DA Form 4985: NAF Referral and Selection List (PDF)

DA Form 4985: NAF Referral and Selection List (PDF) – DA Form 4985, titled NAF Referral and Selection List (Nonappropriated Fund Employment), is an official U.S. Army form used in the hiring and selection process for Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) positions. It serves as a key document for referring qualified candidates to selecting officials and documenting final selection decisions.

The form is governed by Army Regulation (AR) 215-3, Nonappropriated Funds Instrumentalities Personnel Policy. Its proponent agency is the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1. The current version is dated JAN 2002.

Download the official DA Form 4985 here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A4985.pdf

Purpose of DA Form 4985 in NAF Employment

NAF employees work in Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs, Child and Youth Services (CYS), exchanges, golf courses, clubs, and other self-sustaining activities funded by user fees rather than congressional appropriations.

The form ensures a structured, preference-compliant, and documented selection process. It lists qualified candidates after evaluation against job requirements and records the selecting official’s choices with specific action codes.

Key functions include:

  • Referring best-qualified applicants to hiring managers.
  • Applying federal and DoD-mandated selection preferences.
  • Documenting selections, non-selections, declinations, or failures to respond.
  • Maintaining audit-ready records for personnel actions.

How DA Form 4985 Fits into the NAF Hiring Process?

The typical NAF hiring workflow for many positions (especially NF-3 and below, FWS, and CY roles) includes these steps:

  1. Position Announcement — Vacancies are posted on USAJOBS.gov or through local channels with details on duties, qualifications, area of consideration, and preferences.
  2. Application Review — The Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) NAF Human Resources Office screens applications (often via resumes or DA Form 3433).
  3. Referral via DA Form 4985 — Qualified candidates are listed on the form and sent to the selecting official.
  4. Selection Decision — The manager reviews, interviews (if conducted), and marks selections using the form.
  5. Final Processing — HR completes background checks, medical screenings (as required), and issues the job offer and DA Form 3434 (Notification of Personnel Action for NAF).

For transfers (e.g., via programs like CEAT), the form is also used to document select/non-select decisions.

Structure and Key Sections of DA Form 4985

Part I (Personnel Office Completes):

  • Position details (title, category, series, grade).
  • Job announcement number and date.
  • Area of consideration.
  • List of referred candidates with preference category.

Preferences Listed (in priority order):

  • Spouse Employment Preference (SEP)
  • Involuntarily Separated Military (ISM)
  • Current and Former Employees (CNE)
  • Outside Applicant Veteran (OAV)
  • Outside Applicant Non-Veteran (OANV)

Part II (Selecting Supervisor Completes):

  • Selection action codes for each candidate: S (Selected), NS (Not Selected), D (Declined), FR (Failed to Reply).
  • Justification for selection.
  • Requested entrance on duty date and salary (for NF/CC positions).
  • Signatures and contact information.

Important Note: Spouse preference eligibles for lower-level positions must generally be selected if qualified. Selecting officials cannot inform candidates until HR clears all requirements.

Selection Preferences and Priorities in NAF Hiring

DoD and Army policy emphasize preference programs to support military families and veterans. DA Form 4985 enforces these priorities visibly.

Common preferences include:

  • Military Spouse Preference (MSP/SEP) — Strong priority for many positions.
  • Veterans’ Preference — Applies to outside applicants.
  • Involuntarily Separated Military Personnel.
  • Re-employment Priority Lists and current NAF employees.

Managers must document reasons when bypassing higher-preference candidates, and HR ensures compliance.

Who Uses DA Form 4985?

  • NAF HR Specialists in Army CPAC/NAF Human Resources Offices.
  • Selecting Officials and Supervisors in MWR, CYS, and other NAF activities.
  • Garrison Commanders and Managers with delegated hiring authority.

The form supports both competitive and non-competitive actions, including internal transfers.

Tips for NAF Job Applicants and Employees

  • Apply through USAJOBS.gov for most positions.
  • Tailor your resume to the specific announcement and include all required documents.
  • Understand your preference eligibility (e.g., as a military spouse or veteran) and claim it properly.
  • Be responsive to interview or inquiry requests — failure to reply can result in FR marking.
  • Current NAF employees can use the form process for promotions, reassignments, or transfers.
  • DA Form 3433 — Application for NAF Employment.
  • DA Form 3434 — Notification of Personnel Action (NAF equivalent to SF-50).
  • SF-52 / NF-52 — Request for Personnel Action.
  • AR 215-3 — Primary regulation for Army NAF personnel policy.

For the most current guidance, visit official Army sites such as armypubs.army.mil, armymwr.com, or contact your local NAF HR office.

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available U.S. Army publications and resources as of 2026. Always refer to the latest official guidance and consult your servicing CPAC/NAF HR for specific situations.