DA Form 7281: AA&E Security Screening Guide (2026)

DA Form 7281: AA&E Security Screening Guide (2026) – U.S. Army soldiers, unit commanders, armorers, and key custodians responsible for Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (AA&E) must understand and comply with strict personnel screening requirements. DA Form 7281 serves as the primary document for this critical security process.

What Is DA Form 7281?

DA Form 7281, titled Command Oriented Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (AA&E) Security Screening and Evaluation Record, is an official U.S. Army form used to evaluate the suitability of personnel for duties involving unaccompanied access to, control of, accountability for, or shipment of AA&E.

  • For use of this form: See AR 190-11 (Physical Security of Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives).
  • Proponent agency: Provost Marshal General (PMG).
  • Latest version: September 2009 (previous editions are obsolete).
  • Classification: When completed, the form contains personal information and must be protected with a For Official Use Only (FOUO) cover sheet.

Download the official fillable DA Form 7281 PDF here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/DA%20FORM%207281.pdf

Why Is DA Form 7281 Required?

AR 190-11 mandates command-oriented security screenings to ensure only mature, stable, and dependable individuals receive access to AA&E. This helps prevent theft, sabotage, misuse, or loss of sensitive items that could endanger personnel or national security.

Personnel who typically require screening include:

  • Armorers
  • Arms room officers
  • AA&E key and lock custodians (primary and alternate)
  • Personnel with unaccompanied access to AA&E storage facilities
  • Individuals involved in issuing, receiving, transporting, or shipping AA&E

Key Sections of DA Form 7281

The one-page form includes structured evaluations:

  • Section I — Immediate Commander’s Interview: Commander conducts and documents the required interview per AR 190-11.
  • Section II — Personnel Records Screening: Review for derogatory information in personnel files.
  • Section III — Medical Records Screening: Check for conditions that could affect reliability or judgment.
  • Section IV — Provost Marshal/Security Office Records Check: Military law enforcement records.
  • Section V — Local Civilian Law Enforcement Agency Records Check (if permitted by local laws): Residence-area checks.
  • Section VI — Immediate Commander Evaluation: Final suitability determination (suitable/unsuitable) with commander signature.

Commanders must thoroughly review all available information before signing.

Step-by-Step Process for Completing DA Form 7281

  1. Initiation: Commander or designated official starts the form during the initial interview.
  2. Records Reviews: Coordinate with personnel (S1/HR), medical, and security offices for screenings.
  3. Law Enforcement Checks: Complete military and (where allowed) civilian records checks.
  4. Commander Evaluation: Review all sections and determine suitability.
  5. Retention: Original typically retained by the unit or S2; copies may go to security offices. Forms support unaccompanied access rosters and Physical Inspection Certificates (PIC).

Frequency: Screenings are typically required before assignment and repeated every 3 years (or as specified by local policy or AR 190-11) to maintain currency.

Best Practices and Common Compliance Issues

  • Maintain completed DA Forms 7281 in the unit Physical Security Book or as directed.
  • Ensure key custodians and armorers are not the same individual where prohibited.
  • Update forms when personnel change units or duties.
  • Failure to complete or maintain current screenings can result in inspection failures and restricted AA&E access.

Local installations (e.g., Fort Carson, JBLM, Fort Bragg/Liberty) often publish supplements to AR 190-11 with additional guidance on submission to Directorate of Emergency Services or security divisions.

  • AR 190-11: Primary regulation for AA&E physical security.
  • DA Form 7281 is a key tool alongside appointment orders, key control registers (DA Form 5513), and security construction statements.
  • Unit commanders and security managers should consult their installation Provost Marshal or Physical Security Office for the most current local procedures.

Pro Tip for Units: Integrate DA Form 7281 tracking into your arms room SOP and annual physical security inspections to stay inspection-ready.

Download DA Form 7281

Official PDF: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/DA%20FORM%207281.pdf

For fillable versions and instructions, refer to Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) or your unit’s administrative resources.