DA Form 5913: Strength and Feeder Report Guide

DA Form 5913: Strength and Feeder Report Guide – The DA Form 5913, officially titled the Strength and Feeder Report, is a critical U.S. Army document used to report unit personnel strength for accurate ration planning and meal support. It ensures field kitchens, dining facilities, and subsistence supply points receive precise data on the number of personnel requiring meals during training, field exercises, deployments, or daily operations.

This form supports the Army Field Feeding System (AFFS) and helps prevent waste, ensure sufficient supplies, and maintain operational readiness. It is referenced in DA PAM 30-22 (The Army Food Program procedures).

Why DA Form 5913 Matters?

Accurate strength reporting directly impacts:

  • Ration requests (e.g., via DA Form 3294) and issue of meals.
  • Budgeting for Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) and cash sales.
  • Logistics planning for field feeding operations.
  • Compliance with Army regulations for food service accountability.

Units submit it daily or for up to 3 days (as directed by command) to supporting field kitchens, Troop Issue Subsistence Activities (TISA), or Subsistence Supply Management Offices (SSMO). Consolidated versions support higher-level supply reporting.

Key Sections of DA Form 5913 (MAR 2006 Version)

The current version is DA Form 5913, MAR 2006 (DA FORM 5913, JUL 2002 is obsolete). Key fields include:

  • 1. UNIT/ORGANIZATION — Official unit designation.
  • 2. TO — Supporting field kitchen, TISA, SSMO, or Class I point.
  • 3. DATE — Date the form is prepared (YYYYMMDD).
  • 4. REPORT DATES — Dates covered (up to 3 days, YYYYMMDD).
  • 5. PERSONNEL PRESENT FOR DUTY BY SERVICE COMPONENT — Breakdown by U.S. Army (Active), Air Force, Navy, Marines, ARNG, USAR, and others. Includes present-for-duty strength.
  • 6-9. Totals, Meals Sold for Cash, Grand Total — Summarize personnel and cash meal counts.
  • 7. SUPPORTED UNITS (if applicable).
  • 10. REMARKS — Additional notes, such as remote feeding sites or special requirements.
  • 11. SIGNATURE, RANK, DATE — Prepared by authorized personnel (often unit commander or food service representative).

Download the Official Blank DA Form 5913 Here:
https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A5913.pdf

How to Fill Out DA Form 5913? Step-by-Step

  1. Enter unit details and recipient (To).
  2. Provide preparation and report dates.
  3. List present-for-duty strength by service component for each report date.
  4. Calculate totals and meals sold for cash.
  5. Add remarks and obtain signature.

Submit to the supporting food service element promptly. Many installations require it before drawing rations. At the end of field training, submit a consolidated end-of-exercise report.

Tip: Use fillable PDFs or digital tools where authorized, but always verify against the latest Army Publishing Directorate (APD) version.

Common Uses in the U.S. Army

  • Field Training Exercises (FTX) and rotations.
  • Deployments and contingency operations.
  • Garrison feeding adjustments.
  • Medical units, ARNG, and USAR activities.
  • Support for MREs, UGRs (Unitized Group Rations), and hot meals.

Units must coordinate with their Food Service Sergeant (FOS), Class I officer, or SSMO for specific submission timelines.

  • DA PAM 30-22 — Primary procedural guidance.
  • DA Form 3294 — Ration Request/Issue/Turn-In Slip (uses 5913 data).
  • AR 30-22 — The Army Food Program.
  • Other supporting documents: DA Form 1687 (Signature Card), commander’s letter of intent, rosters.

Best Practices for U.S. Army Units

  • Submit early (often 24+ hours in advance or per local SOP).
  • Maintain accuracy to avoid over/under-ordering rations.
  • Keep copies for records per ARIMS (typically 6 months active, then FY).
  • Train unit supply and admin personnel on proper completion.
  • Use for BAS recoupment where applicable.

For installation-specific guidance, contact your local SSMO, Garrison Food Service, or G4 logistics section.

Need the form right now?
Official Download: DA Form 5913 PDF