DA Form 5427: Company Commander Recruiter Interview Guide – DA Form 5427 serves as the official U.S. Army Company Commander Recruiter Candidate Interview and Assessment tool. Company commanders (or the first commander in the grade of CPT or higher) use it to evaluate NCOs volunteering for recruiting duty. This critical document helps USAREC select the most qualified Soldiers for one of the Army’s highest-priority missions: building the next generation of Soldiers.
Why DA Form 5427 Matters in the Army Recruiting Process?
The U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) relies on a structured selection process for DA Select Recruiters. DA Form 5427 forms a key part of the commander’s packet. It ensures candidates possess the character, maturity, communication skills, and resilience needed for the demanding, independent nature of recruiting duty.
Commanders must conduct a physical interview and complete the form. Packets require this form to be no more than six months old at submission. A strong assessment on DA Form 5427 significantly boosts a candidate’s chances of selection.
Download the official DA Form 5427 here:
DA Form 5427 PDF
Structure of DA Form 5427
The three-page form (dated AUG 2010, previous editions obsolete) includes two main sections:
Section I – Interview
Commanders document the candidate’s background with yes/no questions requiring explanations for any “yes” answers:
- Bankruptcy history
- Careless/reckless/unsafe driving charges or convictions
- UCMJ actions
- Alcohol/drug-related offenses
- Assault, domestic violence, or felony charges
- Sexual offenses
- Tattoos
- CAC card and favorable NAC or higher suitability investigation (JPAS/AKO validated)
Additional fields capture:
- Candidate’s name, grade, height/weight, PULHES, last PT test score/date, last physical, profile status, and medical/family issues.
- How long the commander has known the candidate.
Section II – Assessment
This core section rates the candidate on a 1–5 scale (Low Degree to High Degree) across 14 key attributes (items 9–22). Each item describes recruiting duty realities and asks how well the candidate matches them. Ratings of 3 or below require remarks.
Key areas evaluated include:
- Positive demeanor, confidence, persistence, energy, and people skills (Item 9)
- Reliability, loyalty, cooperation, and teamwork (Item 10)
- Self-motivation and initiative (Item 11)
- Communication skills with diverse audiences (Item 12)
- Compassion and ability to counsel future Soldiers and families (Item 13)
- Promotion/school potential and past performance (Item 14)
- Family support structure for long hours and evenings/weekends (Item 15)
- Professional appearance, fitness, and moral standards (Item 16)
- Leadership by example (Item 17)
- Maturity on and off duty (Item 18)
- Positive attitude and resilience in isolated assignments (Item 19)
- Community involvement and off-duty education (Item 20)
- Support for Equal Opportunity and bias-free recruiting (Item 21)
- Overall suitability for recruiting’s challenges and rewards (Item 22)
Commanders provide remarks, sign the form, and include contact information.
How DA Form 5427 Fits into the Full DA Select Recruiter Application?
USAREC requires a complete packet that typically includes:
- DA Form 5427 (Company Commander level)
- Battalion Command Team Interview (DA Form 5426)
- Sensitive Duty Assignment Questionnaire
- Other supporting documents (height/weight verification, financial statement, etc.)
Candidates generally have 30 days from notification to submit the full packet.
Tips for Soldiers Pursuing Recruiting Duty
- Prepare honestly — Commanders must physically interview you. Review your record for any issues in Section I.
- Demonstrate recruiter traits — Highlight real examples of self-motivation, communication, leadership, community involvement, and resilience during the interview.
- Maintain standards — Stay within height/weight, pass PT tests, and ensure no recent disciplinary or financial issues.
- Family readiness — Recruiting often involves evenings and weekends; strong family support is a major factor.
- Work with your chain — Discuss interest early with your Company Commander.
For Commanders Completing DA Form 5427
- Follow AR 601-1 guidance.
- Be objective and specific in remarks, especially for lower ratings.
- Focus on how the NCO will represent the Army in civilian communities.
- Ensure the form is current and properly signed.
Official Resources
- USAREC Recruit the Recruiter page: recruiting.army.mil (forms, checklists, and guidance)
- Army Publishing Directorate: armypubs.army.mil for the latest DA Form 5427
- AR 601-1: Personnel Procurement – Army Recruiting
Recruiting duty offers unique leadership experience, community impact, and professional growth. DA Form 5427 ensures only the Army’s best NCOs earn this important assignment.