DA Form 5614-R PDF: Superintendent’s Telegraphic Report – If you serve in U.S. Army railway operations or support expeditionary rail missions, DA Form 5614-R is a critical document for rapid accident reporting. Also known as the Superintendent’s Telegraphic Report of Accident (LRA), this locally reproducible form ensures quick, accurate notification to higher headquarters when a train accident occurs.
In this SEO-optimized guide tailored for U.S. Army personnel, you’ll learn exactly what DA Form 5614-R is, when to use it, step-by-step filling instructions, and where to download the latest fillable PDF. Whether you’re a rail superintendent, dispatcher, or part of an Expeditionary Railway Center, this article covers everything you need for compliance with current Army rail doctrine.
What Is DA Form 5614-R?
DA Form 5614-R is the official U.S. Army form titled Superintendent’s Telegraphic Report of Accident. Dated December 1986 and marked “LRA” (Locally Reproducible Authorized), it remains the standard telegraphic-format report for railway accidents in both garrison and deployed environments.
- Proponent: U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)
- For use of this form, see: FM 55-20 Rail Dispatching Operations and Procedures (and its successor references in ATP 4-14)
- Current status: Still listed and required in ATP 4-14 Expeditionary Railway Center Operations (2014 with 2022 updates) for theater rail accident reporting.
The form is designed for fast transmission (originally via telegraph, now via secure digital or voice means) to deliver concise accident details up the chain of command without delay.
Purpose of the Superintendent’s Telegraphic Report of Accident
The primary goal of DA Form 5614-R is to provide higher headquarters and concerned railway command elements with immediate, standardized information following a train accident. This enables rapid decision-making for casualty evacuation, track clearance, investigation, and resumption of rail operations—especially critical in contested or expeditionary environments.
Key benefits:
- Ensures compliance with Army rail safety and operational reporting standards
- Supports accident investigation and after-action reviews
- Helps prevent secondary incidents by quickly sharing critical data (blocked main lines, injuries, equipment damage)
When Must You Use DA Form 5614-R?
Use DA Form 5614-R whenever the general superintendent of transportation receives an initial accident report involving:
- Personal injury or fatality
- Blocked main line that affects train movements
- Significant equipment damage
- Any incident requiring higher-level notification
Reporting flow (per FM 55-20):
- Conductor, track foreman, or yardmaster reports the accident immediately to the chief dispatcher (fastest means possible).
- Chief dispatcher forwards to battalion headquarters.
- General superintendent prepares and sends DA Form 5614-R through railway command channels.
How to Fill Out DA Form 5614-R Step-by-Step?
DA Form 5614-R is a single-page, easy-to-reproduce form. Enter the accident number, time, and date at the very top. Most blocks are self-explanatory; non-obvious ones have instructions printed on the form itself (see sample in FM 55-20, Figure 4-3).
Typical fields include:
- TO – Recipient (higher headquarters or command element)
- TRAIN NUMBER
- ENGINE NUMBER
- ENGINEMEN (names/IDs of engineers)
- TYPE OF ACCIDENT (derailment, collision, etc.)
- CONDUCTORS (names/IDs)
- LOCATION (exact station, milepost, or coordinates)
- DATE/TIME of accident
- DESCRIPTION of what happened
- INJURIES (number and severity)
- DAMAGE (to rolling stock, track, etc.)
- CAUSE (preliminary assessment)
- WITNESSES
- REMARKS
- SIGNATURE of the general superintendent of transportation
Pro tip: Keep the report concise yet complete—telegraphic style means brevity is key. Always double-check facts before transmission. A blank, locally reproducible version is available in FM 55-20 Appendix A.
Where to Download DA Form 5614-R? (Fillable PDF)
✅ Trusted download link (official LRA format):
Download DA Form 5614-R PDF (1-page, ready to print or fill digitally)
Best practice for U.S. Army users:
- Verify the latest version through your unit’s S-1 or Army Publishing Directorate (APD) portal at armypubs.army.mil
- Reproduce locally on 8½ × 11-inch paper per LRA authorization
- For fillable digital versions, trusted third-party military form sites like TemplateRoller also host the current PDF
Note: Always use the version referenced in your unit’s rail operations SOP and cross-check against the latest ATP 4-14.
Related Forms and Publications You May Need
- DA Form 5615-R – Set Out Report
- DA Form 5616-R – Car Inspector’s Train Report
- DA Form 5617-R – (additional rail ops forms listed in ATP 4-14)
- Primary reference: ATP 4-14 Expeditionary Railway Center Operations
- Supporting manual: FM 55-20 Rail Dispatching Operations and Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is DA Form 5614-R still required in 2026?
A: Yes. It continues to appear in current Expeditionary Railway doctrine (ATP 4-14) and remains the standard telegraphic accident report.
Q: Can I fill it out digitally?
A: Absolutely. The LRA format works perfectly in Adobe Acrobat or any PDF editor used by Army units.
Q: Who signs DA Form 5614-R?
A: The general superintendent of transportation (or designated railway operations officer).
Q: What if the accident involves civilian rail assets?
A: Still use DA Form 5614-R for the military portion; coordinate with civilian authorities as required by theater or garrison policy.
Final Tips for U.S. Army Rail Operators
Prompt and accurate use of DA Form 5614-R directly supports mission continuity and soldier safety. Keep a supply of the form (or digital template) readily available in your rail operations center. Train your dispatchers and superintendents on the exact reporting sequence outlined in FM 55-20 and ATP 4-14.
Need the form right now? Click the official download link above and stay mission-ready.