DA Form 7399 PDF: Survey/Decontamination Records – If you’re a US Army Soldier, Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), CBRN specialist, maintenance technician, or unit leader handling equipment or personnel exposed to depleted uranium (DU) or other radioactive commodities, DA Form 7399 is a critical document. Known formally as the Survey/Decontamination Records, this form ensures accurate documentation of radiological surveys, contamination incidents, and decontamination procedures.
In this comprehensive guide tailored for US Army personnel, you’ll learn exactly what DA Form 7399 is used for, why it matters for radiation safety and compliance, how to fill it out correctly, and where to download the latest official PDF directly from Army Publishing Directorate.
What Is DA Form 7399?
DA Form 7399, titled SURVEY/DECONTAMINATION RECORDS, is an official Department of the Army form dated JUN 2009 (previous editions are obsolete). It is prescribed by DA PAM 700-48, Handling Procedures for Equipment Contaminated by Radioactive Commodities (published 5 March 2021, active), with proponent agency DCS, G-4.
The form is primarily used to document:
- Personnel contamination incidents involving radioactive materials (especially DU from munitions or radioactive commodities).
- Initial and follow-up radiation surveys.
- Decontamination actions and results.
It works in tandem with related forms like DA Form 7400 (Record of Area/Equipment Survey) and DA Form 7401 (Radioactive Commodity Report).
Key sections include:
- Section I – Personnel Contamination Record (Essential Information)
- Section II – Survey Results
The form includes a human figure sketch for marking the type, extent, and magnitude of contamination.
Why DA Form 7399 Matters for US Army Operations?
DA Form 7399 supports the Army’s ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles and radiation safety programs. It is essential in:
- Combat or training incidents involving DU munitions (e.g., Abrams tank rounds or Bradley vehicle armor).
- Accidents, fires, or maintenance involving radioactive commodities (e.g., fire control devices, chemical detectors).
- Retrograde operations, equipment recovery, and waste management.
Proper use of the form:
- Protects Soldier health by documenting exposure.
- Ensures regulatory compliance with Army, federal, and NRC requirements.
- Supports medical follow-up, bioassays, and incident reporting.
- Maintains chain-of-custody for contaminated equipment or waste.
Radiation Safety Officers (RSOs) and units reference DA PAM 700-48 Appendix C (and related flow charts) for detailed completion instructions.
When to Use DA Form 7399?
Use this form whenever:
- Contamination from depleted uranium or radioactive sources is suspected or confirmed.
- Personnel or equipment require radiological surveys before, during, or after decontamination.
- Incidents occur in garrison, training, or deployed environments.
- Documentation is needed for release of equipment to unrestricted use or for medical records.
Note: Always prioritize medical treatment over decontamination in personnel incidents.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out DA Form 7399?
Follow DA PAM 700-48 Appendix C-9 and C-10 for precise guidance. Here is a practical overview based on the official form layout:
- Header / Section I – Personnel Contamination Record
- 1. Patient Name
- 2. AKO E-mail Address
- 3. Date of Incident (YYYYMMDD)
- 4. Time of Occurrence
- 5. Location of Incident
- 6. Grid Coordinates, if known
- 7. Cause of Contamination (e.g., DU round impact, fire, maintenance)
- 8. When Was Contamination Discovered?
- Section II – Survey Results
- 9. Survey Performed By (name/rank of qualified surveyor)
- 10. Unit
- 11. Survey Instrument Manufacturer
- 12. Serial Number
- 13. Probe Type (e.g., alpha, beta/gamma)
- 14. Calibration Expiration Date (YYYYMMDD)
- Field 15: Contamination Sketch
Indicate type, extent, and magnitude of contamination directly on the provided human figure outline. Use measurements (e.g., counts per minute) and note background readings.
Additional entries (per PAM guidance) typically cover:
- Decontamination methods applied (mild to aggressive: tape, HEPA vacuum, soap/water wash, etc.).
- Pre- and post-decontamination survey readings.
- Final disposition (released, packaged for retrograde, or waste).
- Signatures and certifications by RSO or qualified personnel.
Pro Tip: Use calibrated RADIAC instruments (e.g., AN/PDR-77 or AN/VDR-2). Record all readings at the proper distance (often ½ inch from surface) and always survey against twice-background thresholds. Follow the “two-person rule” and establish exclusion zones.
Official DA Form 7399 PDF Download
Download the latest fillable DA Form 7399 directly from the Army Publishing Directorate:
This is the authoritative source. Always verify you have the JUN 2009 version (or any future revision posted on armypubs.army.mil).
For full instructions, download the current DA PAM 700-48 from armypubs.army.mil.
Best Practices & Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Complete the form immediately after surveys or decontamination.
- Use ink or approved digital methods; never use pencil.
- Coordinate with your unit RSO or Preventive Medicine for interpretation of results.
- Retain records per ARIMS (Army Records Information Management System) requirements.
- Avoid releasing equipment until final surveys meet release limits in DA PAM 700-48 Appendix J.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is DA Form 7399 used for?
It documents radiological surveys and decontamination of personnel and equipment contaminated by depleted uranium or radioactive commodities.
Who is required to use DA Form 7399?
US Army RSOs, CBRN teams, medical personnel, maintenance units, and leaders involved in DU/RAM incidents.
Is there a newer version than JUN 2009?
No—the current form remains JUN 2009 and is still prescribed by the 2021 DA PAM 700-48.
Where do I find instructions to fill out DA Form 7399?
Refer to DA PAM 700-48 Appendix C (available on armypubs.army.mil).
Is DA Form 7399 related to CBRN operations?
Primarily focused on radiological (RAM/DU) hazards, though it supports broader contamination control in conjunction with other CBRN procedures.
Stay Compliant and Safe
Accurate use of DA Form 7399 protects Soldiers, ensures mission readiness, and maintains full regulatory compliance. Always consult your local Radiation Safety Officer and the latest edition of DA PAM 700-48 for mission-specific guidance.
Need the form right now?
Download DA Form 7399 PDF here
For more US Army forms, safety publications, and radiation safety resources, visit the official Army Publishing Directorate at armypubs.army.mil.