DA Form 5121: Overseas Tour Election Statement Guide – US Army soldiers facing permanent change of station (PCS) to overseas locations (OCONUS) must navigate important administrative requirements. DA Form 5121, officially titled the Overseas Tour Election Statement, is a key document in this process. It allows soldiers to formally elect their preferred tour type—accompanied (with dependents) or unaccompanied (“all others”)—which directly impacts family movement, tour length, entitlements, and career planning.
This guide provides current, official information for soldiers and families preparing for OCONUS assignments.
What Is DA Form 5121?
DA Form 5121 is the Overseas Tour Election Statement. Soldiers use it during the reassignment process to indicate their election for an overseas tour.
The form is governed by AR 600-8-11 (Reassignment). It serves dual purposes:
- Initial screening for reassignment eligibility.
- Documenting the soldier’s formal election regarding tour type and understanding of implications.
Current version: DA Form 5121, March 2007 (previous editions are obsolete).
Purpose of the Overseas Tour Election Statement
The primary purpose of DA Form 5121 is to record the soldier’s informed choice between:
- Serving an accompanied tour (“with dependents” status).
- Serving an unaccompanied tour (“all others” status).
This election affects:
- Tour length (short-tour vs. long-tour areas).
- Authorization and funding for dependent travel and movement of household goods.
- Family separation entitlements.
- Service remaining requirements (SRR) and potential extensions.
Commanders and personnel offices use the completed form to process assignments accurately and ensure soldiers understand the consequences of their election.
Who Needs to Complete DA Form 5121?
Active duty soldiers scheduled for OCONUS PCS typically complete this form. It is especially relevant for:
- Soldiers without dependents or those electing unaccompanied tours.
- Married soldiers considering accompanied options.
- Officers and career enlisted personnel assigned to long-tour areas (who may default to accompanied unless electing otherwise).
It forms part of the standard OCONUS reassignment packet alongside forms like DA Form 4036, DA Form 4787, and DA Form 5888.
Key Sections of DA Form 5121
The one-page form includes:
- Blocks 1-3: Soldier’s name, SSN, and grade/rank.
- Block 4: Notification of scheduled PCS assignment location.
- Election options: Soldier checks the appropriate box for tour election (months in “all others” or “with dependents” status).
- Acknowledgment statements: Understanding of tour implications, dependent movement, involuntary extensions, and other conditions.
- Signature blocks: Soldier’s signature, witness signature, and date.
Soldiers must read all statements carefully before signing.
How to Fill Out and Submit DA Form 5121?
- Obtain the form — Download the official fillable PDF from the Army Publishing Directorate: DA Form 5121 PDF.
- Prepare in two copies — Complete blocks 1-4 and make your election.
- Review all statements — Ensure full understanding of obligations.
- Sign with witness — Soldier signs; a witness (often from S1/Personnel) co-signs.
- Submit — Original typically goes to the Action Pending section of the Military Personnel Records Jacket (MPRJ); copy to the Reassignment File. Follow your unit or MPD guidance.
Tip: Forms should be typed where possible. Consult your local Military Personnel Division (MPD) or S1 for location-specific requirements.
Tour Election Options Explained
- With Dependents (Accompanied Tour): Authorizes command-sponsored family travel. Often longer tour length. Requires additional documentation (e.g., DA Form 4787 for family data, EFMP screening).
- All Others (Unaccompanied Tour): Shorter tour in many locations. Soldier serves without family movement at government expense. Common for short-tour areas or personal choice.
Election impacts DEROS (Date Eligible for Return from Overseas), entitlements, and future assignments. Officers and career enlisted in long-tour areas often serve accompanied by default unless they elect otherwise.
Common Scenarios and Considerations
- Family Travel Requests: Electing “with dependents” is usually required, plus supporting forms.
- Involuntary Extensions: The form includes statements addressing potential extensions.
- Joint Domicile / Married Army Couples: Special considerations apply.
- EFMP and Medical Screening: Always coordinate with Exceptional Family Member Program if dependents have special needs.
Soldiers should attend their unit’s reassignment briefing for location-specific details (e.g., Korea, Japan requirements).
Download DA Form 5121
Official Download:
DA Form 5121 – Overseas Tour Election Statement (PDF)
Always use the latest version from armypubs.army.mil.
Additional Resources and Tips for Soldiers
- Review AR 600-8-11 for full reassignment policy.
- Attend mandatory OCONUS levy/reassignment briefings.
- Work closely with your S1, MPD, or career counselor.
- Prepare related documents early (passports, medical screenings, EFMP).
- Consider financial and family impacts before electing tour type.
For personalized guidance, contact your local personnel office or use official Army resources like myArmyBenefits or AKO/Enterprise portals.
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Army publications and guidance as of 2026. Policies can change—always verify with official sources and your chain of command.