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The DA 31 form, officially titled "Request and Authority for Leave," is a crucial document utilized by military personnel to formally request leave from duty. This form is governed by the Privacy Act of 1974, ensuring that personal information is handled with care. The DA 31 serves multiple purposes, allowing service members to specify the type of leave they are requesting, which can include annual leave, emergency leave, or leave for a permanent change of station, among others. It includes sections for essential details such as the requestor's name, rank, and Department of Defense identification number, as well as the dates of the requested leave and the total number of days sought. Additionally, the form requires signatures from both the requestor and their supervisor, along with an approving authority, to validate the leave request. Each request must also indicate whether the leave is chargeable or non-chargeable, which affects the service member's leave balance. By following the outlined procedures and completing the necessary sections, military personnel can effectively communicate their leave intentions and ensure compliance with military regulations.
Misconceptions
- Misconception 1: The DA 31 form is only for military personnel.
- Misconception 2: Completing the DA 31 guarantees leave approval.
- Misconception 3: All types of leave are treated the same.
- Misconception 4: You cannot change a leave request once it’s submitted.
- Misconception 5: The DA 31 form is only needed for planned leave.
- Misconception 6: You must take all accrued leave at once.
This form is primarily used by military members to request leave, but it can also apply to certain civilian employees in the Department of Defense. Understanding its broader application can help ensure that all eligible personnel utilize it correctly.
Submitting a DA 31 does not automatically mean that leave will be granted. Approval depends on various factors, including the needs of the service and the discretion of the approving authority.
There are different categories of leave, such as chargeable and non-chargeable leave, each with specific rules and implications. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for making informed leave requests.
While changes can be complicated, it is possible to amend a leave request. Communication with your supervisor or the approving authority is key to navigating any necessary adjustments.
This form is also essential for emergency leave requests. Regardless of the reason for leave, using the DA 31 ensures that all necessary information is documented and processed properly.
Service members can request leave in increments, depending on their needs and the policies in place. This flexibility allows for better planning and work-life balance.
Common mistakes
Completing the DA 31 form accurately is crucial for ensuring your leave is processed smoothly. However, many individuals make mistakes that can lead to delays or complications. Here are ten common errors to watch out for.
One frequent mistake is failing to provide a complete leave address. This section requires your street address, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number. Incomplete information can hinder communication and affect the approval process.
Another common error is not filling out the control number. This number is essential for tracking your request. Omitting it can lead to confusion and may result in your application being misplaced.
Many people forget to include their DOD ID. This identification number is vital for verifying your service record. Without it, your request may face unnecessary scrutiny or delays.
Incorrect dates are another prevalent issue. Ensure that you enter the FROM and TO dates in the correct format (YYYYMMDD). Errors in these dates can cause misunderstandings regarding the duration of your leave.
Some individuals overlook the type of absence they are requesting. It’s essential to select the appropriate box, whether it’s chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination. Failing to do so can lead to the wrong type of leave being processed.
Additionally, it is important to specify the total days requested accurately. Miscalculating your leave days can result in either overuse or underuse of your leave entitlement, which can create issues later.
Not obtaining the necessary signatures is another critical mistake. Ensure that you secure the approval from both your supervisor and the approving authority. Missing signatures can lead to immediate disapproval of your leave request.
Another error is neglecting the remarks section. This area is an opportunity to provide additional context or information about your leave. Skipping this can leave your request open to questions that could have been easily clarified.
Some people fail to check for updates or changes to the form or its instructions. Regulations can change, and using outdated information can lead to errors that may affect your leave status.
Finally, it’s vital to double-check all entries before submission. Rushing through the process can lead to simple mistakes that could have been easily avoided. Taking the time to review your form can save you from potential headaches later on.
Detailed Guide for Writing Da 31
Completing the DA 31 form is an important step in managing your leave request. Follow the steps below to ensure that you fill out the form accurately and completely. Once you have filled out the form, you will need to submit it to your supervisor for approval.
- Control Number: Write the control number at the top of the form.
- Requestor Information: Fill in your full name (Last, First, Middle Initial).
- DOD ID: Enter your Department of Defense Identification number.
- Rank: Indicate your rank.
- Date: Write the date in the format YYYYMMDD.
- Leave Address: Provide your leave address, including street, city, state, ZIP code, and phone number.
- Organization and Contact Information: Fill in your organization, station, point of contact email, and phone number.
- Type of Absence: Check the appropriate box for the type of leave you are requesting (e.g., chargeable, non-chargeable, or combination).
- Leave Dates:
- In the "FROM" section, enter the start date of your leave in YYYYMMDD format.
- In the "TO" section, enter the end date of your leave in YYYYMMDD format.
- Indicate the total number of days requested.
- Accrued Leave: Fill in the accrued leave balance and the amount of chargeable and non-chargeable leave requested.
- Signatures:
- Sign and date the form as the requestor. If you are unavailable, your supervisor can sign on your behalf.
- Your supervisor will fill in their name, title, rank/grade, recommendation, and sign and date the form.
- The approving authority will also need to fill in their name, title, rank/grade, action, and sign and date the form.
- Departure Authority: Fill in the departure authority's name, title, and signature, along with the date and time of departure.
- Extension Approval Authority: If applicable, fill in the number of days approved for an extension and the approval authority's details.
- Return Authority: Complete the return authority section with the necessary details.
- Remarks: Add any additional remarks as needed.
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