DA Form 4187: Personnel Action Guide (Download)

DA Form 4187: Personnel Action Guide (Download) – DA Form 4187, officially titled Personnel Action, is the standard US Army form used by Soldiers to request or record a wide variety of personnel and administrative actions. It remains a key document governed by DA PAM 600-8 for military human resources management.

What Is DA Form 4187?

DA Form 4187 is a multi-purpose form that allows Soldiers to initiate requests for changes in duty status, training, assignments, benefits, and other personnel matters. It is used across Active Duty, Army Reserve, and National Guard components.

The form is referenced in official Army publications and serves as the primary channel for many routine and special personnel actions. While the Integrated Personnel and Pay System – Army (IPPS-A) has digitized many processes, the paper or fillable PDF version of DA Form 4187 is still widely used for specific requests.

Official Download Link:
DA Form 4187 PDF

The form’s authority comes from Title 10 U.S.C., Section 7013, and Executive Order 9397 (SSN), as amended. Its principal purpose is to request or record personnel actions for or by Soldiers in accordance with DA PAM 600-8.

Privacy Act Statement: Information is voluntary but failure to provide required details (such as SSN) may delay or prevent processing. Routine uses align with DoD and Army systems of records (e.g., A0600-8-104 AHRC).

Common Uses of DA Form 4187

Soldiers and commands use DA Form 4187 for numerous actions, including:

  • Duty Status Changes — Temporary or permanent changes (e.g., AWOL to DFR, leave, or training status).
  • Training and Schools — Service school enrollment, Airborne/Ranger training, retesting (e.g., AFCT, DLAB, SIFT), OCS, or special programs.
  • Reassignment and Transfers — Reassignment requests, Married Army Couples Program, Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), or overseas volunteering.
  • Administrative Changes — Name/SSN/DOB updates, identification card/tags, separate rations.
  • Other Actions — Leave (excess/advance), reclassification, promotions-related requests, fellowships, conditional releases, or family problem waivers.

Many units provide templates for specific uses like testing appointments or school attendance.

How to Fill Out DA Form 4187 Step by Step?

Follow these general steps for accurate completion (always check unit-specific guidance):

Header (Routing):

  • Block 1: THRU (intermediate command/address).
  • Block 2: TO (final approval authority/address).
  • Block 3: FROM (your unit/commander/address).

Section I – Personal Identification:

  • Name (Last, First, MI).
  • Grade/Rank/PMOS/AOC.
  • Social Security Number (or DOD ID in newer versions).

Section II – Duty Status Change (if applicable):

  • Current duty status to new duty status.
  • Effective date and time.
  • Check “HAS BEEN VERIFIED” as required by commander.

Section III – Request for Personnel Action:

  • Check the appropriate box(es) or specify “Other.”
  • Provide detailed justification in the remarks or continuation pages.

Section IV – Remarks / Justification:

  • Include supporting details, justifications, or attachments.

Section V – Certification/Approval/Disapproval:

  • Soldier’s signature and date.
  • Commander/Authorized Representative signature, typed name, date, and approval recommendation.

Use black ink for handwritten versions or digital signatures where authorized. Many units prefer typed/fillable PDFs. Include supporting documents for complex requests.

Tips for Successful DA Form 4187 Submission

  • Be clear, concise, and professional in the justification.
  • Submit through your chain of command (S-1/Personnel section is often the starting point).
  • Meet any advance notice requirements (e.g., for testing or schools).
  • Retain copies for your records.
  • Follow up through your S-1 if no response is received within the expected timeframe.
  • For IPPS-A enabled units, check if a digital Personnel Action Request (PAR) is preferred.

Where to Get Help and Additional Resources?

  • Your unit S-1 or Personnel Action Center.
  • Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) for the latest form version.
  • DA PAM 600-8 and related Army Regulations (AR 600-8 series).
  • Examples and templates are available on ArmyWriter.com and unit websites.

Always verify the most current form version and local policies, as procedures can vary by command or component.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for official Army guidance or legal advice. Consult your chain of command or S-1 for personalized assistance.

For the official fillable form, download it directly from the Army Publishing Directorate using the link provided above. Proper use of DA Form 4187 helps ensure timely processing of your personnel requests.