DA Form 3838: Application for Short Course Training (2026) – U.S. Army soldiers and Army Medical Department (AMEDD) personnel use DA Form 3838 to request approval and enrollment in short-term training courses. This form standardizes applications for professional development opportunities that enhance skills without requiring long-term schooling.
Download the official DA Form 3838 here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A3838.pdf
What Is DA Form 3838?
DA Form 3838, titled “Application for Short Course Training,” is a Department of the Army form dated September 2007. It serves as the primary document for Army personnel to apply for short courses, often in federal facilities, civilian institutions, or other military settings.
The form is governed by AR 351-3, Professional Education and Training Programs of the Army Medical Department. The proponent agency is the Office of The Surgeon General. It collects personal data, course details, costs, and approvals to determine eligibility, process applications, maintain student records, and handle administrative functions.
Key uses include:
- Short professional or technical training courses.
- Specialized AMEDD training (e.g., CBRNE, enroute care, dive medicine, pest management, or leadership courses).
- Non-federal civilian institution short courses or federal facility programs.
Who Needs to Use DA Form 3838?
Active Duty, Reserve, and certain Army civilian personnel, particularly in medical or specialized fields, use this form. It is common for:
- AMEDD officers, enlisted soldiers, and civilians seeking short professional development.
- Personnel applying to courses like Joint Health Medical Operations Course (JHMOC), Joint Enroute Care Course, or other MEDCoE/Medical Center of Excellence programs.
- Soldiers requiring commander approval for training tied to operational needs or career progression.
Eligibility typically requires meeting rank, service, physical fitness, licensing, and assignment-related prerequisites specific to each course. Always verify with your chain of command or course manager.
Benefits of Completing DA Form 3838
- Career Advancement: Short courses build critical skills for deployment, leadership, or specialty roles.
- Operational Readiness: Many courses (e.g., CBRNE, aviation medicine) directly support mission requirements.
- Streamlined Approval: Provides a standardized process with local commander endorsement and higher-level review.
- Funding and Enrollment: Helps document costs and supports enrollment through ATRRS (Army Training Requirements and Resources System) or direct course management.
How to Fill Out DA Form 3838 Step by Step?
Gather your information before starting: personal details, course specifics, justification, and supporting documents.
Main Sections (All applicants typically complete Items 1–19, with short course specifics in later blocks):
- Personal & Unit Information (Blocks 1–8 or similar): Name, SSN, Rank/Grade, Security Clearance, Corps/Branch, MOS/AOC, Unit and Station.
- Training Details (Early blocks): Type of facility (Civilian Institution, Federal Facility, etc.), Category of Training (Short Course), Name and Location of Course, Dates (excluding travel), Justification/How training benefits the Army/unit.
- Professional Qualifications: Licenses, certifications, prior training, most recent CBRNE training if applicable.
- Costs (Block 20 area): Registration, Tuition, Other (list as applicable).
- Prior Training: List courses taken in current/prior fiscal year with funding sources.
- Signatures: Applicant signature and date; Local Approving Authority (commander or designated official) name, grade, title, signature, and date.
Tips for Accuracy:
- Use official guidance or course-specific templates (e.g., JHMOC DA Form 3838 templates).
- Attach required documents: Commander’s validation memo, physicals, licenses, APFT/height-weight as needed.
- Submit through your training office, HRC, or course point of contact—often 30–60 days in advance.
Consult your local education coordinator or course manager for exact block instructions, as examples exist for specific programs.
Submission Process and Approval
- Complete the form accurately.
- Obtain local approving authority signature (usually commander).
- Route through your chain of command or service-specific POC (e.g., HRC Branch for certain courses).
- Submit with supporting documentation to the course manager or ATRRS coordinator.
- For many MEDCoE courses, enrollment occurs via DA Form 3838 rather than direct ATRRS registration; an Order of Merit List may apply.
Processing times vary. Early submission is recommended due to quotas and prerequisites.
Common Short Courses Requiring DA Form 3838
- CBRNE-related training.
- Joint Health/Medical Operations courses.
- Enroute Care and Aviation Medicine programs.
- Pest Management Certification.
- Various AMEDD leadership and clinical short courses.
Check the ATRRS catalog and MEDCoE or AMEDD websites for current offerings and deadlines.
Tips for Successful Approval
- Clearly justify how the training supports your unit’s mission or Army needs.
- Ensure all prerequisites (physical, licenses, certifications) are current.
- Coordinate with your commander and training manager early.
- Keep copies of the signed form and all submissions.
- Follow course-specific supplemental instructions.
Official Download Link (U.S. Army Publishing Directorate): DA Form 3838 PDF
For the most current guidance, refer to AR 351-3, your local command policies, or official Army sites like armypubs.army.mil and medcoe.army.mil. Requirements can update, so verify details with your chain of command or course proponent.
This form remains a key tool for professional growth in the U.S. Army. Proper completion helps secure valuable training opportunities that strengthen both individual careers and Army readiness.