DA Form 7509 PDF Download: Information Inquiry Summary – If you’re a Department of the Army civilian employee, former employee, job applicant, or contract worker and you have questions about filing an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) discrimination complaint, the first step is often an information inquiry. That contact is officially documented on DA Form 7509 — the Information Inquiry Summary.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly what DA Form 7509 is, when and why it’s used, how it fits into the Army EEO process, step-by-step completion instructions, and where to download the latest official version. All information is drawn directly from the current Army Regulation AR 690-600 (effective 1 September 2024) and the July 2024 edition of the form itself.
What Is DA Form 7509?
DA Form 7509, titled Information Inquiry Summary, is a prescribed Department of the Army form used exclusively by Army EEO officials. Its full official title is INFORMATION INQUIRY SUMMARY, and it is governed by AR 690-600, Equal Employment Opportunity Discrimination Complaints.
The current version is DA FORM 7509, JUL 2024 (previous editions are obsolete). It replaced the older February 2004 version and includes updated language reflecting the latest revisions to protected bases (including genetic information) and procedural clarifications.
Principal purpose (per the form’s Privacy Act Statement):
To allow Army EEO officials to document inquiries from Department of the Army civilian employees, former employees, applicants for employment, and some contract employees about the processing of complaints of employment discrimination.
Protected bases include: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, genetic information, physical or mental disability, and/or reprisal for engaging in protected activity.
Purpose of the Information Inquiry Summary in the Army EEO Process
Not every call or email to an EEO office starts a formal complaint. When someone contacts an EEO official simply seeking general information and remains undecided about filing a complaint, the contact is classified as an information inquiry.
DA Form 7509 serves three critical functions:
- Official documentation of the contact for workload tracking and compliance.
- Proof that general EEO process information was provided, including the 45-calendar-day time limit to initiate the pre-complaint process.
- Protection for both the individual and the Army — it creates a clear record that the 45-day clock was explained.
Important distinction: DA Form 7509 is NOT used if the individual expresses intent to begin the EEO complaint process. In that case, the EEO official immediately moves to the pre-complaint intake interview documented on DA Form 7510.
Who Uses DA Form 7509?
- Primary users: Army EEO Officers, EEO staff members, and EEO Counselors at servicing activity EEO offices.
- Individuals who trigger its use: DA civilians (including appropriated and non-appropriated fund employees), former employees, applicants, and certain contract employees.
- Collateral-duty counselors or other officials who receive an inquiry must immediately refer the person to the servicing EEO office and ensure DA Form 7509 is completed.
Army EEO Complaint Process Overview: Information Inquiry vs. Pre-Complaint vs. Formal
| Stage | Form Used | Purpose | Next Step if Proceeding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Inquiry | DA Form 7509 | General questions; person undecided | Provide copy of 7509; 45-day clock runs |
| Pre-Complaint Intake | DA Form 7510 | Intent to file; counseling & inquiry | Notice of Right to File Formal Complaint |
| Formal Complaint | DA Form 2590 | Sworn formal filing | Investigation & Final Agency Decision |
The 45-day time limit is critical — it generally starts from the date of the alleged discriminatory act or personnel action. Contacting an EEO official for an information inquiry does not stop or extend the clock.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out DA Form 7509? (Filled by EEO Official)
The form is completed by the EEO official during or immediately after the contact. Here are the exact fields (July 2024 version):
- Date of Initial Contact (YYYYMMDD)
- Name (Last, First, Middle Initial)
- Duty Organization (include office symbol)
- Work Telephone Number
- Home Telephone Number
- Home Address
- EEO Official Contacted — Check: EEO Officer/Staff Member or EEO Counselor
- Type of Contact — Check: In-Person, Telephonic, or E-mail
- Matter(s) of Concern Identified (use additional sheets if needed)
- Contact Summary — Document that general information was provided regarding EEO complaint processing, emphasizing the 45-calendar-day prescribed time limitation for initiating the EEO complaint process and the right to representation (including during pre-complaint intake). Check “OTHER” and explain if additional topics were covered.
11–13. Printed Name, Signature, and Date of EEO Official
14–16. Printed Name, Signature (if available), and Date of Individual (individual reviews and signs before receiving a copy)
Pro tips for EEO officials:
- Always emphasize the 45-day limit in writing and verbally.
- Provide the individual a copy of the completed form (mail first-class or email if agreed).
- Retain the original for 3 years.
Where to Download the Official DA Form 7509 PDF (2026)?
✅ Official & Most Current Version (JUL 2024):
Download DA Form 7509 PDF here
Always download directly from armypubs.army.mil to ensure you have the latest, fillable, and compliant version. Third-party sites may have outdated or altered forms.
Related Army EEO Forms You May Need
- DA Form 7510 — EEO Counselor’s Report (pre-complaint intake)
- DA Form 2590 — Formal Complaint of Discrimination
- AR 690-600 — Full regulation (available on Army Publishing Directorate)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I file an anonymous inquiry?
A: Information inquiries can be handled without full identifying information initially, but a signed copy is typically provided/requested for the official record.
Q: Does filling out DA Form 7509 start a formal complaint?
A: No. It is strictly for information gathering and does not initiate the pre-complaint or formal process.
Q: What if I decide to file after the information inquiry?
A: Contact your servicing EEO office immediately. The 45-day limit still applies from the original incident date.
Q: Where do I send the completed form?
A: EEO officials retain the original; the individual receives a copy. No external mailing is required unless the individual requests it.
Q: Is this form only for military personnel?
A: No — it is specifically for civilian employees, applicants, and certain contractors. Military members use different Equal Opportunity channels (e.g., DA Form 7279).
Protect Your Rights — Contact Your EEO Office Today
Understanding and using DA Form 7509 correctly ensures your rights under federal EEO law are protected from the very first contact. Whether you’re seeking general information or ready to move forward with a complaint, the Army’s EEO program is designed to provide fair, timely, and confidential assistance.
Download the latest DA Form 7509 now and reach out to your local servicing EEO office for assistance. Early contact is the best way to protect your rights and resolve concerns efficiently.