DA Form 5811 PDF: Lost or Damaged Class 5 Ammunition

DA Form 5811 PDF: Lost or Damaged Class 5 Ammunition – U.S. Army personnel responsible for ammunition accountability must use DA Form 5811 (Certificate – Lost or Damaged Class 5 Ammunition Items) when shortages or damage occur with Class V (Class 5) ammunition and explosives. This form ensures proper documentation, maintains accountability, supports investigations if needed, and helps units clear turn-ins at Ammunition Supply Points (ASPs).

What Is DA Form 5811?

DA Form 5811 (often still referenced as DA Form 5811-R) is the official Department of the Army certificate for reporting lost, damaged, or short Class 5 ammunition items. It applies to training ammunition residue, live rounds, or components where the turned-in quantity does not match the issued amount (after accounting for expended items).

Key details:

  • Proponent: DCSLOG (Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics).
  • For use with: DA PAM 710-2-1 (Using Unit Supply System – Manual Procedures) and related ammunition management publications like DA PAM 700-16.
  • Current version: Available as a fillable PDF from official Army sources.

Download the official DA Form 5811 PDF here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/ARN31752-DA_FORM_5811-000-EFILE-1.pdf

Purpose of DA Form 5811

The primary purpose is to formally certify the circumstances of loss or damage and initiate appropriate command review and action. It is required when:

  • Residue and live ammunition turned in are less than the quantity issued.
  • Ammunition or components are damaged (e.g., due to handling, transportation, or environmental factors).
  • Shortages exceed allowable losses per regulations.

Commanders use the form to determine if the loss/damage resulted from negligence and to decide on further actions, such as financial liability or investigation. This protects unit accountability and ensures compliance during ASP reconciliation.

When Is DA Form 5811 Required?

  • After training events or live-fire exercises when reconciling DA Form 581 (Request for Issue and Turn-In of Ammunition) or DA Form 5515 (Training Ammunition Control Document).
  • For any discrepancy in residue turn-in (e.g., brass, links, packing materials).
  • When damaged ammunition is identified during inventory or turn-in.
  • Typically within a short window (e.g., 5 working days in some procedures) after the event.

Units must attach supporting evidence, such as statements, photos, or AR 15-6 investigation results when applicable.

How to Fill Out DA Form 5811? (Step-by-Step Guide)

The form has two main parts: Part I – Certification and Part II – Action.

  1. Blocks 1-5 (Item Details): Enter Stock Number (NSN/DODIC), Description, Quantity, and indicate if Lost or Damaged.
  2. Block 6 (Circumstances): Provide a detailed, accurate description of what happened. Be factual and thorough.
  3. Part I Certification: The individual with knowledge (often the using unit representative or immediate commander) certifies the information and signs.
  4. Part II (Command Review): Higher command (first Lieutenant Colonel/O-5 or civilian equivalent GS-14/GS-13 in some policies) reviews, determines negligence, selects appropriate action (e.g., no further action, investigate, hold liable), and signs. Majors may sign in some cases with proper orders.

Tips for Completion:

  • Use digital signatures where possible (many units require them).
  • Attach DA Form 5692-R (Ammunition Consumption Certificate) or other supporting docs when relevant.
  • Calculate and reference brass weights or conversion rates accurately.
  • Keep explanations clear, concise, and professional.

Always consult your local ASP SOP or unit ammunition SOP, as procedures can vary slightly by installation (e.g., Fort Benning, JBLM, etc.).

  • DA Form 581: Request for Issue/Turn-In of Ammunition.
  • DA Form 5515: Training Ammunition Control Document.
  • DA Form 5692-R: Ammunition Consumption Certificate.
  • DD Form 626: Motor Vehicle Inspection for hazardous materials.
  • Key References: AR 710-2, DA PAM 710-2-1, DA PAM 700-16, and unit/installation regulations.

Proper use of these forms ensures smooth reconciliation at the ASP and avoids delays in training schedules.

Best Practices for U.S. Army Units

  • Train Range Safety Officers (RSOs) and ammunition handlers on accurate residue collection and documentation.
  • Conduct thorough pre- and post-training inventories.
  • Submit forms promptly to avoid issues with property accountability or financial liability.
  • Maintain digital and physical copies as required by your command.
  • For shortages, make every effort to recover items before certifying loss.

Accurate ammunition accountability supports mission readiness, safety, and regulatory compliance across the U.S. Army.

Need the form right now?
Official Download: DA Form 5811 PDF

For the most current guidance, check armypubs.army.mil or contact your servicing Ammunition Supply Point (ASP) or Logistics Readiness Center. Procedures are current as of 2025-2026 publications and SOPs.