Fillable Form DA 4187 (2026)

Form DA 4187, Personnel Action, is the U.S. Army document used to request or record a personnel action for a Soldier. Army personnel prepare it under DA PAM 600-8 procedures. Common requests include reassignment, training, changes in duty status, and other actions that affect a Soldier’s service record or career.

The form gives the Soldier or requesting official space to identify the action and explain why it is needed. The request then goes through the proper chain of command. A commander or other authorized official may recommend approval, approve the request, or deny it, based on the action and Army rules. An accurate DA 4187 example can help you understand the format, but the required details and supporting documents depend on the specific request.

A Soldier uses Form DA 4187 to request a personnel action, such as leave, training, reassignment, a name change, promotion, rank change, or special duty. It can also record a change in duty status or a move to another unit or duty station. A DA 4187 stop meal deductions request may apply when a Soldier’s meal entitlement changes.

The request gives the commander the details needed to approve or deny the action. Once the commander makes a decision, the completed form records that decision for the Soldier’s personnel file and supports the related administrative update.

PDFLeader has a blank DA Form 4187 preloaded in our browser-based editor, so you do not need to download a template from another site. The U.S. Department of the Army issues the form, and the proponent agency is the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1 (DCS, G-1).

You can also find the official DA Form 4187 PDF through the Army Publishing Directorate, sometimes located by searching for DA Form 4187 Army Pubs. PDFLeader lets you fill out and download the completed form for future use, but it does not file or submit it.

Once you have completed and downloaded DA Form 4187, give it to your immediate supervisor or commander for verification and any required signature. Then send it to your unit’s S1 or personnel office for processing and filing. The S1 routes it through the chain of command and, if needed, to a higher approval authority or personnel command.

Follow your unit’s instructions for delivery. You may submit a printed copy in person to the S1, or use a secure portal if your unit allows electronic submission. Use mail only when the unit or receiving authority directs you to do so. There is no single portal, mailing address, or delivery method for every Army unit.

Soldiers complete Form DA 4187 when requesting a personnel action on their own behalf, such as reassignment, reclassification, or leave. A unit commander or authorized representative must complete and sign the required section to certify or recommend the request. Other authorized recommenders may add endorsements based on the type of action.

After completion, unit personnel staff and the proper approval authority process the form. Depending on the request, the Military Personnel Data Center and Human Resources Command may review it and send the approved information to the relevant records office, promotion work center, or designated chief. The Soldier then receives any resulting orders or assignment instructions.

You can add a simple electronic signature to Form DA 4187 on PDFLeader, then download it. Army guidance calls for either a handwritten signature on a printed copy or a CAC digital signature, which PDFLeader does not support. Check the latest Army updates before signing. If required, print and sign the form by hand or add your CAC digital signature elsewhere, then send it to your commander. PDFLeader does not submit the form.

Before completing DA Form 4187, have the To, Thru, and From routing details, including your rank, name, and unit. For Section I, gather your grade or rank, name in last, first, middle initial order, PMOS or AOC, Social Security number or DOD ID number, and any required mailing addresses. For Section II, confirm the Prior Duty Status, New Duty Status, and Effective Date/Time.

For Section III, know which personnel action you are requesting and what to enter under Other, if needed. Prepare details for Section IV – Remarks. Keep any documents that confirm the request, duty status, or effective date ready if your unit requires them. Section V needs the Commander/Authorized Representative’s determination. The Soldier and approving official must complete the required signature and DATE (YYYYMMDD) blocks.

Form DA 4187 has no fixed universal due date. The deadline depends on the personnel request or action and your unit’s rules.

Prepare and submit the form before the Soldier’s eligibility date so there is enough time to process the request and start any related entitlements on time. Submit it as early as your situation allows. Check the exact timeline with your unit’s administrative office or chain of command, since local requirements and processing times may vary.

Form DA 4187 is not required when the personnel action falls outside U.S. Army procedures or an action-specific form applies. Civilians and members of other military branches follow their own administrative rules. For example, Army personnel may use DA Form 3838 for certain civilian or professional training not held on a military installation.

You may not need to complete the form yourself if a commander or HR office starts it to record an action. This does not remove the Army’s need for the form. DA PAM 600-8 and AR 600-8-6 guide the decision based on the specific personnel action. They do not set broad exemptions based on time or dollar amounts.