DA Form 5690: RC Career Counselor Interview Record Guide – Soldiers transitioning from Active Duty to the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR), Army National Guard (ARNG), or Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) rely on DA Form 5690 as a key document. This form, officially titled the Reserve Components Career Counselor Interview Record, documents career counseling sessions and supports smooth transitions while ensuring compliance with Army retention and transition policies.
What Is DA Form 5690?
DA Form 5690 (previously DA Form 5690-R) is a standardized U.S. Army form used during interviews between separating soldiers and Reserve Component Career Counselors (RCCC). It records the soldier’s personal and military information, discusses service obligations, and captures recommendations for Reserve Component assignment.
Prescribed by: AR 601-280 (Army Retention Program).
Proponent: Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (ODCSPER, now typically under G-1).
Authority: Title 5, U.S. Code, Section 301.
The form ensures soldiers understand participation requirements, incentives, and obligations before affiliating with a Reserve unit. It serves as an official record for personnel actions, contracts, and future assignments.
Purpose of the Reserve Components Career Counselor Interview Record
The primary goals of DA Form 5690 include:
- Documenting the transition interview for soldiers leaving Active Duty.
- Recording eligibility details, career goals, and counselor recommendations.
- Supporting assignment to ARNG, USAR, or IRR units.
- Verifying understanding of service obligations, bonuses, and benefits.
- Providing a paper trail for reenlistment, extension, or transfer processing alongside forms like DA Form 5691 (Request for Reserve Component Assignment Orders).
This form is essential for soldiers nearing ETS (Expiration of Term of Service) or considering Reserve service after separation. It helps maintain readiness by facilitating qualified prior-service soldiers into Reserve Component units.
Who Needs to Complete DA Form 5690?
- Active Duty soldiers transitioning to Reserve Components.
- Reserve Component Career Counselors conducting retention or transition interviews.
- Personnel processing transfers, especially those eligible for incentives like affiliation bonuses or Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP).
It is typically completed as part of the transition process outlined in DA PAM 601-280.
Key Sections of DA Form 5690
Section A – Completed by the Separating Soldier:
- Personal information: Name, SSN, sex, birthday, height, weight, PULHES.
- Yes/No questions: U.S. citizenship, military driver’s license, color vision, spouse on active duty, bars to enlistment, Article 15s, AWOL/bad time, regular ETS.
- Education, race, last physical, HIV screen date.
- Contact info and address after separation.
- Military details: Current unit, PMOS/SMOS, rank, years of service, marital status, dependents, ETS date, type of discharge.
Section B – Completed by RC Career Counselor:
- Test scores (e.g., GT, AFQT, DLAB).
- Gaining unit (ARNG/USAR/IRR), years of service, bonus eligibility.
- Unit details: Address, UIC, control number, POC, assigned DMOS, appointment date.
- Remarks and signatures.
How to Fill Out and Use DA Form 5690?
- Gather Documents — Bring ID, military records, ETS orders, and relevant qualification documents.
- Complete Section A — The soldier fills personal and service information accurately.
- Counselor Interview — Discuss goals, unit options, incentives, and obligations. The counselor completes Section B.
- Review and Sign — Both parties review for accuracy and sign.
- Submit — Include with transition packet; copies go to the gaining unit and personnel records.
Download the Official Form Here:
DA Form 5690 PDF
Always use the latest version from Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) for compliance.
Tips for a Successful Transition Interview
- Be honest about qualifications, family situation, and preferences.
- Ask about bonuses, drill schedules, benefits, and promotion opportunities.
- Discuss geographic preferences for unit assignment.
- Understand that disclosure is voluntary, but incomplete information may delay or deny transfer.
Career counselors (often MOS 79V) provide expert guidance on these matters.
Common Questions About DA Form 5690
Is it the same as DA Form 5690-R?
Yes — the form was updated and is now commonly referred to as DA Form 5690.
Do I need it for IRR only?
It applies to ARNG, USAR, and IRR transitions, though requirements may vary slightly.
What if my information changes?
Contact your career counselor or unit administrator to update records.
Where is it filed?
It supports the transition packet and may be maintained in personnel files or systems like IPPS-A.
Why Accurate Completion Matters?
Proper use of DA Form 5690 helps avoid processing delays, ensures eligibility for incentives, and creates a clear record of your career intentions. It directly supports Army retention goals and individual career progression in the Reserve Components.
For the most current guidance, refer to:
- AR 601-280
- DA PAM 601-280
- Your local Career Counselor or Transition Assistance Office
Official Download: DA Form 5690 – Army Publishing Directorate