DA Form 3739: Apply for Compassionate Actions (2025) – US Army soldiers facing severe family hardships can use DA Form 3739 to request compassionate actions such as reassignment, deletion or deferment of orders, or permissive attachment. This official form helps address genuine emergencies that cannot be resolved through ordinary leave or other means.
What Is DA Form 3739?
DA Form 3739, titled Application for Compassionate Actions, is the official US Army form used by soldiers to request special personnel actions based on extreme family problems. The current version is dated JUN 2025.
It falls under Army Regulation (AR) 614-200, Enlisted Assignments and Utilization Management (Chapter 5, Section III), for enlisted soldiers. Officers refer to AR 614-100. The form allows requests for:
- Reassignment to a new duty station
- Deferment of orders
- Deletion from orders
- Permissive attachment
The approving authority is the US Army Human Resources Command (HRC), specifically the Special Actions Branch / Compassionate Actions Section.
Who Should Use DA Form 3739?
Active Duty US Army soldiers (primarily enlisted) who face personal or family hardships qualifying as compassionate conditions may submit this form. Requests must involve authorized family members (spouse, children, parents, minor siblings, or loco parentis relatives) and demonstrate that the soldier’s presence is essential.
Common qualifying situations include serious medical conditions, terminal illness, certain legal emergencies, or other extreme hardships that cannot be resolved otherwise. Spouses of soldiers enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) often receive consideration.
Eligibility Criteria for Compassionate Actions
According to AR 614-200, compassionate consideration requires:
- The problem must be solvable (or manageable) within approximately one year.
- It cannot be resolved through leave, power of attorney, family assistance, or other means.
- It must involve an authorized family member.
- A valid MOS/grade authorization should exist at the requested location (waivers possible in extreme cases, especially for spouse/child medical needs).
Requests generally not approved include desire to live in a new area, routine divorce/custody issues from military separations, financial problems alone, minor allergies, or chronic parent issues.
How to Fill Out and Submit DA Form 3739?
- Download the Official Form: Get the latest fillable PDF directly from Army Publishing Directorate.
Download DA Form 3739 Here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/ARN44248-DA_FORM_3739-100-EFILE-1.pdf
- Complete personal information, family details, and the specific request (reassignment, deferment, etc.).
- Provide detailed reasons in Section 25, attaching medical, legal, or other supporting statements.
- Include statements on attempts to resolve the issue without compassionate action.
- Route through your chain of command (typically to Battalion S-1, then to first O-6 commander or higher for endorsement).
- Forward the completed packet to HRC (email provided on official HRC pages).
Tip: Work with your S-1 and consider consulting legal assistance for a strong packet.
Required Supporting Documentation
Strong documentation is critical for approval. Requirements vary by situation:
- Medical Issues: Signed statement from the attending physician detailing diagnosis, prognosis, treatment plan, dates of onset/hospitalization, and why the soldier’s presence is necessary.
- Legal Problems: Statement from a licensed attorney explaining why reassignment is the only solution, plus court documents if applicable.
- Rape or Child Abuse: Statements from police, social services, or physicians.
- Other Cases: Supporting statements from clergy, social workers, Red Cross, etc.
- Additional forms like DA Form 4187 may be required depending on unit procedures.
Include proof that the issue involves an authorized family member per AR 600-8-14.
Processing Time and What to Expect
HRC reviews packets for completeness and compliance with AR 614-200. Processing times vary; urgent cases may receive faster attention. Approved requests may result in reassignment to a location with needed medical services or stabilization, not always the exact preferred location.
Soldiers may need to sign waivers for enlistment commitments. If disapproved, reasons are provided, and one reconsideration with new evidence is typically allowed.
Contact Information for Compassionate Actions
For questions, contact the HRC Special Actions Branch, Compassionate Actions Section:
- Email: [email protected] (verify current address on HRC website)
- Visit the official HRC Compassionate Actions page for latest guidance.
Your local S-1, military legal assistance office, or EFMP coordinator can also provide support.
Tips for a Successful DA Form 3739 Application
- Be honest, detailed, and factual — “sell” the necessity without exaggeration.
- Gather all supporting documents upfront.
- Ensure O-6 or higher endorsement.
- Act quickly, especially if facing deployment or PCS orders.
- Explore all other options first (leave, Red Cross, etc.) and document them.
- For EFMP-related cases, confirm enrollment and coordinate with medical authorities.
Important: This article provides general information based on official Army sources as of 2026. Policies can change. Always consult your chain of command, S-1, and the latest AR 614-200 for official guidance. This is not legal advice.
Download the Form: DA Form 3739 PDF
For the most current details, visit the U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) website.