DD Form 3233: Lost or Recovered Arms, Ammo & Explosive – DD Form 3233 is the official Department of Defense form titled “Lost or Recovered Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives Report.” The current edition is dated September 5, 2025, and is managed by the Executive Services Directorate under the Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security. This standardized form supports DoD-wide accountability for sensitive conventional arms, ammunition, and explosives (AA&E).
The form is available exclusively through the official DoD Forms Management Program. U.S. military personnel, DoD civilians, and authorized contractors use it to document incidents involving the loss or recovery of AA&E items under DoD control.
Purpose of the Lost or Recovered Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives Report
The primary purpose of DD Form 3233 is to provide a uniform method for reporting the loss or recovery of arms, ammunition, and explosives. Accurate reporting helps prevent diversion of sensitive items, supports investigations, and fulfills statutory and regulatory obligations.
Under DoD Instruction 5100.76, “Safeguarding Sensitive Conventional Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives (AA&E),” DoD Component heads must report lost, missing, or stolen AA&E to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (OUSD(I&S)), Security Policy and Oversight Directorate. DD Form 3233 serves as the designated vehicle for these reports.
Additionally, 10 U.S.C. § 2722 requires the Secretary of Defense to report the theft or loss of ammunition, destructive devices, or explosive materials from DoD stocks to the Secretary of the Treasury within 72 hours of discovery when possible.
When and Who Must Submit DD Form 3233
DoD Components that possess AA&E are required to investigate and report confirmed losses, thefts, and recoveries. According to DoD Manual 5100.76, “Physical Security of Sensitive Conventional Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives,” reporting applies to Security Risk Category (SRC) I–IV and certain uncategorized AA&E.
Typical situations requiring DD Form 3233 include:
- Confirmed theft or loss of weapons, missiles, rockets, or significant quantities of ammunition
- Recovery of previously reported missing AA&E
- Inventory discrepancies that cannot be resolved as simple accounting errors after investigation
- Incidents involving items that present a risk of diversion, misuse, or public safety concerns
Commanders and responsible officers must initiate reports promptly. Service-specific guidance (such as Marine Corps MLSR procedures) often requires initial notification within 24–48 hours, with formal documentation following shortly thereafter.
Key Reporting Requirements Under DoD Policy
DoDM 5100.76 outlines specific expectations for AA&E incident reporting:
- Thorough investigation to determine whether a loss resulted from theft, abandonment, misappropriation, or inventory error
- Notification to the supporting Defense Criminal Investigative Organization (DCIO)
- Reporting of confirmed incidents to OUSD(I&S) within 72 hours for significant cases
- Entry of stolen or recovered DoD small arms into the National Crime Information Center and the DoD Small Arms Central Registry
- Notification to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for applicable thefts and losses
Reports generally include a summary of circumstances, dates and locations, units involved, quantities of AA&E, and any potential for media attention or elevated threat.
How to Obtain and Complete DD Form 3233?
The official, fillable PDF of DD Form 3233 is hosted on the Washington Headquarters Services website. Always download the form directly from the authoritative source to ensure you have the current edition.
Download DD Form 3233 (September 5, 2025 edition):
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/forms/dd/dd3233.pdf
For questions about form use, contact the Office of Primary Responsibility:
Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security
[email protected]
Users should complete the form accurately, retain copies according to records-management requirements, and submit it through their chain of command or designated security channels. Do not use unofficial or outdated versions of the form.
Related DoD Policies and Resources
Understanding the broader framework helps ensure compliance:
- DoD Instruction 5100.76 – Establishes overall policy for safeguarding sensitive conventional AA&E
- DoD Manual 5100.76 – Provides detailed physical security standards and reporting procedures
- Official DD Form 3233 page on the Executive Services Directorate website
- Service-specific regulations (for example, Army AR 190-11 or Marine Corps messages on MLSR reporting) that implement DoD requirements at the unit level
Why Accurate AA&E Reporting Matters?
Lost or stolen arms, ammunition, and explosives can pose serious risks to public safety, national security, and mission readiness. Timely and accurate use of DD Form 3233 enables rapid investigation, recovery efforts, and corrective actions. It also supports DoD’s legal obligation under 10 U.S.C. § 2722 and helps maintain the integrity of the logistics and security systems that protect sensitive conventional munitions across the United States and worldwide.
Personnel responsible for AA&E accountability should familiarize themselves with both the form and the governing policies. When in doubt, consult your unit security manager, physical security officer, or the designated OUSD(I&S) point of contact.
Download the Official Form Today
Stay compliant with the latest DoD requirements by using only the official September 5, 2025 edition of DD Form 3233. Download it directly from the Washington Headquarters Services portal:
Download DD Form 3233 – Lost or Recovered Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives Report (PDF)
This page is intended for U.S. Department of Defense personnel, authorized contractors, and individuals with official need-to-know regarding AA&E accountability. Always follow your component’s supplemental guidance and chain-of-command procedures when completing and submitting the report.