Free Da 31 PDF Template

Here are nine key takeaways for filling out and using the DA 31 form:

1. Understand the Purpose: The DA 31 form is used to request and authorize leave. Familiarize yourself with its importance to ensure proper processing.
2. Privacy Act Compliance: This form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974. Handle it with care to protect personal information.
3. Complete Requestor Information: Fill in all personal details accurately, including your name, DOD ID, rank, and leave address.
4. Specify Type of Absence: Clearly indicate whether your leave is chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination. This affects how your leave is recorded.
5. Accurate Dates: Ensure the dates for your leave request are correct. Double-check the "from" and "to" dates to avoid processing delays.
6. Signatures Required: Obtain necessary signatures from your supervisor and the approving authority. Ensure all signatures are dated.
7. Leave Balance Awareness: Be aware of your accrued leave balance. This will help you determine how much leave you can request.
8. Use of Remarks Section: Utilize the remarks section for any additional information or clarifications that might assist in processing your request.
9. Follow Up: After submission, follow up with your supervisor or the approving authority to confirm that your leave has been processed.

The DA Form 31 is similar to the Standard Form 50 (SF-50), which is used for personnel actions within federal employment. Both documents serve to formalize requests related to employment status. The SF-50 captures information about changes in an employee's job, such as promotions or leave without pay, while the DA Form 31 specifically addresses requests for leave. Both forms require signatures from supervisors and approving authorities, ensuring a clear chain of command and accountability in managing employee status and leave requests.

Another document that resembles the DA Form 31 is the Leave and Earnings Statement (LES). The LES provides detailed information about an employee's leave balance and earnings, serving as a record of leave accrued and taken. While the DA Form 31 is a request for leave, the LES reflects the outcomes of those requests. Both documents are essential for tracking leave and ensuring that employees understand their entitlements and responsibilities regarding time away from work.

The Request for Leave form (often used in civilian employment) is also comparable to the DA Form 31. This form allows employees to formally request time off from work, detailing the type of leave and duration. Similar to the DA Form 31, it requires approval from a supervisor. Both forms help maintain organizational efficiency by ensuring that leave requests are documented and managed appropriately, preventing staffing shortages and ensuring that operational needs are met.

Lastly, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Request form shares similarities with the DA Form 31. The FMLA form is used to request leave for family or medical reasons, providing a structured process for employees to secure time off. Like the DA Form 31, it requires documentation and approval from management. Both forms emphasize the importance of following proper procedures when requesting leave, ensuring that the rights of employees are upheld while also considering the needs of the organization.

How to Use Da 31

Filling out the DA 31 form is an important step in requesting leave. After completing the form, you will submit it to your supervisor for approval. The process ensures that all necessary information is provided and that your request is properly documented.

1. Obtain the DA 31 form. You can find it online or through your unit's administrative office.
2. Fill in the control number. This is usually assigned by your unit or organization.
3. Provide your personal information. Include your name (last, first, middle initial), DOD ID, rank, and the date in YYYYMMDD format.
4. Enter your leave address. Include the street address, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number.
5. List your organization and station. Also, provide the point of contact (POC) email and phone number.
6. Select the type of absence. Check the appropriate box for chargeable, non-chargeable, or combination leave. Specify the type of leave you are requesting.
7. Fill in the leave dates. Enter the start date (FROM), total days requested, and end date (TO) in YYYYMMDD format.
8. Complete the leave balance section. Indicate your accrued leave, chargeable leave requested, and any non-chargeable absence requested.
9. Sign the form. The requestor must sign and date the form. If unavailable, a supervisor can sign on their behalf.
10. Supervisor’s recommendation. The supervisor must print their name, title, rank/grade, and indicate approval or disapproval by signing and dating the form.
11. Approving authority’s action. The approving authority must fill in their name, title, rank/grade, and indicate approval or disapproval by signing and dating the form.
12. Complete the departure authority section. This includes the date, time, name, title, and signature of the departure authority.
13. Fill in the extension approval section. If applicable, include the number of days, date approved, name, title, and signature of the approval authority.
14. Complete the return authority section. Include the date, time, name, title, and signature of the return authority.
15. Add remarks if necessary. This section is for any additional comments or information.

The DA 31 form, also known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is an essential document for military personnel seeking to take leave. Alongside this form, there are several other documents that are often required or beneficial to complete the leave process. Below is a list of these forms, along with a brief description of each.

• Leave and Earnings Statement (LES): This document provides a detailed account of a service member's pay and leave balance. It is important for verifying accrued leave and understanding how much leave can be taken.
• DA Form 2-1: This is the Personnel Qualification Record. It contains vital information about a soldier’s career, including assignments, training, and qualifications, which may be relevant when requesting leave.
• DA Form 4856: Known as the Developmental Counseling Form, this document is often used for counseling sessions. It can be helpful in documenting discussions about leave and any related performance issues.
• DA Form 4187: This is the Personnel Action form. It can be used to request various personnel actions, including changes in duty status, which may accompany a leave request.
• Medical Documentation: If the leave is for medical reasons, relevant medical documentation from a healthcare provider is often required to support the leave request.
• Travel Orders: If the leave involves travel, official travel orders may need to be submitted. These orders outline the details of the travel and ensure that it is authorized.
• Emergency Leave Documentation: In cases of emergency leave, specific documentation, such as proof of the emergency situation, may be necessary to justify the leave request.

These documents, when prepared and submitted alongside the DA 31 form, can help streamline the leave approval process. Ensuring that all necessary forms are completed accurately can lead to a smoother experience for service members seeking time away from duty.

1. Incomplete Personal Information: Many individuals forget to fill out all required fields, such as their full name, DOD ID, or rank. Missing information can delay the processing of the leave request.

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 accurately reflect the intended leave duration.

3. Choosing the Wrong Type of Absence: Selecting an incorrect type of absence can lead to confusion. Review the options carefully and choose the one that best fits your situation, whether it’s chargeable or non-chargeable leave.

4. Signature Issues: Failing to sign the form or having an unauthorized person sign can cause complications. Ensure that the appropriate signatures are obtained and that they are dated correctly.

5. Ignoring the Instructions: Skipping the instructions can result in errors. Always take a moment to read the guidelines provided with the form to avoid common pitfalls.

When filling out the DA 31 form, it's essential to ensure accuracy and clarity. Here are five things you should and shouldn't do:

• Do double-check all personal information, including your name and DOD ID, for accuracy.
• Don't leave any required fields blank; incomplete forms can delay the approval process.
• Do specify the type of leave you are requesting clearly to avoid confusion.
• Don't forget to sign the form; an unsigned form may be considered invalid.
• Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records and future reference.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your leave request is processed smoothly and efficiently.