DA Form 4179 Leave Control Log – Guide & PDF (2026)

DA Form 4179 Leave Control Log – Guide & PDF (2026) – The DA Form 4179, officially titled the Leave Control Log, is a vital administrative tool used by the U.S. Army to track leave requests, approvals, and related absences for Soldiers. Updated in 2020 alongside revisions to AR 600-8-10 (Leaves and Passes), this form helps unit personnel offices maintain accurate records of chargeable and non-chargeable leave.

This guide covers everything U.S. Army Soldiers, NCOs, officers, and S-1 personnel need to know about the form, including its purpose, proper use, and official download link.

What Is DA Form 4179?

DA Form 4179 is the U.S. Army’s standardized Leave Control Log. It serves as a centralized record for tracking all leave and pass requests processed by a unit or personnel office.

Released on June 1, 2020, by the Department of the Army, the current version replaced older formats to better align with updated leave policies. It is not a DD Form (it is a DA Form) and is used exclusively within Army organizations.

The form works in conjunction with DA Form 31 (Request and Authority for Leave) to ensure every approved or disapproved absence is properly documented for pay, accountability, and audit purposes.

Purpose of the Leave Control Log

The primary purpose of DA Form 4179 is to:

  • Maintain a sequential log of leave control numbers.
  • Track requested, approved, and disapproved leaves/passes.
  • Support accurate determination of chargeable leave days.
  • Facilitate reconciliation of leave records with the Defense Military Pay Office (DMPO).
  • Ensure compliance with AR 600-8-10 for personnel accountability and financial accuracy.

Personnel offices (typically BN S1 or PAC) use it to monitor Soldiers’ absences, identify return dates, and maintain suspense files. Proper use prevents pay errors, supports audits, and helps commanders manage unit strength.

Who Uses DA Form 4179?

  • Chiefs of Personnel Offices / BN S1: Primarily responsible for establishing and maintaining the log.
  • Unit Commanders and Designated Approvers: Review and approve leaves.
  • Soldiers: Indirectly benefit from accurate tracking of their leave balances and entitlements.
  • Finance and DMPO Personnel: Use the log data to verify and post leave charges to Leave and Earnings Statements (LES).

It is required for most units and is maintained locally (manual or automated where systems allow).

How to Download the Official DA Form 4179?

Official Download Link (Current Version):
https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/ARN30007-DA_FORM_4179-000-EFILE-1.pdf

Always download the latest version directly from the Army Publishing Directorate (APD) website to ensure compliance. Older versions may be obsolete.

Key Features of the Updated DA Form 4179

The 2020 update improved usability:

  • Better tracking of various leave types (ordinary, emergency, convalescent, parental, etc.).
  • Clearer fields for control numbers, dates, and remarks.
  • Support for distinguishing chargeable vs. non-chargeable leave.
  • Alignment with modern Army leave policies, including Military Parental Leave Program (MPLP) entries.

Step-by-Step: How to Use and Maintain DA Form 4179?

  1. Assign Control Numbers: Sequentially number each DA Form 31 request.
  2. Enter Details: Record Soldier’s name, rank, leave type, dates, approval status, and remarks.
  3. Update on Return: Enter return date/time and authority upon completion of leave.
  4. Reconcile Regularly: Check the log daily for due returns and reconcile with pay records.
  5. Corrections: Line through errors and enter correct data (do not erase).
  6. Retention: Maintain per AR 25-400-2, typically for 1 year after the end of the fiscal year.

For units without automated systems, the manual DA Form 4179 is the primary record.

Common Leave Types Tracked on DA Form 4179

  • Ordinary Leave
  • Emergency Leave
  • Convalescent Leave (coded “CM” for maternity)
  • Parental Leave (Primary/Secondary Caregiver)
  • Terminal Leave
  • Passes (non-chargeable)
  • Other special absences

Accurate coding ensures correct charging to a Soldier’s leave account.

Best Practices for U.S. Army Units

  • Review the log daily to track pending returns.
  • Forward DA Form 31 copies to DMPO within required timelines (usually 3 working days after return).
  • Train S-1 personnel on proper entries and reconciliation procedures.
  • Use the form to generate suspense reports for accountability.
  • Combine with unit duty rosters for complete visibility of personnel status.

Consistent use reduces pay discrepancies and audit findings.

  • DA Form 31: Request and Authority for Leave (paired with 4179).
  • AR 600-8-10: Leaves and Passes – the governing regulation (updated 2020).
  • AR 25-400-2: Records Management for retention guidance.

For the most current policies, consult the latest AR 600-8-10 on armypubs.army.mil.

Download DA Form 4179 and Stay Compliant

Accurate leave tracking protects both Soldiers’ entitlements and unit readiness. Use the official form linked above and follow AR 600-8-10 procedures.

Official Source: Army Publishing Directorate (APD)
Primary Regulation: AR 600-8-10, Leaves and Passes

Bookmark this guide and the official PDF for quick reference. For unit-specific procedures, contact your BN S1 or Personnel Office.