DA Form 4162: Volunteer Service Record Guide (PDF)

DA Form 4162: Volunteer Service Record Guide (PDF) – DA Form 4162, officially titled the Volunteer Service Record, is a key U.S. Army document used within the Army Community Service (ACS) program. It records volunteers’ background information, service history, hours contributed, training, and recognitions. This form supports effective volunteer management and helps document valuable service for personal records, resumes, or awards.

What Is DA Form 4162?

DA Form 4162 is the official Volunteer Service Record for Army volunteers. The current version dates to July 2003 (replacing the May 1999 edition). It is governed by AR 608-1, with the proponent agency being the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management (OACSIM).

This two-page form collects personal and demographic details, education, work and volunteer experience, special skills, positions held, awards, training completed, and annual volunteer hours. It serves as a comprehensive record of an individual’s contributions to Army community programs.

Purpose of the Volunteer Service Record (DA Form 4162)

According to the form’s Privacy Act Statement, the principal purposes are:

  • To record essential background information on volunteers to determine qualifications and assign suitable tasks.
  • To maintain an accurate record of positions held, hours volunteered, training received, and awards earned.

The form supports the Army Volunteer Corps and related programs. Volunteers or ACS staff can download the completed record from the Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS) as a filled DA Form 4162.

Benefits include:

  • Tracking service for performance recognition and awards.
  • Providing verifiable documentation for civilian employment or further volunteering.
  • Maintaining continuity when volunteers transfer between installations.

Who Should Use DA Form 4162?

This form applies to anyone volunteering through Army Community Service or related programs, including:

  • Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard family members.
  • Civilian employees (APF and NAF).
  • Retirees and their families.
  • Youth and adult family members.
  • Unaffiliated civilians supporting Army programs.

Family members of service members typically indicate the sponsor’s branch and status. Disclosure is voluntary, but failing to provide information may limit participation in the volunteer program.

How to Download DA Form 4162?

You can download the official blank PDF directly from the Army Publishing Directorate:

Download Link: DA Form 4162 PDF

Many installations also use VMIS (Volunteer Management Information System), where the system automatically generates and allows download of a populated DA Form 4162 based on your volunteer profile.

How to Fill Out DA Form 4162?

Key sections include:

  1. Personal Information — Name, home address, email, phone numbers, date of birth, and sex.
  2. Sponsor Information — For family members (sponsor name and unit address).
  3. Demographic Data — Check applicable categories (e.g., Army Service Member, Family Member, Civilian, Active Duty, Retired, etc.).
  4. Family & Education — Number of children at home, education level.
  5. Work & Volunteer Experience — Prior professional and volunteer background.
  6. Special Skills, Interests, Hobbies.
  7. Positions Held — With start and end dates.
  8. Awards and Special Recognition — Dates, types, and presentation location.
  9. Training — Dates, types, and hours completed.
  10. Volunteer Annual Hour Record — Track hours by year.

Instructions Note: Upon resignation, retirement, or transfer, the original record goes to the volunteer’s personal file, and a duplicate is kept by the organization for at least three years. Duplicates can be provided to gaining organizations upon request.

Many installations encourage using DA Form 4713 (Volunteer Daily Time Record) throughout the year, with annual totals rolled into DA Form 4162.

Importance for Army Volunteers and Military Families

Documenting volunteer service through DA Form 4162 helps:

  • Qualify for Army Volunteer Recognition Programs and awards.
  • Strengthen resumes with verifiable hours and achievements.
  • Support transitions (PCS moves) by transferring records.
  • Demonstrate community commitment for promotions, scholarships, or civilian opportunities.
  • DA Form 4713 — Volunteer Daily Time Record.
  • DD Form 2793 — Volunteer Agreement.
  • VMIS — Primary digital system for tracking volunteer service.

For the most current guidance, consult your local Army Community Service (ACS) center or review AR 608-1.

Ready to start volunteering? Visit your installation’s ACS office or access VMIS through Army MWR channels to register and begin building your Volunteer Service Record today.

This guide is for informational purposes and is based on official U.S. Army publications and resources as of 2026.