DA Form 2680-R: Civilian Internee Post Card (LRA) Guide

DA Form 2680-R: Civilian Internee Post Card (LRA) Guide – DA Form 2680-R is the Civilian Internee National Post Card (LRA), a standardized U.S. Army form dated November 1986. It serves as a pre-formatted postcard for civilian internees (CIs) held by U.S. forces during armed conflict, occupation, or other military operations.

The “LRA” designation indicates a locally reproducible form. It is designed for reproduction on a 4-by-6-inch card. It pairs with DA Form 2679-R (Civilian Internee Letter) for limited written communication.

This form supports the right of civilian internees to communicate with family and friends under the 1949 Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (GC). U.S. policy in AR 190-8 (Enemy Prisoners of War, Retained Personnel, Civilian Internees and Other Detainees) implements these protections.

Civilian internees include civilians interned for security reasons or protection during conflict. The postcard maintains family contact while allowing military authorities to review content for security.

Key principles from AR 190-8 and the Geneva Conventions:

  • Humane treatment without physical or moral coercion.
  • Right to correspondence (subject to censorship and limits for security).
  • Separation of CIs from enemy prisoners of war (EPWs) in facilities.

How DA Form 2680-R Is Used in Internment Operations?

In internment and resettlement (I/R) operations, military police and detainee operations personnel issue these postcards to CIs after processing. Limits typically apply on the number of cards or letters per month.

Typical Process:

  1. Internee completes the postcard with approved personal information.
  2. Authorities review and censor content as needed.
  3. The card is forwarded through the National Prisoner of War Information Center (NPWIC) or equivalent channels.
  4. It helps notify next of kin and reduces uncertainty for families.

This form supports broader administrative functions, including accountability, medical care, and eventual release or transfer.

Key Features of the Form

  • Format: Compact 4×6-inch postcard for easy mailing and reproduction.
  • Content Fields: Standard areas for internee details (name, internment serial number), date, address of recipient, and a short message.
  • Purpose: Brief, controlled communication rather than detailed letters (use DA Form 2679-R for longer correspondence).

The form ensures compliance with international humanitarian law while maintaining operational security.

Who Needs This Information?

  • U.S. Military Personnel & Veterans: Especially those involved in detainee operations, MP units, or training on Geneva Conventions compliance.
  • Researchers & Historians: Studying U.S. military doctrine on internment, law of war implementation, or historical conflicts.
  • Legal & Policy Professionals: Analyzing detainee rights, I/R operations, or compliance with AR 190-8.
  • Families & Public: Seeking understanding of communication procedures in hypothetical or historical detention scenarios involving U.S. forces.

Note: This form is not for general public or VA/veterans benefits use (e.g., unrelated to VA Form 21-2680). It pertains specifically to detainee operations.

  • DA Form 2679-R: Civilian Internee Letter (longer correspondence).
  • DA Form 2678-R: Civilian Internee National Internment Card.
  • AR 190-8: Primary regulation governing EPW, CI, and detainee operations (multi-service).
  • FM 3-39.40 / FM 3-19.40: Guidance on internment and resettlement operations.

Download and Access

As a legacy locally reproducible form (1986), official digital copies are referenced in military publications and archives. Current U.S. Army personnel should check official channels (e.g., APD) or unit guidance for reproduction and use. Public references appear in doctrinal manuals available through government and archival sources.

Importance in Modern Context

While technology has evolved, understanding legacy forms like DA 2680-R remains relevant for:

  • Training on law of armed conflict (LOAC).
  • Historical analysis of U.S. operations.
  • Preparedness for future contingency operations requiring I/R capabilities.

U.S. forces continue to prioritize humane treatment and family communication in line with Geneva Conventions obligations.

For the most current policies, consult official U.S. Army regulations, your chain of command, or the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. This article is for informational purposes and draws from publicly available doctrinal sources.