DA Form 4237-R: Detainee Personnel Record PDF (2025) – DA Form 4237-R, titled Detainee Personnel Record (LRA), is a two-page form issued in August 1985. It serves as the primary administrative record for individuals held under U.S. Army custody during military operations.
The form is prescribed by AR 190-8 (Enemy Prisoners of War, Retained Personnel, Civilian Internees and Other Detainees), a multi-service regulation that implements U.S. obligations under the Geneva Conventions. It ensures accountability, proper identification, tracking of personal effects, medical data, transfers, and financial status.
Download the official DA Form 4237-R here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/ARN44580-DA_FORM_4237-R-102-EFILE-3.pdf
Note: The form remains active and is locally reproducible on 8.5 x 11-inch paper. It is unclassified and approved for public release.
Purpose of DA Form 4237-R
Military personnel use this form to create a comprehensive, standardized record for each detainee at the time of processing. Key purposes include:
- Identification and Tracking — Capturing biographic data, internment serial number (ISN), photos, and distinguishing marks.
- Property Accountability — Documenting impounded personal effects and money per AR 37-36 (or equivalent procedures).
- Medical and Administrative History — Recording immunizations, illnesses, employment qualifications, offenses, and transfers.
- Compliance with International Law — Supporting Geneva Conventions requirements for humane treatment, notification of capture, and proper handling during transfers or repatriation.
It forms part of the detainee packet alongside forms like DA Form 2745 (Enemy Prisoner of War Capture Tag).
When and How DA Form 4237-R Is Used?
Units complete Part I at initial processing. The unit with custody maintains and updates Part II throughout detention.
Typical uses include:
- Internment processing at collection points or camps.
- Tracking during transfers between facilities or to allied custody.
- Documenting financial accounts (credit balances) at key events like international transfers or repatriation.
- Supporting intelligence, medical, and legal administration in internment/resettlement operations.
Commanders and military police (MP) units primarily handle it under AR 190-8 guidelines.
Key Sections of DA Form 4237-R
Part I – Completed at Time of Processing
- Internment Serial Number (ISN)
- Detainee’s full name, rank, enemy service number, date of capture, and date of birth
- Nationality, sex, languages, education, religion, marital status
- Physical condition, enemy unit, place of capture, permanent address, next of kin
- Impounded personal effects and money (with detainee signature)
- Distinguishing marks, photos (front and profile), remarks, preparer’s signature and date
Part II – Maintained by Unit Having Custody
- Medical Record — Immunizations, major illnesses, blood group
- Internment employment qualifications
- Serious offenses, punishments, escapes
- Transfers (from/to, reason, mode, date)
- Financial status at first/second international transfer and repatriation
- Additional remarks
The form supports detailed, ongoing record-keeping for the duration of custody.
How to Fill Out DA Form 4237-R?
- Use accurate information from capture documentation and detainee interviews/ID.
- Assign a unique Internment Serial Number.
- Attach or note photographs.
- Inventory property carefully and obtain detainee signature where required.
- Update Part II as events occur (medical, transfers, finances).
- Ensure legibility; the form supports keypunch/data entry in some fields.
Best Practice: Follow AR 190-8 procedures strictly. Coordinate with supporting Prisoner of War Information Centers (PWIC) for notifications and record distribution. No separate official “how-to” instructions exist beyond the regulation and form itself.
Importance in U.S. Military Operations
Accurate use of DA Form 4237-R helps U.S. forces:
- Maintain accountability and prevent loss of records during large-scale operations.
- Ensure compliance with the law of armed conflict.
- Facilitate smooth handoffs during transfers or repatriation.
- Support post-operation reviews and potential legal proceedings.
It remains relevant for training, contingency planning, and real-world detention operations by U.S. Army Military Police and internment/resettlement units.
Where to Get the Latest DA Form 4237-R?
Official Source: Army Publishing Directorate (APD)
Direct Download: DA Form 4237-R PDF
Search “DA Form 4237-R” on armypubs.army.mil for the most current electronic version. Fillable versions are available on authorized military sites and some third-party form repositories for convenience.
For full procedural guidance, consult AR 190-8 and current theater-specific supplements or Field Manuals like FM 3-39.40 (Internment and Resettlement Operations).
This article provides general information based on publicly available U.S. Army publications. Always refer to official directives and consult your chain of command or legal advisor for operational use.