DA Form 5426: Recruiter Candidate Interview & Evaluation – Are you a U.S. Army Soldier considering a career as a recruiter? DA Form 5426, officially titled Battalion Command Team Recruiter Candidate Interview and Evaluation, serves as a key document in the Army’s Recruit the Recruiter (RTR) or DA Select process. It helps determine your suitability for a demanding three-year recruiting tour.
This article explains everything you need to know about the form, its purpose, how it fits into the selection process, and tips for success.
What Is DA Form 5426?
DA Form 5426 (dated MAR 2009) is an official U.S. Army form used under AR 601-1, Assignment of Enlisted Personnel to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command. Battalion-level leadership uses it to evaluate and interview candidates for recruiting duty.
- Proponent Agency: DCS, G-1.
- Key Requirement: The battalion commander (or first commander in the grade of LTC or higher) must conduct a physical, face-to-face interview with the candidate. The battalion Command Sergeant Major (CSM) also participates.
The form includes two main sections:
- Section I – Qualified: Verifies positive attributes and compliance with standards.
- Section II – Unqualified: Documents reasons for disqualification (if applicable), with detailed remarks.
Download the Official Blank Form Here: DA Form 5426 PDF
Purpose of the Form in the Recruiter Selection Process
The Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) relies on high-quality NCOs to attract the next generation of Soldiers. DA Form 5426 ensures candidates meet strict standards for:
- Military bearing and appearance.
- Communication skills and professionalism.
- Personal stability and readiness for recruiting challenges.
It pairs with DA Form 5427 (Company Commander Interview and Assessment) as part of the full packet. The battalion command team reviews the company commander’s input before making their final evaluation.
This step occurs after initial volunteering or DA selection and must be completed (and dated) within 90 days to 6 months of packet submission, depending on current guidance.
Key Items Evaluated on DA Form 5426
In Section I, the interviewing officer verifies (with X or NA):
- Review of DA Form 5427 and overall qualification for a 3-year tour.
- Excellent military bearing, appearance, and no distracting abnormalities. The candidate should represent the NCO Corps well in civilian settings.
- Positive demeanor: confident, initiative-taking, persistent, energetic, and skilled at reading people.
- Valid driver’s licenses (military and/or state).
- CAC card, favorable security investigation (NAC or higher via JPAS), and AKO account.
- Meets Army height/weight standards (AR 600-9), with body fat percentage if needed.
- Dependent status, sole parent status, drug/alcohol program enrollment, family/emotional issues, mental health evaluation, pregnancy (for females), and dual-military marriage status.
The form requires signatures from the CSM and interviewing officer, plus contact details.
How to Prepare for Your Battalion Command Team Interview?
- Review Your Packet — Ensure DA Form 5427, financial statement (DA Form 5425), ERB, photo, APFT, and other documents are complete.
- Know AR 601-1 — Understand recruiting duty expectations.
- Practice Your Story — Be ready to discuss why you want to recruit, your accomplishments, and how you’ll handle challenges.
- Appearance and Bearing — Arrive in the highest standards of uniform and grooming.
- Honesty — Address any potential issues (e.g., family concerns or financials) proactively.
Pro Tip: The command team looks for candidates who will thrive in a mission-focused, results-driven environment outside traditional Army structures.
Common Reasons for Qualification or Disqualification
Qualified candidates typically demonstrate:
- Strong leadership and communication.
- Personal and family stability.
- Compliance with all Army standards (fitness, security, etc.).
Unqualified remarks must be specific, such as concerns about demeanor, family issues, or other factors that could impact a 36-month tour.
Part of the Bigger Picture: Recruit the Recruiter Program
DA Form 5426 is one piece of the RTR application checklist. Other required items include:
- Recruiter Interview Worksheet.
- Personal Financial Statement.
- Sensitive Duty Questionnaire (DA Form 7424).
- Mental Health Evaluation.
- Height/Weight Verification.
Successful candidates attend the Army Recruiting Course (ARC) and serve in recruiting stations across the U.S.
Why This Form Matters for Your Army Career?
Serving as a recruiter builds valuable skills in leadership, sales, communication, and community engagement—highly transferable for future promotions and civilian careers. It also lets you directly impact the Army’s strength by shaping its future force.
Ready to Apply? Visit the official USAREC Recruit the Recruiter page for the latest forms, checklists, and examples: recruiting.army.mil/recruiter/forms.
Official Download Link: DA FORM 5426 PDF