DA Form 5643: Physical Demands Analysis Worksheet Guide

DA Form 5643: Physical Demands Analysis Worksheet Guide – The DA Form 5643, officially titled the Physical Demands Analysis Worksheet (often referenced as DA Form 5643-R in older editions), is a key U.S. Army document used to evaluate and document the physical requirements of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). It supports the Military Occupational Classification Structure (MOCS) by helping commanders, personnel managers, and proponents assess job demands for enlisted roles, particularly at Skill Level 1.

This form remains relevant for MOS revisions, new MOS establishment, and ensuring alignment between soldier capabilities and job tasks. It directly ties into Army regulations like AR 611-1 (Military Occupational Classification Structure Development and Implementation).

What Is DA Form 5643 Used For?

The primary purpose of DA Form 5643 is to conduct a detailed Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) for specific MOS tasks. It breaks down physical activities such as lifting, carrying, climbing, pushing, pulling, and other exertions, including frequency, weight loads, distances, and performance standards.

Key applications include:

  • Supporting proposals to revise or create new MOS in DA PAM 611-21.
  • Identifying the most physically demanding tasks (often marked with an asterisk on task lists).
  • Classifying MOS into physical demands categories (e.g., Light, Medium, Moderately Heavy, Heavy, Very Heavy) based on a modified Department of Labor system.
  • Informing personnel management, training development, and soldier assignment decisions.
  • Contributing to studies like the Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) implementation for better matching of recruits to roles.

The form helps ensure physical requirements are accurately documented for readiness, safety, and equitable classification.

Structure and Sections of DA Form 5643

This is a two-page form (DA Form 5643-R, JUN 87 edition commonly referenced). It includes:

  • Section I – Duties: Brief description of the MOS or job duties.
  • Section II – Task Summary: Overview of the specific task being analyzed.
  • Section III – Critical Task Element: Detailed breakdown of physical factors (e.g., Lift/Lower, Carry, Push, Pull, Load Bear, Walk/March, Climb/Descend, Run/Rush, Swim/Dive, Dig, Crawl, Throw, Handle, Finger dexterity, etc.).
  • Section IV – Critical Performance Measure: Standards for how the task must be performed.
  • Section V – Analysis: Quantitative data including weight/load, horizontal/vertical distances, work rate/performance standard, frequency (NP = Not Performed, O = Occasionally, F = Frequently, C = Constantly).
  • Section VI – Explanation/Comment: Additional notes on physical demand factors.
  • Section VII – Physical Demands Rating: For approving authority to assign the overall category (Light through Very Heavy).

Frequency and load data follow guidelines from historical references like the 1982 Women in the Army Policy Review.

Who Needs DA Form 5643 and How to Use It?

  • Proponents and Career Managers: Required when revising SL 1 tasks or establishing new enlisted MOS. At least one worksheet per most physically demanding task.
  • Units and Trainers: To document demands for specific training or duty positions.
  • Personnel and Classification Specialists: For MOCS updates and alignment with authorization documents.

Steps to Complete (High-level):

  1. Identify the MOS, task, and date.
  2. Describe duties and the specific critical task.
  3. Analyze each physical factor with objective measurements (weights, distances, frequencies).
  4. Note the most demanding elements.
  5. Obtain approval and rating in Section VII.
  6. Submit as part of MOCS proposals with DA Form 7174-R (MOCS Proposal Checklist).

Always refer to current AR 611-1 and DA PAM 611-21 for exact submission requirements, as processes evolve.

Download Official DA Form 5643

Official PDF Download:
DA Form 5643 Physical Demands Analysis Worksheet (U.S. Army Publishing Directorate)

Additional resources: Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) and your unit S1 or personnel proponent.

Why Physical Demands Analysis Matters in the Modern Army?

Accurate PDA supports:

  • Recruiting and Assignment: Better alignment via OPAT and physical categories.
  • Force Readiness: Ensures soldiers can meet job demands without unnecessary injury risk.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: Objective, task-based standards.
  • MOS Management: Keeps DA PAM 611-21 current with evolving equipment and missions.

MOS physical demands categories (e.g., Heavy for Infantry, varying for others) directly influence career progression and standards of grade.

  • AR 611-1: Military Occupational Classification Structure.
  • DA PAM 611-21: Detailed MOS specifications and physical requirements tables.
  • OPAT Information: For initial entry physical screening.

For the latest guidance, visit the official Army Publishing Directorate or consult your command’s personnel experts. Forms and policies can update, so verify with current sources.