The DA Form 4187 is a standard document of the United States Army which is used in requesting personnel action. It is broad in its classification and covers many areas of action. For example, it covers things like separate rations, ID cards, excessive leave, reclassification, ID tags, re-assignment of married couples, exchanging assignments, change of name among a few other things. The form is simply designed. However, it is advisable that you have available much information about the specific action before proceeding to complete the form. The DA Form 4187 is readily available on the website of the United States Army or can be issued by the Army personnel division.
The DA Form 4187 is a simple one page form that is made up of 5 sections. It is easy to fill. However, like every other form, it is important to follow instructions and guidelines while filling the form to ensure that the information it presents are accurate. The following are instructions that should be followed for filling out the forms properly.
Step1
Section I is for basic information. This section is just to get the basic soldier information of the personnel requesting personnel action. Under section I, box 4 captures the full name of the soldiers. These include the last name, first name and middle initial in that order. This is closely followed by the grade or rank and social security number of the soldier in box 5 and 6 respectively.
Step2
Section II is the duty status change. This is only important if a soldier is changing form one duty to another. In this section, you are required to supply the information of the soldier’s former duty. You are also required to supply the new duty information, the date it becomes effective and the time when change and the duty is expected to take place. All these are expected to be filled out on the space in Section II.
Step3
Section III of the DA Form 4187 is the request for personnel action. This is applicable if a personnel action request to be made is different, then it is expected that it must be checked off in this section.
Step4
In box 8 under the section III of the DA Form 4187, there are a lot of actions specified with a column where it can be checked. Go through all the actions and select the appropriate one required by checking the corresponding box. However, in cases where you cannot find the type of action required on the form, you can use the “Other Specify” column to state exactly the action requested. It is important to note that you can request more than one action in single DA Form 4187 form.
Step5
Ensure that the form is signed and the date captured on box 9 and 10 respectively.
Step6
Section IV is the column for remarks. Note that you are at liberty to provide any remark as regards your request. However, it is important to note that in drafting any remark, it is advisable you provide a reason for the request and also use the opportunity to supply as much information that will aid the deciding department or officer to make a good judgment and favorable decision for your request. Note that scanty remark sometimes makes the requester look unconvinced about the request and may affect the decision of the officer in charge.
Step7
Section V is the section for certification, approval and disapproval. It is important to note that any request you make must supply a certification and should also have a recommendation from an authorized representative or a commanding officer.
Step8
Note that the authorized representative is expected to either provide verification, approval or a recommendation regarding the request of the soldier.
Step9
Finally on box 12, 13 and 14 on section V, the authorized representative or commander must then sign the DA Form 4187, fill the date before the form can be forwarded to the relevant agency or department.
1
Ensure you are equipped with valuable information about the specific action you are about to request before filling out the form to avoid making unnecessary mistakes.
2
Follow all rules and guidelines guiding the DA Form 4187 while filling the form and ensure all information supplied on the form is factual and accurate.
3
Use the remark column on section IV of the form to state your case properly. It should be convincing enough to force a favorable decision from the authorities.
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