DA Form 5613: Dispatcher’s Record of Train Movements – US Army rail operations remain critical for expeditionary sustainment, troop movement, and logistics in theater environments. DA Form 5613, officially titled Dispatcher’s Record of Train Movements, serves as the primary train sheet used by chief train dispatchers to maintain a continuous, running record of all train activity on a division or rail line.
Whether you’re a Transportation Corps soldier, rail operator, or logistics planner supporting unified land operations, this guide explains exactly what DA Form 5613 is, why it matters, how to fill it out correctly, and where to obtain the official form. It remains current doctrine per ATP 4-14 Expeditionary Railway Center Operations (2022).
What Is DA Form 5613?
DA Form 5613 is a specialized US Army form used exclusively in military railway operations. The proponent is the Commandant, US Army Transportation and Logistics School (USATALS), ATTN: ATSP-TDP, Fort Eustis, VA 23604-5403. It is an S&I (stocked and issued) form, meaning units obtain copies locally through the Dispatcher’s Office rather than standard Army Publishing Directorate channels.
This 24-hour “train sheet” captures every train movement under the dispatcher’s control. It differs from commercial railroad practices because military rail often operates on single-track lines, under threat conditions, and with strict priority rules (e.g., troop trains, ammunition, or medical trains take precedence).
Purpose and Importance in US Army Rail Operations
The primary purpose of DA Form 5613 is to give the chief train dispatcher a real-time, continuous overview of all trains on the division. This enables:
- Accurate anticipation of train meets and passes
- Safe issuance of train orders (DA Form 4092-R)
- Effective management of single-track or disrupted rail lines
- Compliance with military operating rules and safety standards
- Historical record for after-action reviews, accident investigations, and operational reporting
In expeditionary environments, the form supports prioritized movement of critical cargo and personnel while maintaining situational awareness under potential enemy action or degraded infrastructure. Accurate records directly support mission success in joint and multinational operations.
Pro tip for US Army rail teams: Keeping a precise DA Form 5613 helps prevent collisions, delays, and violations of track authority—key factors in both peacetime training and combat logistics.
How to Fill Out DA Form 5613? – Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these official procedures from Army rail doctrine (FM 55-20 / ATP 4-14 Appendix C):
- Header Information
- Enter the railway organization and division.
- Record the current date (covers 0001–2400 hours).
- List the commanding officer and chief dispatcher.
- Note the type of track (single, double, etc.).
- Weather Conditions
Record weather four times daily (typically every six hours). Weather directly impacts tonnage ratings, speed, and tractive effort. - Station and Reporting Points
- List all stations and reporting points down the center of the form.
- Include distances from the division origin (in the superior direction).
- Note siding capacities next to each station.
- Train Movements (Core of the Form)
- Westbound/Southbound trains → Left side of the form.
- Eastbound/Northbound trains → Right side of the form.
- Enter train symbols or numbers in departure order, starting near the center columns.
- For each train, record:
- Number of loaded and empty cars
- Tonnage
- Arrival time (upper square for west/south; read top-to-bottom)
- Departure time (lower square)
- Single diagonal time entry for trains that do not stop
- Use “Remarks” block for delays, contents/destination of loaded cars, or special notes.
- Final Steps
- The dispatcher on duty signs the form with their duty time.
- The chief dispatcher retains the completed sheet in the office.
Pro tip: Agents or operators report train passage by telephone (example: “Extra 194 by DN at 0525”). Enter data immediately for real-time accuracy.
Related Rail Forms You’ll Use Alongside DA Form 5613
- DA Form 4093-R – Station Record of Train Movements and Operator’s Transfer
- DA Form 4090-R – Combined Register of Trains and Comparisons of Watches
- DA Form 4092-R – Train Order Form
- DA Form 4091-R – Clearance Form “A”
- DA Form 5614-R – Superintendent’s Telegraphic Report of Accident (if needed)
These forms work together to create a complete, auditable rail operations package.
Where to Get DA Form 5613? – Official Download
Because DA Form 5613 is an S&I form stocked by the chief dispatcher, it is not available as a standard fillable PDF on armypubs.army.mil. Units obtain blank copies through their local railway operations office or by contacting the proponent at USATALS, Fort Eustis.
Official Download Link: [Insert your provided download link here – e.g., the secure military or unit share you referenced]
For training or reference only, review the full procedures in ATP 4-14 Expeditionary Railway Center Operations (publicly available via official Army channels or defense libraries).
Best Practices for US Army Rail Personnel
- Always use the most current version stocked by your unit.
- Maintain legibility and accuracy—records may be reviewed in investigations or audits.
- Cross-reference with station records (DA Form 4093-R) for consistency.
- In theater operations, note any operational changes due to enemy action or track damage in the Remarks section.
- Train new dispatchers on this form during qualification to ensure seamless continuity of operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DA Form 5613
Q: Is DA Form 5613 still current in 2026?
A: Yes. It remains listed in ATP 4-14 (2022), the authoritative manual for Expeditionary Railway Center Operations.
Q: Can I download a fillable DA Form 5613 PDF online?
A: Official copies are issued through military supply channels or the proponent at USATALS. Use the download link provided above for your authorized copy.
Q: Who is required to complete DA Form 5613?
A: The chief train dispatcher (or designated dispatcher on duty) at the division level.
Q: What happens to completed DA Form 5613 sheets?
A: They become permanent records maintained in the dispatcher’s office and may be forwarded as required for reporting or historical purposes.
Q: Does this form apply only to wartime?
A: No. It is used in both garrison training and deployed/expeditionary rail operations.
Why Accurate DA Form 5613 Records Matter for USA-Based Units?
From stateside training at Fort Eustis or Fort Lee to real-world deployments, precise train dispatching documentation protects lives, equipment, and mission timelines. The US Army Transportation Corps relies on disciplined record-keeping like DA Form 5613 to maintain superiority in rail logistics.
Need the form right now? Click the official download link above and ensure your rail team has the latest copy stocked and ready.
For more US Army rail resources, review ATP 4-14 and related Transportation Corps publications. Stay safe on the rails—accurate records save lives and keep trains moving.