DA Form 2453: ROTC Health Statement Guide & PDF – DA Form 2453, titled Statement of Health and Medical Examination, is an official U.S. Army form used primarily in the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (SROTC/ROTC) program. It serves as a cadet’s attestation regarding their current health status since their most recent medical examination.
The form is governed by AR 145-1 (Senior Reserve Officers Training Corps Program) and helps maintain medical readiness for contracted cadets. It is not a full medical exam but a statement confirming or updating any changes in medical conditions.
Download the Official DA Form 2453 PDF Here:
DA Form 2453 (APR 2023) – Statement of Health and Medical Examination
Purpose of DA Form 2453 in Army ROTC
The primary purpose is to document any changes in a cadet’s medical status since their last physical (e.g., DoDMERB, MEPS, CST, or MTF exam). This ensures cadets remain medically qualified for:
- Contracting
- Scholarships
- Advanced Camp
- Commissioning
Key points from the form’s privacy statement:
- Authority: 10 USC 2104 and AR 145-1
- Disclosure is voluntary but non-disclosure can lead to disenrollment and repayment of scholarship funds.
Failure to disclose significant changes can result in serious consequences, including repayment of funds.
Who Needs to Complete DA Form 2453?
- Contracted Army ROTC Cadets (especially prior to key milestones like Advanced Camp)
- Cadets updating medical readiness biannually or as required by policy
- Students in SROTC programs under U.S. Army Cadet Command (USACC)
Note: Recent USACC policies reference USACC Form 2453-R (Statement of Health Attestation), which builds on or aligns with the DA Form 2453 process for contracted cadets.
How to Fill Out DA Form 2453 Step-by-Step?
- Personal Information — Enter your full name, Cadet ID Number, School, and Date (YYYYMMDD).
- Most Recent Medical Examination — Provide the date (Month/Year) and location/facility (e.g., DoDMERB, CST, MEPS, MTF).
- Medical Status Statement — Declare any changes since the last exam. List details such as:
- Emergency room visits
- Surgeries or hospitalizations
- Mental health treatment or counseling
- Unresolved conditions lasting >45 days
- Medications lasting >30 days
If no changes: Write “No Change”.
- Signatures — Sign as the Army ROTC Student/Cadet. The Professor of Military Science (PMS) also signs.
Important: Any listed changes typically require a medical determination through your Brigade Action Officer to the Cadet Command Surgeon’s Office (with some exceptions like certain short-term conditions or birth control).
Key Instructions and Best Practices
- Be completely honest — Non-disclosure can affect your career and finances.
- Keep a copy for your records.
- Coordinate with your PMS or ROTC cadre for submission and any required follow-up.
- Use the latest version (APR 2023) from official Army sources.
Common Questions About DA Form 2453
Is DA Form 2453 the same as a full physical?
No. It is a health status attestation, not a replacement for DoDMERB, MEPS, or periodic health assessments.
What if my medical status has changed?
Document it clearly. Your program will guide you on next steps, which may include additional review.
Where to submit the form?
Through your ROTC program’s Professor of Military Science and into systems like CCIMM as directed.
Why Medical Readiness Matters in ROTC?
Maintaining accurate health records through forms like DA Form 2453 supports cadet safety, program compliance, and successful commissioning into the U.S. Army. It helps identify issues early so cadets can address them while pursuing their goals.
For the most current guidance, consult your ROTC cadre, the official form on Army Publishing Directorate, or USACC resources.
Official Download Link (Again):
DA Form 2453 PDF
This article is for informational purposes. Always refer to official Army regulations, your chain of command, and current USACC policies for official requirements.