DA Form 5888: 2026 Guide to Army Family Deployment Screening

DA Form 5888 – If you’re a U.S. Army Soldier preparing for an overseas (OCONUS) Permanent Change of Station (PCS), requesting command sponsorship, or moving family members to join you abroad, DA Form 5888 is a critical document you must complete. Officially titled the Family Member Deployment Screening Sheet, this form ensures your family members receive the medical, educational, and support services they need at your new duty station.

In this comprehensive guide, we cover exactly what DA Form 5888 is, who needs it, the step-by-step process (including the modern E-EFMP system), how to fill it out, related forms, and expert tips to avoid delays in your orders or family travel approval. Whether you’re active duty, in the National Guard, or supporting a military family, this article provides the most current, official information from trusted U.S. Army sources.

What Is DA Form 5888?

DA Form 5888, dated September 2002, is the official U.S. Army Family Member Deployment Screening Sheet. It is used under Army Regulation (AR) 608-75, Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) to screen all family members (spouses, children, and other dependents) before they travel overseas at government expense.

Principal purpose (per the form itself):

  • Validate family member deployment screening.
  • Provide the gaining command with essential data to make informed assignment decisions.

The form has two main parts:

  • Part A: Soldier and family member data, verified by your Military Personnel Division (MPD), Personnel Service Company (PSC), or S-1.
  • Part B: Medical screening results completed by an Army Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) EFMP practitioner and authenticated by a physician.

Note: The form is still current in 2026. While some installations now use the digital Enterprise EFMP (E-EFMP) system to generate it electronically, the paper version remains valid where required.

Why Is DA Form 5888 Important?

Overseas assignments with family (accompanied tours or command sponsorship) require proof that the gaining location can support your family’s medical, educational, or special needs. Without a completed DA Form 5888:

  • Your command sponsorship or family travel request may be denied.
  • Orders processing can be delayed.
  • You risk being assigned to a location without adequate services for Exceptional Family Members (EFMs).

The Army’s goal is family readiness—not to exclude families, but to match them with suitable duty stations. This aligns with EFMP policies that give family members the same priority as active-duty healthcare.

Who Needs to Complete DA Form 5888?

You must complete DA Form 5888 if you are:

  • An active-duty Soldier on assignment instructions to an OCONUS location and electing an accompanied tour (CONUS-to-OCONUS or OCONUS-to-OCONUS).
  • Requesting command sponsorship/family member travel while serving an unaccompanied tour overseas.
  • Nominated for Defense Attaché duty (per AR 611-60).
  • In the Army National Guard or Reserve entering eligible active-duty status with family members who have special needs.

It applies to all family members listed in DEERS, even if they have no known medical issues.

Related form for remote areas: DA Form 5888-1 (Screening of Family Members in Remote OCONUS Areas) may be attached if your family lives far from an MTF.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete DA Form 5888 (2026 Process)?

The process is now streamlined through E-EFMP and Family Member Travel Screening (FMTS) at most installations.

  1. Initiate in E-EFMP or Get the Form
    • Log into the Enterprise EFMP system (efmp.army.mil/EnterpriseEfmp) or contact your local EFMP coordinator.
    • Many systems now auto-generate DA Form 5888 and DA Form 7246 (EFMP Screening Questionnaire).
  2. Complete Part A (Soldier/MPD Section)
    • Fill in your name, SSN, rank, MOS, addresses, phone numbers, and EDAS/RFO date.
    • List all family members (name, relationship, DOB).
    • Take the form to your S-1, MPD, or PSC for authentication in Block 8 (they verify DEERS data).
  3. Schedule FMTS / EFMP Medical Screening
    • Contact the EFMP case coordinator at your nearest Army MTF (or nearest DoD MTF if none is available within 60 miles).
    • Bring: Completed Part A, DA Form 7246, and any medical/education records.
    • Each family member attends a screening appointment (physical exam or record review as needed).
  4. Part B Completed by EFMP Provider
    • The EFMP medical practitioner reviews needs and checks:
      • Not warranted for EFMP enrollment, or
      • Consideration / enrollment warranted.
    • A physician authenticates the form.
    • If special needs are identified, DD Form 2792 (Medical Summary) and/or DD Form 2792-1 (Special Education Summary) are completed.
  5. Submit and Track
    • Return the completed form to your MPD/assignment manager.
    • It is uploaded to the EFMP database for the gaining command’s review.
    • Validity: Generally 1 year from Part B authentication.

Pro Tip: Start early—screening must be completed within 30 days of your EDAS cycle or RFO date. Delays can hold up your orders.

Download Official DA Form 5888 PDF

  • Official source: Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) – Search for “DA Form 5888”.
  • Direct links are also available on installation EFMP and TRICARE pages (example: Naples TRICARE, Fort Sill, etc.).

Do not use outdated third-party fillers unless your command approves them. Always verify the latest version on a .mil site.

Common Questions About DA Form 5888 (FAQs)

  1. Q: Is DA Form 5888 the same as EFMP enrollment?
    No. It is a screening tool. If needs are identified, it triggers full EFMP enrollment via DD Forms 2792/2792-1.
  2. Q: What if my family has no special needs?
    You still must complete it. Most families receive “Not Warranted” and proceed quickly.
  3. Q: Can I use a civilian doctor?
    Only if no MTF is within 60 miles/1 hour drive, and only with EFMP coordinator approval.
  4. Q: How does this affect command sponsorship?
    The gaining command uses the form to confirm services are available. Denial of family travel is rare but possible if services are unavailable.
  5. Q: National Guard or Reserve?
    Yes—AGR Soldiers and those entering active-duty status follow the same process, often through their state EFMP coordinator.

Tips for a Smooth DA Form 5888 Process

  • Update DEERS before starting.
  • Bring current medical records, IEPs/IFSPs, and prescriptions to the screening appointment.
  • Contact your EFMP coordinator or Military OneSource (militaryonesource.mil) for free support.
  • If enrolled in EFMP, keep records current (updates required every 3 years or with major changes).
  • For remote OCONUS families, ask about DA Form 5888-1 immediately.

Final Thoughts

DA Form 5888 is more than paperwork—it protects your family’s well-being and ensures a successful overseas move. By completing it promptly through official channels (E-EFMP, S-1, and MTF), you keep your PCS on track and demonstrate the Army’s commitment to family readiness.

Need help?

  • Visit your local EFMP office or MTF.
  • Check AR 608-75 (full regulation on armypubs.army.mil).
  • Reach out to Military OneSource or your installation EFMP coordinator today.

Stay informed and start your screening early—your family’s smooth transition depends on it. For the latest updates, always refer to official Army publications and your chain of command.

This guide is based on AR 608-75 (27 January 2017 edition, still governing in 2026), official EFMP guidance from Army MTFs, and current installation procedures.