DA Form 4103: VI Product Loan Order Guide & PDF – U.S. Army personnel and authorized users rely on DA Form 4103 to request and track loans of visual information products. This form ensures proper accountability, documentation, and management of media assets like videos, films, slides, multimedia packages, and related materials.
What Is DA Form 4103?
DA Form 4103, titled Visual Information (VI) Product Loan Order, is an official U.S. Army form used to record and authorize the temporary loan of visual information products. The proponent agency is the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Information (ODISC4), and it is prescribed for use under AR 25-1 (Army Information Technology).
This form helps VI activities (such as multimedia or visual information branches at installations) manage loans efficiently while maintaining accountability for government-owned media resources.
Purpose and Importance of the VI Product Loan Order
The primary purpose of DA Form 4103 is to document media loans for official use. This supports training, operations, briefings, and other mission-essential activities. Key benefits include:
- Accountability — Tracks who borrows what, when, and for how long.
- Compliance — Aligns with Army regulations on visual information management (AR 25-1).
- Efficiency — Standardizes requests to VI activities, reducing errors and processing time.
- Risk Management — Helps prevent loss or unauthorized use of sensitive or valuable media assets.
Media loans are typically recorded on this form, distinct from work orders (handled via DA Form 3903 for production requests).
Who Should Use DA Form 4103?
Authorized U.S. Army personnel, units, and activities needing visual information products for official duties use this form. This includes:
- Training and doctrine commands
- Garrison multimedia/VI support offices
- Operational units requiring training videos or briefing materials
- Authorized borrowers listed on supporting documentation (e.g., DA Form 1687)
Requests must generally support official government purposes.
How to Fill Out DA Form 4103 (Step-by-Step)?
While specific block-by-block instructions appear on the form and in supporting pamphlets like DA PAM 25-91, typical sections include:
- Recipient/To Information — Name of the VI activity lending the product.
- From/Requestor — Borrower’s unit, name, contact details, and signature.
- Product Details — Description of items (title, stock number, format, quantity).
- Loan Period — Requested shipping and return dates (YYYYMMDD format).
- Purpose/Justification — Brief explanation of official use.
- Shipping and Accountability Info — Addresses, return instructions, and condition notes.
- Approvals/Signatures — Required authorizations from supervisors or VI managers.
Tip: Use one item per line for clarity. Ensure all information is typed or clearly printed. Many installations now integrate this with digital systems like the Visual Information Ordering System (VIOS).
Official Download Link for DA Form 4103
Download the latest fillable PDF here:
DA Form 4103 – Visual Information (VI) Product Loan Order
Always obtain forms from official Army Publishing Directorate (APD) sources to ensure you have the current version.
Related Forms and Regulations
- DA Form 3903 — Multi-Media/Visual Information (M/VI) Work Order (for production requests).
- AR 25-1 — Army Information Technology (primary regulation covering VI management).
- FM 6-02.40 — Visual Information Operations (provides operational context).
For equipment loans, other forms like DA Form 2062 or DD Form 1150 may apply depending on duration.
Best Practices for Submitting DA Form 4103 Requests
- Submit requests well in advance, especially for training materials or high-demand items.
- Coordinate with your local VI or multimedia activity for availability and procedures.
- Maintain copies of approved forms for your records.
- Return items promptly in the same condition to avoid accountability issues.
- For non-standard requests, provide detailed justifications and contact information.
Following these practices supports smooth operations and compliance with Army standards.
Conclusion
DA Form 4103 remains an essential tool for U.S. Army visual information management. Proper use ensures that critical training, operational, and briefing materials are available when needed while protecting government assets. For the most current guidance, consult AR 25-1 and your local VI support office.
Need the form right now?
Download DA Form 4103 PDF
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Army publications and resources as of 2026. Always verify with official channels for the latest requirements.