DA Form 1668: Small Claims Certificate – Download PDF – DA Form 1618 is the official U.S. Army form titled “Application for Detail as Student Officer at a Civilian Educational Institution or at Training With Industry.” It is used by active-duty officers (and in some cases warrant officers or qualified enlisted personnel) to request assignment to full-time education at accredited civilian colleges, universities, or participation in the Army’s Training With Industry (TWI) program.
The form is prescribed by AR 621-1, Training of Military Personnel at Civilian Institutions. It supports Army goals of developing leaders with advanced academic credentials and industry-relevant skills.
Download the official DA Form 1618 here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/ARN20486_A1618_FINAL_v101.pdf
Purpose of DA Form 1618
The principal purpose of the form is to obtain consideration for entry into a civilian educational institution or a Training With Industry program. It formalizes an officer’s request, provides necessary personal and academic data, and routes the application through the chain of command to the appropriate Army authority (typically U.S. Army Human Resources Command – HRC).
Completing and submitting DA Form 1618 is a key step for officers seeking fully or partially funded advanced education or specialized industry training while remaining on active duty.
Who Should Use DA Form 1618?
- Active-duty Army officers seeking civilian schooling or TWI assignments.
- Warrant officers applying for certain TWI or education programs.
- Qualified personnel meeting eligibility criteria in AR 621-1 (e.g., service obligations, performance records, and career timeline requirements).
Eligibility often requires a strong performance record, remaining service obligations, and alignment with Army needs validated through the Army Educational Requirements System or specific branch proponent programs.
Key Programs Supported by DA Form 1618
Civilian Educational Institutions
Officers can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees (or specific certificates) at civilian schools. Programs may include the Cooperative Degree Program or other full-time schooling opportunities.
Training With Industry (TWI)
TWI places selected officers in civilian companies for hands-on experience in areas like logistics, acquisition, manufacturing, and technology. It bridges military and commercial best practices. Programs vary by branch (e.g., Ordnance, Quartermaster, Acquisition Corps).
How to Fill Out and Submit DA Form 1618
- Download the Fillable PDF — Use the official link provided above.
- Complete Applicant Information — Include name, rank, SSN (or DOD ID), contact details, education history, and transcripts.
- Specify Request — Indicate whether applying for civilian education or TWI, preferred institutions/companies, discipline of study, and desired start dates.
- Service Agreement — Acknowledge service obligations (typically three times the length of training).
- Route Through Chain of Command — Usually through immediate field-grade commander, then to the appropriate training agency or HRC.
- Attach Supporting Documents — Transcripts, letters of recommendation, Officer Record Brief (ORB), OERs, physical fitness records, etc., as required by your branch or program.
Note: Always consult the latest version of AR 621-1 and your assignment officer or branch proponent for current submission deadlines and packet requirements.
Benefits of Approval
- Fully or partially funded education or training.
- Development of advanced skills directly applicable to Army missions.
- Enhanced promotion and assignment opportunities.
- Exposure to cutting-edge industry practices through TWI.
Participants generally incur an Active Duty Service Obligation (ADSO) upon completion.
Common Supporting Documents and Tips
- Official college transcripts.
- Letters of acceptance or conditional acceptance from the institution (when applicable).
- Strong command endorsements.
- Updated ORB and recent evaluations.
- Proof of meeting height/weight and physical standards.
Submit packets well in advance—deadlines can be 6–12 months before the program start, depending on the cycle.
Where to Find More Information?
- AR 621-1: Training of Military Personnel at Civilian Institutions (available on Army Publishing Directorate).
- Your branch proponent website (e.g., Quartermaster, Ordnance, Acquisition Corps TWI pages).
- U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) education or assignment portals.
- ArmyIgnitED or official education counseling resources.
Official DA Form 1618 Download: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/ARN20486_A1618_FINAL_v101.pdf
This form remains the standardized tool for Army officers pursuing professional development through civilian education and industry partnerships. Prepare a competitive packet and coordinate early with your chain of command and career manager for the best chance of selection.