Fill Out Your Da 1380 Form

Completing the DA Form 1380 accurately is crucial for ensuring that individual performance and retirement credits are properly documented. One common mistake is omitting critical dates. Each entry requires specific dates for the training or duties performed. Missing this information can lead to delays in processing and affect the individual’s retirement points. It is important to double-check dates before submitting the form.

Another frequent error is not providing sufficient detail in item nine. The nature of the duties, training, or instruction should be clearly described. When details are scant, the reviewing officer may not understand what was accomplished during the training period. Providing clear and thorough descriptions prevents misunderstandings and supports accurate recordkeeping.

A third mistake involves failing to enter the correct number of retirement points. Many individuals struggle with the calculation of points based on the type of duty performed. Each type of training corresponds with specific codes that indicate whether it was paid or unpaid. Incorrect point entries can adversely affect a soldier’s retirement calculations and potential benefits.

Lastly, not obtaining the required signatures is a critical oversight. The form must be signed by the officer who verifies the duties were performed. Without this signature, the form may be deemed incomplete, which can lead to rejection by the processing units. Ensuring that all necessary signatures are in place before submission saves time and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.

The DA Form 1380, known as the Army Reserve Record of Individual Performance of Reserve Duty Training, serves as a crucial document that tracks service members' training and duties. To complement this form, several other documents are used frequently within military records management. Understanding these forms enhances clarity and ensures all necessary information is accurately recorded for future reference.

• DA Form 1059: This form, also known as the Academic Evaluation Report, documents the performance and achievements of soldiers attending military schools or courses. It provides valuable insight into the soldier's training outcomes and readiness for future assignments.
• DA Form 2-1: Officially titled the Personnel Qualification Record, this document contains comprehensive information about a soldier’s career, including assignments, training, and performance history. It acts as a vital resource for tracking a soldier's progress and qualifications within the military.
• DA Form 626: The Record of Training, or DA Form 626, captures various training events and activities undertaken by a soldier. It provides a detailed account of continuous education and skills development outside of formal training structures.
• DA Form 4187: Known as the Personnel Action Form, this document is used to request changes in duty assignments or statuses, such as extensions or deferments. It plays an essential role in managing personnel records and addressing individual soldier needs efficiently.

Each of these documents plays a specific role in maintaining accurate military records. Together, they ensure that a soldier's training and service history are thoroughly documented and can be reviewed as needed for promotions, assignments, and other administrative actions. Proper utilization and timely submission of these forms are essential for the efficient management of military personnel records.

• DA Form 1381 - Record of Individual Performance of Active Duty Training: This form documents active duty training, similar to how the DA 1380 records performance of reserve duty training. Both forms track the service member's participation in training activities for pay and retirement points.
• DA Form 1059 - Service School Academic Evaluation Report: The DA Form 1059 evaluates the performance of soldiers in training courses. Like the DA 1380, it records training completion but focuses on the evaluation of a soldier's academic performance.
• DA Form 3349 - Physical Profile: This form indicates a soldier's physical capabilities. Similar to the DA 1380, it provides an official record that supports a soldier's qualifications for specific duties or training.
• DA Form 4187 - Personnel Action Request: This form is used for various personnel actions, including training requests. Both forms start a formal process related to soldier training and qualifications, ensuring proper documentation in military records.
• DA Form 638 - Recommendation for Award: The DA Form 638 documents recommendations for awards related to service performance. It parallels the DA 1380 by highlighting training accomplishments, contributing to the soldier's overall record.
• DD Form 214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty: This document summarizes a member’s service. It is similar to the DA 1380 in that it captures essential information about military service and training, signifying completion of duty.
• DD Form 785 - Record of Disenrollment from Officer Candidate School: This form documents the status of candidates in officer training programs, akin to how the DE 1380 tracks soldiers' training performance in the reserves.
• DA Form 5123 - Student Evaluation Report: This form assesses the performance of students in military training classes. Like the DA 1380, it maintains records vital for ongoing career progression and performance evaluation.

Filling out the DA 1380 form correctly is crucial for ensuring accurate records and retirement points. Here is a list of things to do and avoid:

• Do: Complete the form by the last day of each duty month to ensure timely processing.
• Do: Include the full address for the records manager to avoid delays in processing.
• Do: Check the appropriate box in Item 9 to indicate the type of duty performed.
• Do: Provide accurate dates and total hours for each duty performed.
• Do: Ensure the officer verifies the duties performed with their signature.
• Do: Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.

• Don't: Submit the form without verifying all information is accurate, as mistakes can lead to complications.
• Don't: Skip any required sections; each part of the form serves a specific purpose.
• Don't: Wait until the last minute to fill out the form to prevent rushing and potential errors.
• Don't: Forget to cite the documentary authority for the training reported.
• Don't: Use outdated versions of the form; ensure you have the latest edition.
• Don't: Hand off the form to someone else without following up to ensure it has been submitted correctly.

Understanding the DA 1380 form is essential for members of the Army Reserve. However, various misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are ten common myths about this form, along with clarifications to help clarify its actual use and requirements.

1. It is mandatory to submit every month. While it is recommended to prepare the form by the last day of each duty month, not all soldiers will have duties to report each month. Submission depends on the soldier’s activity during that month.
2. The DA 1380 is only for paid duties. This form can be used for both paid and non-paid duties. It is specifically designed to report instances of both types depending on the soldier’s performance.
3. Only commanding officers can complete the form. This is incorrect. Various personnel, such as unit representatives and chief approving agents for training projects, are permitted to prepare this form under specific circumstances.
4. It doesn't matter how the form is filled out. Proper completion is crucial. Specific items must be accurately filled in according to guidance in AR 140-185, including applicable codes and the description of duties performed.
5. Submission guarantees immediate retirement points. While timely submission is necessary, retirement points are granted after validation by DFAS for paid duties and by AHRC for non-paid duties.
6. There are no penalties for late submission. Late submissions can potentially cause delays in retirement points and may also affect pay for applicable duties. Staying on schedule is important.
7. The form can only be submitted electronically. Submission can happen through various means. While electronic submissions are standard, physical copies may still be accepted in some cases, depending on the unit's procedures.
8. All items on the form must be filled out for every entry. Some entries may require fewer details than others. Soldiers should only provide information relevant to the type of duty performed.
9. Once submitted, the form cannot be corrected. Errors can be corrected, but this often requires additional documentation and could complicate the reporting process. It’s best to check for errors before submission.
10. Any officer can sign off on the form. Only designated officers, specifically those having knowledge of the duties performed, can verify and sign the DA 1380. This helps ensure the integrity of the reporting process.

Being aware of these misconceptions can help soldiers navigate the requirements of the DA 1380 form more efficiently and ensure compliance with army regulations. Always consult with a knowledgeable source if there are uncertainties about the form’s preparation or submission.

Key Takeaways for Filling Out and Using the DA 1380 Form:

• The DA 1380 form must be completed by the end of each duty month to document Reserve training and duties accurately.
• Ensure that all required fields are filled out, particularly specifying duty type and providing details on training dates, hours, and locations.
• Proper signatures from the verifying officer are essential for the form's validation, which should be submitted promptly for processing.
• After validation, make sure to file the form according to the Army’s record-keeping guidelines to maintain accurate soldier records.