DA Form 5863 PDF: EFMP Guide for Army Civilians 2026 – If you are a Department of the Army (DA) civilian employee preparing for an overseas (OCONUS) assignment with family members traveling at government expense, DA Form 5863 is a mandatory document you must complete. Known officially as the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Information Sheet, this form helps identify special medical, educational, or behavioral needs of your family members so the Army can coordinate appropriate support services at your new duty station.
Accurate completion ensures a smooth transition for your family and prevents delays in family travel authorization. Below is your complete, up-to-date resource—including how to fill it out, who needs it, and the official free DA Form 5863 PDF download.
What Is the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)?
The EFMP is a Department of Defense program that supports families with members who have special needs—physical, emotional, developmental, intellectual, or medical conditions requiring ongoing services. While most active-duty Soldiers enroll via medical and educational summaries (DD Form 2792 and DD Form 2792-1), DA civilians use DA Form 5863 as the initial screening tool for OCONUS moves.
The goal is simple: match your family’s needs with available medical, educational, and community resources overseas before you move.
Who Must Complete DA Form 5863?
- All DA civilian employees selected for an assignment outside the United States where family member travel is authorized at government expense.
- Employees with or without family members.
- Spouses, children, or adult dependents who may accompany you.
Important: If you have no family members or no special needs, you still certify this on the form. Failure to provide the information can delay or prevent government-funded family travel.
Note: This form applies specifically to DA civilians. Active-duty Soldiers use different EFMP enrollment processes through their medical treatment facility (MTF).
Purpose of DA Form 5863
Per Army Regulation 608-75, the form collects confidential information to:
- Identify special education or medical needs of dependent children.
- Identify ongoing medical needs of adult family members.
- Allow civilian personnel offices (CPAC/CPOC) to coordinate with medical and educational providers overseas.
- Ensure your family receives continuity of care upon arrival.
All information is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974 and shared only with officials who need it for processing.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out DA Form 5863?
The form is straightforward and divided into two parts. Here’s exactly what to do (based on the official JUN 2009 version still in use):
Part A – General Information (Blocks 1–6)
- Sponsor’s Name
- Sponsor’s Title/Grade
- Sponsor’s Home Address
- Sponsor’s Duty Address
- Sponsor’s Home Phone (include area code)
- Sponsor’s Duty Phone (DSN and commercial)
Part B – Family Members Authorized Travel Outside the United States (Blocks 7–10)
List every family member who may travel with you:
- Name (Last, First, MI)
- Relationship to you
- Date of Birth (YYYYMMDD)
- Sex
Questions (Block 11a–j) – Answer “Yes” or “No” for any family member
Carefully review these:
- a. Long-term physical or emotional illness (more than 1 year)?
- b. Seen regularly at a hospital/clinic (every 2 months or 4–5 times/year)?
- c. Will need regular care overseas based on current condition?
- d. Told to seek regular care but not currently doing so?
- e. Enrolled in special education?
- f. Learning disability?
- g. Blind, deaf, or hard of hearing?
- h. Speech problem requiring a therapist?
- i. Physical disability affecting learning?
- j. Needs professional counseling for behavioral issues (alcohol/drug abuse, running away, truancy, etc.)?
Certification (Block 11k)
Sign one of the three statements:
- I have no family members.
- All answers are “No” for listed family members.
- One or more answers are “Yes” → Indicate if family members will travel concurrently, delayed, or not at all. (If “Yes” and they will join later, you must later complete additional summaries: DA Form 5862-R / DD 2792 and DA Form 5291-R / DD 2792-1.)
Date and sign. Submit to your Civilian Personnel Office as directed.
Pro Tip: If any answer is “Yes,” your CPAC will likely request the full medical/educational summaries so overseas providers can be notified in advance.
Where to Submit DA Form 5863?
- Forward to your gaining Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) or Civilian Personnel Operations Center (CPOC).
- They coordinate with the gaining medical facility and Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools if needed.
Benefits of Completing DA Form 5863 Early
- Faster family travel processing.
- Advance coordination of medical/educational services overseas.
- Access to EFMP community support (respite care, advocacy, school transition help).
- Peace of mind knowing your family’s needs are considered in the assignment.
Official DA Form 5863 PDF Download
Download the current official form here (direct from Army Publishing Directorate):
DA Form 5863 PDF
Previous editions are obsolete—always use the latest version from armypubs.army.mil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is DA Form 5863 only for civilians?
Yes. Active-duty Soldiers use DD Forms 2792/2792-1 through the Enterprise EFMP system.
Q: What if my family member’s condition changes after I submit the form?
Notify your CPAC immediately and update documentation.
Q: Do I need a doctor to fill this out?
No—this is a self-certification screening. Medical providers complete additional forms only if you answer “Yes.”
Q: Can this affect my selection for the overseas job?
No. Having an exceptional family member cannot be the basis for non-selection, but providing false information can lead to disciplinary action.
Q: Where can I get help filling it out?
Contact your local CPAC, installation EFMP coordinator, or Army Community Service (ACS) center.
Need More Help with Your OCONUS Move?
Visit these trusted official resources:
- EFMP Army Civilian Resources
- Army Regulation 608-75 (Exceptional Family Member Program)
- Your gaining installation’s EFMP page
DA Form 5863 is your first step toward ensuring your family thrives overseas. Complete it accurately and early to avoid any hiccups in your PCS process.
Download your copy today and take the stress out of your overseas assignment. Questions about your specific situation? Reach out to your CPAC—they are there to help U.S. Army civilians and their families succeed wherever duty calls.