DA Form 8021-R PDF | Miscellaneous Pest Identification (LRA) – If you serve in the US Army, work in preventive medicine (PVNTMED), or support installation pest management programs, you know accurate pest identification is critical for protecting Soldier health, readiness, and facilities. DA Form 8021-R, officially titled Miscellaneous Pest Identification (LRA), is the standardized tool used across Army installations for documenting lab-confirmed identifications of collected pests that fall outside routine mosquito, cockroach, or rodent surveillance forms.
This article provides everything you need to know about DA Form 8021-R—its purpose, how it fits into the Army’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, who uses it, how to complete it, and where to download the official PDF. Whether you’re a Preventive Medicine Specialist, Installation Pest Management Coordinator (IPMC), or entomology support personnel, this guide will help you use the form correctly and stay compliant with current Army public health standards.
What Is DA Form 8021-R?
DA Form 8021-R is a Department of the Army form dated December 1991 (still the current version hosted on armypubs.army.mil). The “LRA” designation stands for Local Reproduction Authorized, meaning units and installations may reproduce it locally as needed.
- Full Title: Miscellaneous Pest Identification (LRA)
- For use of this form, see: TB MED 561 – Occupational and Environmental Health Pest Surveillance (June 1992)
- Proponent Agency: Office of The Surgeon General (OTSG)
The form works in tandem with DA Form 8020-R (Miscellaneous Pest Collection). PVNTMED teams collect unknown or miscellaneous arthropods (ticks, fleas, flies, spiders, etc.) using the collection form, then ship specimens to the US Army Environmental Hygiene Agency (USAEHA, now part of the Army Public Health Center) for expert identification. USAEHA returns the completed DA Form 8021-R with the species identification, sex/stage counts, and any control recommendations.
This process ensures precise data for IPM decisions, resistance monitoring, and disease-vector tracking on US Army bases nationwide.
Why DA Form 8021-R Matters in US Army Pest Surveillance?
Army installations face unique pest pressures—from disease-carrying ticks and mosquitoes to stored-product insects and structural pests. Accurate identification directly supports:
- Disease Prevention: Identifying vectors of Lyme disease, West Nile virus, or other threats.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Prioritizing non-chemical controls before pesticides, per AR 40-5 and DA PAM 40-11.
- Compliance and Reporting: Data feeds into installation pest management plans (IPMP), annual trend reports, and public health dashboards.
- Operational Readiness: Protects training areas, barracks, dining facilities, and field operations from pest-related disruptions.
TB MED 561 remains the foundational reference for these programs, and DA Form 8021-R is explicitly part of the miscellaneous pest surveillance workflow. It continues to appear in current Integrated Pest Management Plans (IPMPs) and DA PAM 40-11 Army Public Health Program (18 May 2020).
When and Who Uses DA Form 8021-R?
Primary Users:
- Preventive Medicine (PVNTMED) technicians and entomologists
- Installation Pest Management Coordinators (IPMC)
- Veterinary Food Inspectors and food sanitation teams
- Contract pest control providers supporting Army installations
Typical Scenarios:
- Surveillance in barracks, dining facilities, training areas, or warehouses where standard forms (e.g., DA 8013-R for cockroaches) don’t apply
- Suspected disease vectors or unusual arthropods
- Post-treatment verification or resistance testing
- Shipping specimens for laboratory confirmation
How to Fill Out DA Form 8021-R? (Step-by-Step)
The one-page fillable form captures essential collection and identification data. Key fields typically include:
- Installation – Name of the Army post or facility
- Collection Number – Matches the number from DA Form 8020-R
- Collection Date
- Density – Estimate of pest numbers (e.g., low/medium/high or actual count)
- Habitat/Host – Where the specimen was found (e.g., barracks, vegetation, stored products)
- Collection Method – Trap type, hand collection, drag sheet, etc.
- Collector – Name and unit of the person who collected the specimen
- Species Identified – Scientific name (filled by USAEHA)
- Numbers – Breakdown by a. Male, b. Female, c. Immature
- Identified By – Name of the entomologist/lab
- Remarks – Control recommendations, notes on disease potential, or resistance data
- Date (identification date)
Pro Tips:
- Always cross-reference the collection number with DA Form 8020-R for chain-of-custody.
- Submit specimens promptly with proper preservation (usually 70% ethanol).
- Keep one copy in PVNTMED records and forward another to the IPMC or relevant units.
Detailed procedures and examples are in TB MED 561 (available through official Army channels).
Where to Download the Official DA Form 8021-R PDF?
Official Source:
Download DA Form 8021-R PDF here – Hosted directly by the Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil).
Always use the official link to ensure you have the latest authorized version. The form is fillable and locally reproducible.
Related Forms and Regulations
- DA Form 8020-R → Miscellaneous Pest Collection (the companion form)
- TB MED 561 → Occupational and Environmental Health Pest Surveillance (core guidance)
- DA PAM 40-11 → Army Public Health Program (2020) – Current policy on entomological services and pest management
- AR 40-5 → Preventive Medicine
- Other pest-specific forms: DA 8010-R through 8019-R series (mosquitoes, cockroaches, ticks, rodents, etc.)
Benefits of Proper Use of DA Form 8021-R
Accurate completion supports:
- Faster response to emerging pest threats
- Data-driven IPM decisions that reduce pesticide use and costs
- Protection of Soldiers, families, and civilians on Army installations across the United States
- Compliance with federal and DoD environmental and public health standards
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is DA Form 8021-R still current in 2026?
A: Yes. It remains the active form listed on armypubs.army.mil and is referenced in current IPM plans and DA PAM 40-11.
Q: Can civilians or contractors use it?
A: Contractors supporting Army pest control programs use it under the direction of the IPMC and PVNTMED.
Q: Where do I send specimens for identification?
A: Follow TB MED 561 instructions—typically to the US Army Public Health Center or designated regional entomology lab.
Q: What does LRA mean?
A: Local Reproduction Authorized—units may print their own copies.
Final Thoughts
DA Form 8021-R is a small but essential piece of the US Army’s robust preventive medicine and IPM framework. Proper use helps keep installations pest-free, reduces disease risk, and supports mission readiness from Fort Liberty to Joint Base Lewis-McChord and everywhere in between.
Bookmark the official download link and review TB MED 561 for full procedures. Need the companion collection form? Search for DA Form 8020-R on armypubs.army.mil.
For questions about pest surveillance on your installation, contact your local PVNTMED service or IPMC—they’re your best resource for hands-on guidance.
Official Download: DA Form 8021-R PDF
Stay proactive, document accurately, and keep your installation healthy and mission-ready.