DA Form 3439: Employment Reference Inquiry (PDF Download) – DA Form 3439: Employment Reference Inquiry is a key document used by the U.S. Army for hiring into Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) positions. It helps gather detailed reference information on applicants’ past performance, character, and suitability.
Download the latest DA Form 3439 (APR 2024) here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/ARN38875-DA_FORM_3439-001-EFILE-2.pdf
What Is DA Form 3439?
DA Form 3439, titled Employment Reference Inquiry, is an official U.S. Army form used to obtain employment references and evaluations for candidates applying to NAF positions. These positions include roles in Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs, such as child care, recreation, food services, and other non-appropriated fund activities.
The form is authorized under AR 215-3 (Nonappropriated Funds Instrumentalities Personnel Policy) and Department of Defense instructions. It supports a thorough vetting process to ensure candidates are reliable, trustworthy, and suitable for employment, especially in sensitive roles involving children/youth or public interaction.
The current version is dated APR 2024, and previous editions are obsolete.
Purpose of the Employment Reference Inquiry Form
The principal purpose is to collect previous employment references and personal characteristics for employment consideration. It evaluates factors like dependability, cooperation, initiative, judgment, and suitability for specific roles (e.g., child care services).
Key goals include:
- Verifying work history and performance.
- Assessing character, reliability, and loyalty.
- Identifying any potential concerns regarding honesty, trustworthiness, or interactions with children/youth.
- Supporting fair and informed hiring decisions for NAF positions.
Information is handled per the Privacy Act of 1974, with disclosures limited to authorized routine uses (e.g., Department of Labor, EEOC).
Who Uses DA Form 3439?
- U.S. Army NAF hiring offices and Civilian Personnel Advisory Centers (CPAC) send the form to references provided by applicants.
- References (former supervisors, co-workers, or acquaintances) complete and return it.
- Applicants for NAF jobs provide reference contacts as part of the application process.
It is particularly important for positions requiring high standards of conduct, such as those working with children, youth, or in security-sensitive environments.
Key Sections of DA Form 3439
The form includes several structured sections for comprehensive evaluation:
- Applicant Information — Name (Last, First, MI).
- Reference’s Relationship — How long known and capacity (Supervisor, Fellow Employee, Acquaintance, Other).
- Employment Details — Reason for leaving (if applicable) and whether the reference would reemploy the applicant.
- Personal Appraisal — Ratings (Outstanding, Better than Average, Average, Unsatisfactory, Insufficient Opportunity) on traits like:
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Initiative and Creativeness
- Sound Judgment/Adaptability Under Pressure
- Adaptability
- Consideration for Others
- Job Knowledge, Managerial Skills, Supervision, or Child Care Services (as applicable).
- Yes/No Questions — On loyalty, reliability, honesty, and any reluctance to hire for child/youth positions.
- Remarks — Space for detailed explanations.
- Reference Certification — Name, signature (or phone if telephonic), date, and point of contact details.
A cover letter explains the context and assures confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.
How to Fill Out DA Form 3439 (Instructions for References)?
References typically receive the form by mail or email with a self-addressed envelope. Completion is voluntary but highly valued.
Step-by-step guidance:
- Provide your relationship to the applicant and duration.
- Indicate reason for leaving and rehire recommendation (explain “No” in remarks).
- Check the most accurate rating for each performance factor based on direct knowledge.
- Answer the security/character questions honestly; provide details in remarks for any “Yes.”
- Sign, date, and include contact information.
- Return promptly to support the hiring timeline.
Be honest and specific—general or incomplete responses may limit the form’s usefulness. Telephonic completion is allowed with proper documentation.
Importance in the Army NAF Hiring Process
DA Form 3439 is part of the background and suitability review for NAF employees. It contributes to determining if an applicant meets Army standards for conduct and performance. Incomplete or negative references can affect selection, while strong ones strengthen an application.
For applicants: Choose references who know your work ethic well (preferably recent supervisors). Provide accurate contact information.
For references: Your input helps maintain high standards in Army community services.
Common Questions About DA Form 3439
Is the form only for military personnel?
No. It is primarily for civilian NAF positions, though military personnel may be involved in related processes.
Can I complete it online?
The official PDF is fillable. Many third-party sites offer editable versions, but always use the official Army Publishing Directorate link for accuracy.
What if I don’t want to provide a reference?
Disclosure is voluntary, but non-response may result in the applicant not receiving further consideration.
How long does it take?
Public burden estimate is 10–20 minutes (average 15 minutes).
Download and Resources
Official Download: DA Form 3439 (APR 2024)
For full policy details, refer to AR 215-3 available on official Army sites.
This form plays a vital role in ensuring qualified, trustworthy individuals serve in Army NAF roles that support service members, families, and communities across the United States. Understanding and properly using DA Form 3439 helps streamline the hiring process while upholding Army standards.