DA Form 4379-1: Missile & Rocket Malfunction Report Guide

DA Form 4379-1: Missile & Rocket Malfunction Report Guide – The DA Form 4379-1, officially titled Missile and Rocket Malfunction Report, is a critical U.S. Army document used to report malfunctions involving guided missiles and large rockets. This form ensures safety, supports investigations, and helps maintain the reliability of the Army’s missile and rocket systems. It is prescribed by AR 75-1, Malfunctions Involving Ammunition and Explosives.

U.S. service members, ammunition handlers, range safety officers, and quality assurance personnel use this form for accurate, timely reporting to higher commands like AMCOM. Proper use helps identify defects, prevent future incidents, and support mission readiness.

Download the Official DA Form 4379-1 Here:
https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/ARN34962-DA_FORM_4379-1-000-EFILE-1.pdf

What Is DA Form 4379-1?

DA Form 4379-1 is the standardized form for reporting malfunctions of guided missiles and large rockets (GMLR) assembled with nonnuclear warhead sections, plus separately packaged components needed to assemble a complete missile or large rocket (except unassembled warheads).

It differs from the related DA Form 4379 (used for conventional ammunition malfunctions). The form supports both preliminary and detailed reports, often submitted electronically via the Munitions History Program (MHP) when available.

Key purposes include:

  • Documenting the incident details for investigation.
  • Assessing safety risks and potential lot suspensions.
  • Collecting data for trend analysis and reliability improvements.
  • Ensuring compliance with Army safety and explosives regulations.

Purpose and Importance in Army Operations

Accurate reporting via DA Form 4379-1 is essential for:

  • Safety: Identifying hazards that could lead to injuries, equipment damage, or mission failure.
  • Investigation Support: Providing data for Class A, B, or C malfunction classifications (per AR 385-10).
  • Supply Chain Integrity: Enabling lot suspensions or recalls if defects are found.
  • Readiness: Helping Program Executive Office Missile and Space (PEO MS) and AMCOM address systemic issues.

Failure to report promptly can delay corrective actions and compromise operational safety. All malfunctions, including duds and misfires involving these systems, require reporting.

When to Use DA Form 4379-1?

Use this form for:

  • Malfunctions during firing, handling, storage, or transport of guided missiles and large rockets.
  • Class A/B incidents (serious injury, significant damage, or high potential).
  • Class C incidents when special assistance is needed.
  • Any event involving assembled missiles/large rockets or key components.

Note: Small rockets (e.g., 2.75-inch Hydra-70) typically use DA Form 4379 instead. Report preliminary details immediately by phone or secure means, followed by the formal form.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out DA Form 4379-1?

Follow block-by-block instructions from AR 75-1 and training references. Enter “NA” (not applicable), “not available,” or “unknown” where appropriate.

Common Key Blocks (based on standard form structure):

  • Report Number and Unit Info: Include unit identification and sequential report number.
  • Date/Time and Location of Malfunction: Precise details of when and where it occurred.
  • Malfunctioning Item: National Stock Number (NSN), lot number, serial numbers, and description.
  • Description of Malfunction: Detailed narrative of what happened, symptoms, and sequence of events.
  • Casualties and Damage: Number injured/killed, equipment damage assessment.
  • Environmental Conditions: Weather, temperature, humidity at the site.
  • Witnesses and Point of Contact: Names and contact info for additional information.
  • Rounds/Missiles Remaining: Inventory from the suspect lot.
  • Compiler Signature: The preparer signs and dates the report.

Use the reverse side for additional data or continuation. Submit electronically via MHP/CAC when possible for faster processing.

For detailed examples and block-specific guidance, consult training publications like those from Army Munitions references or your local QASAS (Quality Assurance Specialist, Ammunition Surveillance).

Submission Process and Reporting Requirements

  1. Preliminary Report: For Class A/B incidents, report immediately by phone to the appropriate center (e.g., AMCOM staff duty for missiles/rockets: DSN 897-2066 or commercial 256-313-2066).
  2. Detailed Report: Complete and submit DA Form 4379-1 to Commander, AMCOM (SFAE–MSL–L), Redstone Arsenal, AL.
  3. Distribution: Send information copies to local/command safety offices and relevant ACOM/ASCC/DRU ammunition officers.
  4. Electronic Preference: Use the Munitions History Program (MHP) database whenever available.

Overseas commands follow additional relay procedures. Classified reports use secure channels.

  • AR 75-1: Primary regulation for malfunctions involving ammunition and explosives (current as of 2023 updates).
  • DA PAM 742-1: Ammunition Surveillance Procedures.
  • AR 385-10: Army Safety Program (for accident/malfunction classification).
  • Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) for the latest forms.
  • Contact your unit QASAS or ammunition officer for local guidance.

Best Practices and Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Report as soon as possible — do not delay for complete information.
  • Preserve the site and evidence when safe.
  • Be thorough but concise in descriptions.
  • Double-check lot/serial numbers for accuracy.
  • Coordinate with range control and safety personnel.
  • Train personnel on the form during pre-firing briefs and ammunition handling sessions.

Proper use of DA Form 4379-1 directly contributes to the safety and effectiveness of U.S. Army missile and rocket operations.

For the official fillable PDF, visit the link at the top of this article. Always verify the latest version and instructions on armypubs.army.mil or through your chain of command, as policies and electronic systems may update.