Posted on Jul 5, 2014
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The DA 31 is a relatively simple form to fill out in order to request leave. It is completely digital, and can be filled out, signed and submitted without printing it out until you need your own copy with control number. My question is why have Army units created leave packets that have to be submitted? What is the purpose of a cover sheet, a strip map, a fake flight itinerary (I say fake because I personally never purchase tickets until I am approved), POV inspection even if SM is flying, TRiPs report (which is also digital but need to print that out, LES, DUI counseling, last PT test, etc etc ad nauseam, and that is not even going into trying to take leave OCUNUS which is a whole other level of ridiculousness.
Someone smarter than me, please enlighten me as to why this is necessary.
Someone smarter than me, please enlighten me as to why this is necessary.
Vacation
Leave
Paperwork
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 28
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CPT Eric Diaz I can't say I'm smarter than you, but I'll give it shot as to providing an explanation. BLUF: It's called CYA.
Too often in today's society, if something goes wrong with a Soldier, the media or congress is quick to blame the leadership. We didn't train the Soldier to know he shouldn't drive 15hrs right after a COB formation, we didn't counsel them on how it's not right to drink and drive, etc...So we have created a bureaucracy that exists just to process admin paperwork for the sake of providing evidence during the congressional inquiry that might follow. Perhaps if we (as a society) actually allow the Soldier to accept some individual responsibility, all this wouldn't be necessary.
Too often in today's society, if something goes wrong with a Soldier, the media or congress is quick to blame the leadership. We didn't train the Soldier to know he shouldn't drive 15hrs right after a COB formation, we didn't counsel them on how it's not right to drink and drive, etc...So we have created a bureaucracy that exists just to process admin paperwork for the sake of providing evidence during the congressional inquiry that might follow. Perhaps if we (as a society) actually allow the Soldier to accept some individual responsibility, all this wouldn't be necessary.
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SSG (Join to see)
it can also be considered a "hold over" from a pre-computer era. There are units that still require 5 copies of you DA 31 (with carbon paper - the only reason it still exists)
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CW2 (Join to see)
Absolutely correct. I freaking hate that mess. It's mounds and mounds of paperwork. I love how Trips tells you if you aren't driving it's not necessary but you get the "well do it from home to the airport" or something.
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1SG (Join to see)
CW2 (Join to see) that's exactly what my last CO said! Do a trips from your house to the airport!
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SSG (Join to see)
Coversheet
DA31 (digital or ink)
LES
TRiPS
POV Inspection
strip map
....and I've even had to submit proof of insurance and a valid drivers license.
My S1 was in paperwork up to his eyeballs. And it's all unnecessary.
There was a time (mid 1990's) when we were going to become a paperless military; and everyone printed out the email and posted it on the duty board.
DA31 (digital or ink)
LES
TRiPS
POV Inspection
strip map
....and I've even had to submit proof of insurance and a valid drivers license.
My S1 was in paperwork up to his eyeballs. And it's all unnecessary.
There was a time (mid 1990's) when we were going to become a paperless military; and everyone printed out the email and posted it on the duty board.
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So that you will leave a paper trail long enough for them to find you.
ba-dum, dum!
ba-dum, dum!
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