Blank Da 31 Template

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 duty. This form captures essential information about the service member, including their identity, type of leave requested, and the duration of the absence. It serves as a formal record of the request and is necessary for the approval process.

2. What types of leave can be requested using the DA 31 form?

   The DA 31 form allows service members to request various types of leave, including:

   • Annual (Ordinary) Leave
   • Emergency Leave
   • Environmental Morale Leave (EML)
   • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave
   • Terminal Leave
   • Rest and Recuperation Leave
   • Consecutive Overseas Tour (COT) Leave

   Each type of leave may have different implications regarding pay and benefits, so it is important for the requester to understand these differences when filling out the form.

3. How is the leave duration indicated on the form?

   The leave duration is specified in two sections on the DA 31 form. The requester must provide the start date and end date of the requested leave in the designated fields. Additionally, they must indicate the total number of days requested. This information is crucial for supervisors and approving authorities to assess the leave request accurately.

4. Who needs to sign the DA 31 form?

   The DA 31 form requires several signatures to ensure proper approval. The requester must sign the form, and if they are unavailable, their supervisor can sign on their behalf. The supervisor must also provide their recommendation, which can be either approval or disapproval. Finally, an approving authority must sign the form to finalize the leave request.

5. What happens if the leave request is disapproved?

   If a leave request is disapproved, the service member will receive a notification detailing the reasons for the disapproval. It is advisable for the requester to discuss the situation with their supervisor to understand the decision. In some cases, the service member may choose to submit a revised request or appeal the decision, depending on the circumstances.

Understanding the DA 31 form can be challenging, especially with the various misconceptions that circulate. Here’s a list of common misunderstandings and clarifications to help you navigate this important document.

1. The DA 31 form is only for military personnel. While primarily used by military members, it can also apply to certain civilian employees within the Department of Defense under specific circumstances.
2. Filling out the DA 31 is optional. This form is a required document for requesting leave. Not submitting it could lead to complications with your leave status.
3. You can request any type of leave on the DA 31. While the form does cover various types of leave, it’s important to ensure that your specific situation aligns with the options provided.
4. The DA 31 guarantees leave approval. Submitting the form does not automatically mean your leave will be approved. Approval is contingent on several factors, including operational needs and your command’s policies.
5. Only the requestor can sign the DA 31. If the requestor is unavailable, a supervisor can sign on their behalf, which is a common practice.
6. All leave must be charged as annual leave. The DA 31 allows for both chargeable and non-chargeable leave. It’s crucial to select the correct option based on your leave type.
7. The form is the same for all branches of the military. While the DA 31 is widely used, some branches may have specific variations or additional requirements. Always check your branch's guidelines.
8. You can change your leave dates after submission without a new form. Any changes to your leave request typically require a new DA 31 form to be submitted for approval.
9. The DA 31 form is only for short-term leave. This form can be used for both short-term and long-term leave requests, depending on the type of leave you are applying for.
10. Privacy is not a concern with the DA 31. The form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, which means personal information is protected and should be handled with care.

By addressing these misconceptions, you can approach the leave process with greater confidence and clarity. Always refer to your command's specific guidelines for the most accurate information.

1. Failing to provide a control number in the designated section can lead to delays in processing the request.

2. Omitting the full name (Last, First, Middle Initial) can result in confusion and may cause the request to be returned.

3. Incorrectly entering the DOD ID may prevent proper identification and verification of the service member.

4. Not specifying the type of absence accurately can lead to misclassification of the leave, affecting approval status.

5. Leaving the leave address incomplete or unclear can hinder communication during the leave period.

6. Failing to sign the form or having an unauthorized signature can result in the rejection of the leave request.

7. Not providing the dates for the leave accurately, including the total days requested, can cause scheduling conflicts and delays in approval.

The DA Form 31, which serves as a request for leave, shares similarities with the Standard Form 50 (SF-50). The SF-50 is used primarily for personnel actions, including changes in employment status. Both forms require detailed information about the individual, such as name and identification number. While the DA Form 31 focuses on leave requests, the SF-50 documents employment-related changes, making them complementary in managing personnel records. Each form necessitates signatures from appropriate authorities, ensuring that all requests and actions are verified and approved before proceeding.

Another document comparable to the DA Form 31 is the Leave and Earnings Statement (LES). The LES provides service members with a comprehensive overview of their pay, leave balances, and deductions. While the DA Form 31 is specifically for requesting leave, the LES tracks leave accrual and usage. Both documents are essential for service members to understand their leave status and financial compensation. The LES can also highlight how much leave has been used, which can inform future leave requests submitted via the DA Form 31.

The Request for Leave form (often used in civilian employment) mirrors the DA Form 31 in its purpose of requesting time away from work. This civilian form usually requires the employee to specify the type of leave, duration, and reason for the absence. Similar to the DA Form 31, it often requires approval from a supervisor or manager. The two forms share the common goal of managing employee time off, ensuring that both military and civilian workplaces maintain operational efficiency while accommodating personal needs.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) form is another document that aligns with the DA Form 31 in its function of requesting leave. The FMLA form is utilized by eligible employees to request unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons. Like the DA Form 31, this form requires detailed information about the employee and the nature of the leave. Both forms emphasize the importance of communication and approval from management, ensuring that the leave is properly documented and authorized.

The Application for Leave of Absence (often used in educational institutions) is akin to the DA Form 31 as it is designed for individuals seeking to take time away from their responsibilities. This application typically requires details about the reason for the leave and the expected duration. Both forms facilitate the process of requesting time off while ensuring that the necessary approvals are obtained. The educational application, like the DA Form 31, serves to maintain a record of absences, which is essential for administrative purposes.

Lastly, the Military Leave Form, often used by National Guard or Reserve members, is similar to the DA Form 31 in that it documents requests for leave related to military duties. This form captures information about the member's service obligations and the type of leave requested. Both forms require approval from designated authorities, highlighting the importance of adherence to military regulations and procedures. They serve as critical tools for managing leave while ensuring that operational readiness is maintained.