Simple mistakes can cause unnecessary delays.
• Understand the Privacy Act statement: Recognize that your information is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974, ensuring your personal data is handled properly throughout the process.

• Leave fields blank: Ensure no sections are skipped unless they are explicitly not applicable to your situation. Incomplete forms can lead to processing delays.
• Guess on dates or information: If unsure about specific details, such as the exact address during leave, verify them before filling out the form. Accuracy is key to avoid issues later.
• Use incorrect formats: Pay close attention to the required format for dates (YYYYMMDD) and other information. Using the wrong format can lead to confusion or delays.
• Sign in the wrong section: Only sign under the "Signature of Requestor" section. Signing in the wrong place, especially in sections reserved for supervisors or approving authorities, can invalidate your request.
• Forget to specify the leave type: Failing to mark the appropriate leave type can lead to incorrect processing of your leave request. Each type of leave has different implications and requirements.
• Submit without reviewing: Resist the urge to submit the form without a thorough review. Even small errors can create significant setbacks.
• Ignore instructions: The DA Form 31 comes with specific instructions. Overlooking these can result in filling out the form incorrectly, so always review them closely.

Adhering to these dos and don'ts will streamline the process of requesting leave, ensuring your form is processed efficiently and effectively.

Below are common misconceptions about the DA Form 31, which is used by the Department of the Army for leave requests:

• It's only for vacation time. People often believe that DA Form 31 is solely for requesting vacation leave. However, it covers various types of absence, such as emergency leave, permanent change of station (PCS), and terminal leave, among others.
• Approval is guaranteed. Some may think once the DA Form 31 is submitted, leave is automatically approved. However, the form requires approval from a supervisor and/or approving authority, and approval is not guaranteed.
• Electronic signatures are not permitted. Contrary to this belief, electronic signatures are allowed and even encouraged in some units to streamline the approval process.
• DA Form 31 is only for enlisted personnel. This misconception leads people to think that officers do not use the DA Form 31. In reality, all Army personnel, including officers, must use this form to request leave.
• Personal information is not protected. Given the form requests sensitive information, some worry about privacy. However, the DA Form 31 is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, ensuring that personal information is handled securely.
• All absences are chargeable. It's a common mistake to think that all leaves requested via DA Form 31 are deducted from the service member's leave balance. In fact, there are non-chargeable leave options, such as emergency leave under certain conditions, which do not reduce the leave balance.
• It can be processed at the last minute. While sometimes leave requests can be expedited, the belief that DA Form 31 can always be processed at the last minute overlooks the need for approval from multiple levels of command, which can take time.
• Commanders cannot deny leave. Some service members believe that commanders do not have the authority to deny leave requests. However, commanders can deny leave for various reasons, including operational requirements or if the leave could hinder unit readiness.
• Accrued leave is not considered. A misconception exists that the DA Form 31 does not factor in accrued leave. On the contrary, the form requires information on accrued leave, and the request for chargeable leave must not exceed the balance unless advance leave is authorized.

Familiarizing yourself with the DA Form 31, the official Request and Authority for Leave document, is crucial for all service members planning to take leave. Here are nine key takeaways to ensure accurate completion and usage:

• The DA Form 31 is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, meaning personal information provided on the form is protected under this law.
• Completing Part I requires your basic information, including your name, Department of Defense (DOD) ID number, rank, and the date.
• Accurately entering your leave address is essential, as it includes street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number, facilitating contact while on leave.
• The form allows for various types of absence, including chargeable, non-chargeable, and combination leaves, with specific options like Annual Leave, Emergency Leave, and others.
• Dates of leave are critical: you must specify the start (FROM) and end (TO) dates, alongside the total days requested.
• Understanding your leave balance is important. You need to know your accrued leave, chargeable leave requested, and any non-chargeable absence requested.
• Signatures are mandatory. The requestor, supervisor, and approving authority must all sign the form in their designated sections for the request to be processed.
• The form includes sections for departure, extension, and return, which are completed by the appropriate authority as each phase occurs.
• Any remarks related to personnel or finance, specifically relating to chargeable leave dates, are noted in the designated "REMARKS" section for clarity and record-keeping.

Ensuring each section of the DA Form 31 is filled out correctly and comprehensively is paramount for a smooth leave process. With careful attention to detail, service members can facilitate timely approval and enjoy their well-deserved break without unnecessary complications.