DA Form 31, also known as the Request and Authority for Leave, is a document used by the United States Army to authorize and record a soldier's leave. This form serves several important purposes, which can be summarized as follows:
1. Leave Authorization: The primary purpose of DA Form 31 is to request and authorize a soldier's leave. It allows the soldier to formally request time off from their duty station for various reasons, such as personal needs, family emergencies, or vacation.
2. Accountability and Record-Keeping: DA Form 31 ensures that leave is properly accounted for and documented. It specifies the dates of leave, the soldier's location during the leave period, and provides information about the soldier's destination and contact information.
3. Command Approval: The form requires approval from the soldier's immediate commander or designated authority. This ensures that leave requests are evaluated based on operational requirements, availability of manpower, and mission readiness.
4. Leave Types and Categories: DA Form 31 provides options for different types of leave, such as ordinary leave, emergency leave, convalescent leave, and permissive temporary duty (PTDY). This allows the soldier to indicate the specific type of leave they are requesting, depending on the circumstances.
5. Travel Information: The form requests information regarding the intended mode of transportation for the leave period. Whether the soldier is traveling by commercial airline, private vehicle, or other means, this information helps the military to track the soldier's movements and ensure their safety.
6. Emergency Contact Information: DA Form 31 requires the soldier to provide emergency contact information while on leave. This allows the military to reach out to someone in case of an emergency or if there is a need to quickly contact the soldier during their absence.
7. Clearance and Return: Before a soldier initiates leave, the form requires a clearance process to ensure all necessary tasks and responsibilities have been completed or properly handed over. Similarly, upon return from leave, the individual submits the form to document their safe return and any changes to their status or contact information.
Overall, the purpose of DA Form 31 is to establish a standardized process for requesting and authorizing leave within the Army. It helps maintain accountability, supports operational requirements, and ensures the safety and well-being of soldiers during their time away from duty.