DA Form 4449: Clemency Action Record – Download PDF – DA Form 4449, officially titled Clemency Action Record, is a key U.S. Army form used to document and process clemency recommendations and decisions for service members. It supports the Army Clemency and Parole Board (ACPB) process under relevant Army regulations.
This article explains the form’s purpose, usage, structure, and download process for soldiers, veterans, legal personnel, and commanders seeking accurate information on military clemency actions.
What Is DA Form 4449?
DA Form 4449 is the Clemency Action Record used by the United States Army. The current version is dated August 2010 (previous editions are obsolete).
It records analyst recommendations, Army Clemency and Parole Board determinations, and final approving authority actions on clemency requests. These may include:
- No clemency
- Remission of sentence (in excess of a certain period or unexecuted portion)
- Granting discharge (e.g., Honorable, General, Under Other Than Honorable Conditions)
- Other actions like transfer to a retraining brigade
The form is referenced in AR 15-130 (Army Clemency and Parole Board), with the Office of the Secretary of the Army (OSA) as the proponent agency.
Purpose of the Clemency Action Record (DA Form 4449)
The primary purpose of DA Form 4449 is to formally track and decide clemency requests within the military justice system. Clemency can involve pardons, reprieves, commutations of sentences, or modifications to court-martial outcomes for eligible Army personnel.
It ensures a structured review process involving:
- Analyst recommendations (Section I)
- Board determinations (Section II)
- Final approval (Section III)
This form helps maintain transparency, accountability, and due process in clemency matters affecting confinement, discharge characterization, or sentence length.
Note: A related form, DA Form 4459 (Parole Action Record), handles parole-specific actions.
When Is DA Form 4449 Used?
Service members (or their representatives) typically use or encounter this form in post-court-martial clemency proceedings, including:
- Requests for sentence reduction or remission
- Applications for discharge upgrades or clemency-related relief
- Reviews by the Army Clemency and Parole Board
- Cases involving restoration to duty or other relief
It applies to active duty, reserve, and certain veteran contexts tied to Army records. Commanders, staff judge advocates, and corrections personnel use it to process these requests systematically.
Structure and Key Sections of DA Form 4449
The form is divided into clear sections for efficient processing:
Section I – Recommendations of the Analyst
- Details the analyst’s review and suggested clemency actions (e.g., no clemency, remit sentence portions, grant specific discharge types).
- Includes fields for signatures and dates.
Section II – Recommendations/Determination of the Army Clemency and Parole Board
- Records the Board’s decision on the clemency request.
- Options mirror Section I, with Board Chairman signature.
Section III – Approving Authority Action
- Final approval or disapproval.
- Includes authority “By Order of the Secretary of the Army.”
Additional fields capture the service member’s name, rank, SSN (or equivalent), offense details, and supporting information.
How to Fill Out and Submit DA Form 4449?
While no separate public “fill-in” instructions are published by the DA beyond the form itself, complete it with accurate personal and case details. Use official channels for submission.
Best Practices:
- Use the latest official PDF version.
- Provide clear, factual information and attach supporting documents (e.g., service records, character statements).
- Ensure all signatures and dates are included.
- Route through proper command or legal channels for analyst and Board review.
Consult your Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) or legal assistance office for case-specific guidance.
Official Download: DA Form 4449 PDF
Download the official DA Form 4449 (Clemency Action Record) directly from the U.S. Army Publishing Directorate:
This is the authoritative source. Always verify you have the AUG 2010 version.
Related Resources and Regulations
- AR 15-130: Governs Army Clemency and Parole Board procedures.
- Army Corrections System references (e.g., AR 190-47).
- Army Review Boards Agency for broader discharge or record corrections.
For parole matters, refer to DA Form 4459. Veterans seeking discharge upgrades may also explore the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) processes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is DA Form 4449 the same as a DD Form?
No. It is a Department of the Army (DA) form, not a DD form.
Who can request clemency using this form?
Primarily Army service members or their representatives in eligible cases, processed through official channels.
Where can I get help with my clemency request?
Contact your unit’s legal office, SJA, or the Army Clemency and Parole Board for guidance.
Is the form fillable?
The official PDF supports digital completion before printing/signing.
Stay Compliant and Seek Professional Advice
Clemency actions are case-specific and can significantly impact military records, benefits, and future opportunities. Always work with qualified military legal professionals for personalized assistance. This article provides general information based on official sources and is not legal advice.
For the most current details, visit armypubs.army.mil or consult AR 15-130.
Last updated for accuracy as of 2026. Target audience: U.S. Army soldiers, veterans, and legal support personnel in the United States.