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Here are five common misconceptions about the DA 31 form, which is used for requesting and authorizing leave in the military.

• Misconception 1: The DA 31 form is only for annual leave.

This is not true. The DA 31 form can be used for various types of leave, including emergency leave, environmental morale leave, and terminal leave, among others.

• Misconception 2: You cannot submit a DA 31 form electronically.

Many military installations allow for electronic submission of the DA 31 form. Check with your unit's policy to see if this option is available.

• Misconception 3: Only the service member can sign the form.

A supervisor can sign the DA 31 form on behalf of the service member if they are unavailable to do so. This ensures that leave requests can still be processed efficiently.

• Misconception 4: The DA 31 form is not subject to privacy regulations.

In fact, the DA 31 form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, which means that personal information must be handled with care to protect the privacy of the individual.

• Misconception 5: Once submitted, the leave request is automatically approved.

Approval of a DA 31 form is not guaranteed. It must go through the appropriate chain of command for review and approval before the leave can be taken.

When filling out the DA 31 form, there are several important points to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process. Below are key takeaways that can help you navigate this form effectively.

• Understand the Purpose: The DA 31 form is used to request leave from military duty. It serves as an official record of your request and must be filled out accurately to avoid any delays.
• Provide Complete Information: Ensure that all required fields are filled out completely. This includes your name, DOD ID, rank, and the type of leave you are requesting. Missing information can lead to complications.
• Type of Absence: Clearly indicate whether your leave is chargeable, non-chargeable, or a combination. Each type has different implications for your leave balance and pay.
• Signatures Matter: Obtain the necessary signatures from your supervisor and approving authority. If you are unavailable to sign, your supervisor can sign on your behalf, but this must be noted on the form.
• Privacy Considerations: Remember that this form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974. Handle it with care and ensure that your personal information is protected throughout the process.

By keeping these points in mind, you can ensure that your leave request is processed efficiently and accurately.

When filling out the DA 31 form, it's important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are some key dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

• Do provide accurate personal information, including your full name and DOD ID.
• Do clearly indicate the type of absence you are requesting.
• Do double-check the dates for your leave to avoid any discrepancies.
• Do ensure all required signatures are obtained before submitting the form.
• Don't leave any sections blank; complete every part of the form.
• Don't use abbreviations or shorthand that could cause confusion.
• Don't forget to include your leave address and contact information.
• Don't submit the form without confirming that all information is correct.

1. Incomplete Personal Information: Many individuals fail to provide all required personal details, such as their full name, DOD ID, and rank. Missing information can delay the processing of the leave request.

2. Incorrect Leave Type Selection: Selecting the wrong type of absence can lead to confusion. For instance, marking a leave as "non-chargeable" when it should be "chargeable" may result in complications during approval.

3. Failure to Sign: Some applicants neglect to sign the form. A signature is essential for validation. Without it, the request may be considered incomplete and returned for correction.

4. Omitting Dates: Leaving the dates of leave blank or incorrectly filled out can create significant issues. It's crucial to specify both the start and end dates accurately to avoid misunderstandings.

1. What is the purpose of the DA 31 form?

   The DA 31 form, officially known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is used by military personnel to request leave from their duties. This form is essential for documenting the type of leave being requested, whether it's chargeable or non-chargeable, and for ensuring that all necessary approvals are obtained. It helps maintain accurate records of personnel absences and is governed by the Privacy Act of 1974.

2. What information do I need to provide on the DA 31 form?

   When filling out the DA 31 form, you will need to provide several key pieces of information:

   • Your name, rank, and DOD ID
   • The dates you are requesting leave, including start and end dates
   • The type of leave you are requesting, such as annual leave, emergency leave, or terminal leave
   • Your leave address, including phone number, so you can be contacted if necessary
   • Signature of your supervisor and approving authority

   Completing these sections accurately is crucial for the processing of your leave request.

3. How do I determine if my leave is chargeable or non-chargeable?

   Chargeable leave typically includes types of leave that are deducted from your accrued leave balance, such as annual leave or emergency leave. Non-chargeable leave, on the other hand, does not affect your leave balance and may include certain types of leave like emergency leave or leave for special circumstances. When filling out the DA 31 form, you will need to select the appropriate option that reflects your situation.

4. What happens after I submit my DA 31 form?

   Once you submit your DA 31 form, it will go through a review process. Your supervisor will assess your request and either approve or disapprove it. If approved, the form will be forwarded to the appropriate authority for final approval. You will receive notification of the decision, and if approved, you can then proceed with your leave as planned. It’s important to keep a copy of the approved form for your records.