DA Form 2823: Sworn Statement PDF & Guide – The DA Form 2823, officially titled Sworn Statement, is a key U.S. Army document used to record formal, sworn testimony. It captures witness accounts, evidence, or personal statements for investigations, administrative actions, counseling, and legal proceedings.
Service members, investigators, and commanders rely on this form to document facts accurately under oath, ensuring statements carry significant legal weight and can support military justice or administrative processes.
What Is DA Form 2823?
DA Form 2823 is the standardized Sworn Statement form issued by the Department of the Army. Its primary purpose is to document potential criminal activity, complaints, incidents, or other matters requiring truthful, sworn testimony to help maintain discipline, law, and order.
- Governing Regulation: AR 190-45 (Law Enforcement Reporting).
- Privacy Act Authority: Title 10 USC Section 301, Title 5 USC Section 2951, and E.O. 9397.
Information on the form may be shared with law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, and other agencies for official purposes, including personnel actions, security clearances, or judicial/non-judicial punishment.
When to Use DA Form 2823?
Use the form in these common scenarios:
- Investigations — AR 15-6 proceedings, commander inquiries, or law enforcement investigations.
- Witness Testimony — Recording statements from service members or civilians involved in incidents.
- Administrative Actions — Documenting counseling, lost property reports, or line-of-duty determinations.
- Disciplinary Matters — Supporting Article 15, courts-martial, or other UCMJ actions.
- Other Official Needs — Claims, religious accommodations, or any situation requiring a sworn account.
Sworn statements on this form are preferred for statements supporting key findings. You may use a chronological narrative or a formal question-and-answer (Q&A) format.
Key Sections of DA Form 2823
The current version (e.g., NOV 2006 or later editions available via Army Publishing Directorate) includes these main blocks:
- Blocks 1-4: Location, date (YYYYMMDD), time, and file number.
- Blocks 5-8: Full name (last, first, middle), SSN, grade/status, and organization/address of the person making the statement.
- Block 9: The statement itself (continue on additional pages as needed).
- Affidavit/Sworn Section: Certification that the statement is true, given freely, with corrections initialed, and page count verified.
- Signature and Administration: Signed under oath in the presence of an official authorized to administer oaths.
Additional pages must include the statement heading, initials of the person making the statement, and page numbering at the bottom.
How to Fill Out DA Form 2823 Step-by-Step?
- Provide Header Information — Enter location (e.g., post and state), date, time, and file number (if applicable).
- Personal Details — Fill in name, SSN, grade/status, and unit/address.
- Write the Statement — Use clear, first-person language. Stick to facts. Avoid speculation. Number paragraphs for clarity. Use continuation pages if needed.
- Review and Correct — The person making the statement reviews it, initials corrections, and confirms the total pages.
- Swear and Sign — Administer the oath and obtain the signature. The administrator also signs.
Tips: Be concise and factual. The statement is made under penalty of perjury—false statements can lead to serious consequences under the UCMJ or federal law.
Download Official DA Form 2823 PDF
Get the most current fillable version directly from the official source:
Download DA Form 2823 Sworn Statement PDF
Always use the latest edition from Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) for official use.
Importance of Accuracy and Legal Considerations
A properly executed DA Form 2823 is admissible in courts-martial and other proceedings. It protects the integrity of investigations and ensures due process. If the statement could be self-incriminating, rights warnings (e.g., via DA Form 3881) may be required before proceeding.
Personnel should consult their chain of command, legal advisor (JAG), or investigating officer for specific guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is DA Form 2823 fillable online?
Yes, many versions are fillable PDFs. Complete them electronically or by hand, then print and sign as required.
Who can administer the oath on DA Form 2823?
Officials authorized under Article 136, UCMJ, or other applicable regulations (e.g., commissioned officers, warrant officers, or designated civilians).
Can I refuse to sign a Sworn Statement?
Generally, soldiers are expected to cooperate with lawful investigations, but consult legal counsel if you have concerns.
How long should the statement be?
Long enough to fully cover the facts clearly and completely—no strict page limit, but brevity is preferred when possible.
Where to find examples?
Official training materials, unit S1/G1, or Army resources like ArmyWriter provide guidance and sample formats.
For the latest official instructions, refer to AR 190-45 and AR 15-6. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace official Army guidance or legal advice. Always verify with your command or servicing JAG for mission-specific requirements.