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What You Should Know About DA Form 31
What is a DA Form 31
DA Form 31, officially called Request and Authority for Leave, is an Army document used to record any details related to a Soldier’s requested leave of absence.
Who needs to fill out a DA Form 31
You may need to fill out a DA 31 Army form if you’re:
- A Soldier asked to use the paper form
- Requesting approved leave or another absence
- Applying for emergency or dependent travel
- Directed by your unit, S-1, or commander
Common DA Form 31 document mistakes
- ! Using an outdated edition of the DA 31 leave form
- ! Entering the home of record instead of the actual leave address
- ! Selecting the wrong chargeable or non-chargeable absence type
- ! Counting only duty days instead of applicable calendar days
- ! Leaving required dates, contact details, or signatures incomplete
- ! Completing blocks reserved for the unit or approving authority
- ! Uploading the form to IPPS-A when it’s not required
What people use it for
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DA Form 31 FAQs
Here are the answers to frequent DA Form 31 Army questions to help you understand and complete the form correctly.
What is a DA Form 31 used for?
A DA Form 31 records a Soldier’s request and authorization for military leave or another approved absence. It contains details like the requested dates and the absence category.
Who is required to submit a DA Form 31?
Only Soldiers directed to use the paper form should submit a DA Form 31. Most Army leave and absence requests are now completed through IPPS-A. You should confirm the required process with your unit or S-1 first.
What is the difference between chargeable and non-chargeable leave on a DA Form 31?
Chargeable leave reduces the Soldier’s accrued leave balance. Non-chargeable absence does not reduce that balance, but it must fall under an authorized category. It still requires the appropriate approval.
Is the DA Form 31 still used after the IPPS-A transition?
Yes, the DA Form 31 remains an active Army form. However, it’s no longer the normal submission method for most requests. You should use IPPS-A when the applicable absence action is available there.
What is the control number on a DA Form 31 and who fills it out?
The control number is an administrative reference used to track the paper request. It’s normally assigned by the Unit, S-1, or processing office.
How do I fill out Part III of a DA Form 31 for dependents?
You should only fill out Part III when dependent travel has been officially authorized. This is usually connect to qualifying emergency travel. Enter each dependent’s name, relationship, child’s birth date, and passport number exactly as instructed by the travel office.
Who is the approving authority for a DA Form 31?
Your unit commander or an authorized designee usually approves ordinary leave. If you’re requesting leave for certain absence types, longer periods, or special situations, you may have to request it from a higher-level authority.
What should I do if I need to extend my leave while away?
You should immediately get in contact with your unit or commander. Ask them for approval before the authorized leave ends. If required, you may have to provide supporting evidence for medical, transportation, weather, or family emergencies.
What address should I put on a DA Form 31 if I am traveling to multiple locations?
Enter the main address where you can reliably be contacted and provide a current telephone number. Ask your unit whether additional destinations should be listed in Block 17, an itinerary, or another supporting document.
Can I use a DA Form 31 for international travel?
Yes, you can travel internationally if you get approved Army leave. However, you’ll need to submit more than just the leave request form. You must complete all required foreign-clearance, security, passport, visa, APACS, and ISOPREP procedures that apply to your destination.
How does emergency leave work on a DA Form 31?
Emergency leave is usually chargeable. It may be approved for a: Death Serious illness Urgent family hardship If official emergency travel to or from an overseas location is authorized, the unit completes Parts II through IV as needed.
What happens if I fail to sign in or out on my DA Form 31?
You should contact your unit immediately so it can correct the accountability record. Soldiers must follow relevant departure and return procedures. If you remain absent beyond the authorized period, you could face an unauthorized-absence or AWOL determination.
What Army Regulation governs the DA Form 31?
AR 600-8-10, Leaves and Passes governs DA Form 31. Current requests must also follow: Newer department-level leave rules IPPS-A guidance Applicable unit procedures
How far in advance should a DA Form 31 be submitted?
You should follow your unit’s submission deadline. AR 600-8-10 states that paper leave requests are usually submitted within one month of your departure. Firm dates involving PCS moves, holidays, or major family events may be handled earlier.
Does a DA Form 31 expire if it’s not used?
Yes, an approved DA Form 31 applies only to the authorized dates and circumstances shown on it. If your leave is cancelled or the dates change, ask the S-1 to cancel or amend the request.
Who is authorized to sign me out on a DA Form 31?
The official designated by the unit is authorized to record your departure with the form. Under paper procedures, this may be the S-1 or staff duty after normal working hours.
What happens if I sign in early from leave on my DA Form 31?
Your new return date should be recorded. You may be able to adjust your leave to reflect the actual amount of days used.
How do I use a DA Form 31 for a PCS move?
You should only use a paper DA 31 when directed. PCS-related absences are normally submitted through the IPPS-A PAID tile using Absence Type 05 – PCS Events.
How do I fill out a DA Form 31 for convalescent leave?
Do not request convalescent leave without medical guidance. A health care provider must recommend it, and the military treatment facility director or unit commander must approve it. It’s normally a non-chargeable absence.
Who has the authority to deny a DA Form 31?
The commander or properly authorized approval authority may deny the request based on: Mission requirements Eligibility Documentation Other valid considerations One of your supervisors may recommend disapproval, but they may not be the final decision-maker.
What should I do if my DA Form 31 has a mistake after approval?
You should never alter the approved document yourself. Contact the S-1, approving authority, or HR so the request can be officially corrected or replaced before departure.
What does “recommend approval” mean in Block 12 of a DA Form 31?
“Recommend approval” means the supervisor supports the request. It’s not final authorization. The request must still be approved in Block 13 or through the applicable IPPS-A workflow before the Soldier departs.
How are weekends and holidays counted on a DA Form 31?
Weekends and holidays between the beginning and return dates are generally charged as leave.
Can I sell back leave days instead of submitting a DA Form 31?
Not whenever you choose. Leave sell-back is generally available at separation, discharge, reenlistment, or in specific Special Leave Accrual situations. It’s subject to eligibility rules and a usual career limit of 60 days.
Can I combine a DA Form 31 leave with a mileage pass?
A pass and chargeable leave may be used consecutively when command policy permits. However, they must be requested separately. Soldiers must also follow local-area, mileage, and physical-presence rules when moving between pass and leave status.