DA Form 8028: US Army Reserve Bar to Continued Service

DA Form 8028: US Army Reserve Bar to Continued Service – U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) Soldiers and commanders searching for clear guidance on the DA Form 8028—officially titled the U.S. Army Reserve Bar to Continued Services Certificate—have come to the right place. This official form documents a commander’s recommendation to bar a Soldier from continued service or reenlistment in the USAR. It serves as a key administrative tool under Army regulations to maintain high standards while giving Soldiers an opportunity to rehabilitate and improve.

Whether you are a USAR Soldier facing a potential bar, a commander initiating one, or a career counselor assisting with retention, this guide explains everything you need to know. We cover the purpose, when it applies, step-by-step procedures, how to complete the form, and the official DA Form 8028 PDF download. All information is drawn from trusted, current U.S. Army sources including AR 140-111, Army Directive 2016-19, and the Army Publishing Directorate.

What Is DA Form 8028?

DA Form 8028 is the official U.S. Army form used exclusively by the U.S. Army Reserve to initiate, document, and process a Bar to Continued Service (previously referred to as a Bar to Reenlistment). It replaces the older DA Form 4126-R for USAR Soldiers only.

  • Release date: March 1, 2018 (current version available via the Army Publishing Directorate).
  • Proponent: Office of the Chief, Army Reserve (OCAR).
  • Governing regulation: AR 140-111 (U.S. Army Reserve Reenlistment Program), Chapter 1, Section VII, with procedures aligned to Army Retention Program policies in AR 601-280, Chapter 8 (updated terminology via Army Directive 2016-19).

The form certifies that a commander has determined a Soldier is untrainable, unsuitable, or otherwise not meeting the standards required for continued USAR membership in any status (Troop Program Unit, Individual Ready Reserve, or Active Guard Reserve/AGR).

Important: This is not a punitive action like court-martial or separation. It is a rehabilitative tool designed to give Soldiers notice and a chance to correct deficiencies before reenlistment decisions or potential involuntary separation.

Why Does the Army Use DA Form 8028?

The U.S. Army Reserve requires Soldiers of “high moral character, personal competence, and demonstrated adaptability.” A bar to continued service protects the force by preventing reenlistment of those who consistently fall short while providing due process.

Common reasons for initiation include:

  • Repeated failures to meet physical fitness, body composition, or weapons qualification standards.
  • Substandard performance, attitude, or military bearing.
  • Failure to maintain a Family Care Plan (when required).
  • Other indicators of unsuitability or untrainability that do not warrant immediate separation.

A bar is not appropriate for:

  • Soldiers assigned to a unit for less than 90 days (30 days for AGR).
  • Actions that should use courts-martial, non-judicial punishment, or direct separation instead.

Step-by-Step Process: How a Bar to Continued Service Works in the USAR?

  1. Initiation — The company-level commander (or any commander in the chain) prepares DA Form 8028 and counsels the Soldier using a DA Form 4856.
  2. Soldier Review — The Soldier receives the form, reviews the reasons, and has 7 days (extendable) to submit a written statement or rebuttal.
  3. Command Review & Approval — The packet moves through the chain of command for approval/disapproval. The approving authority is typically the first Lieutenant Colonel or higher (depending on years of service).
  4. Flagging — The Soldier is flagged under AR 600-8-2 (Suspension of Favorable Personnel Actions).
  5. Periodic Review — The bar is reviewed at least every 90 days. If not removed, the commander must consider initiating separation proceedings under AR 135-178.
  6. Appeal — Soldiers may appeal an approved bar within 7 days; appeals go to the next higher commander.
  7. Removal — Only the original approving authority (or higher) can remove the bar once the Soldier demonstrates sustained improvement.

If the bar remains in place and is not lifted, it can lead to involuntary separation at the end of the current term of service.

How to Fill Out DA Form 8028? (Simple Instructions)

The current DA Form 8028 is a fillable PDF. Here is a high-level overview of the main sections (exact layout follows the official form):

  • Soldier Information — Name, SSN, rank, unit, ETS date, total service, etc.
  • Section I – Commander’s Recommendation — Commander checks the appropriate block:
    • Bar from continued service in the USAR in any status or category, OR
    • Bar from continuing service on active duty in a USAR AGR status.
  • Reasons for Bar — Detailed, factual explanation with supporting documentation (counseling statements, APFT failures, etc.).
  • Section II – Soldier’s Review — Soldier acknowledges receipt, provides statement (if desired), and signs.
  • Endorsements & Approvals — Chain of command signatures and decisions.
  • Counseling & Appeal Blocks — Additional counseling and appeal documentation.

Pro Tip: Always attach supporting documents and ensure the Soldier receives a copy. Career counselors and S1 personnel should review for regulatory compliance before forwarding.

Official Download:
Download the latest DA Form 8028 PDF here (Direct from armypubs.army.mil – always use the most current version).

What Happens After the Bar Is Approved?

  • The bar is filed in the Soldier’s Army Military Human Resource Record (AMHRR) performance folder.
  • Reenlistment or extension is denied.
  • The Soldier remains eligible for current-term obligations but faces potential separation if the bar is not lifted.
  • Demonstrated improvement (e.g., passing APFT, positive counseling) can lead to removal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About DA Form 8028

Q: Is DA Form 8028 the same as DA Form 4126?
A: No. DA Form 4126 is used for Regular Army and certain other components. DA Form 8028 is the USAR-specific form (it replaced DA Form 4126-R for Reserve Soldiers).

Q: Can a Soldier fight a DA Form 8028 bar?
A: Yes. Soldiers have the right to submit a rebuttal statement and, after approval, file an appeal within 7 days.

Q: Does a bar automatically end my career?
A: No. It is meant to be rehabilitative. Many bars are removed after the Soldier corrects deficiencies.

Q: Where can I find the full regulation?
A: AR 140-111 (U.S. Army Reserve Reenlistment Program) and DA PAM 601-280 (for related retention procedures).

Q: Who should I talk to if I receive one?
A: Immediately contact your unit career counselor, JAG (legal assistance), or chain of command. This is not legal advice—consult official Army resources.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Standards While Supporting Soldiers

The DA Form 8028 ensures the U.S. Army Reserve remains strong by addressing substandard performance early. At the same time, it gives Soldiers a clear path to demonstrate they deserve to continue serving.

If you are a USAR Soldier, commander, or family member needing this form, download it directly from the official Army Publishing Directorate link above. Always verify the latest version on armypubs.army.mil and follow your local command guidance.

Need more help?

  • Visit the official Army Publishing Directorate: armypubs.army.mil
  • Review AR 140-111 on the Army Publishing Directorate website.
  • Contact your unit retention or career counselor for personalized assistance.