Blank Army Certificate Da 87 PDF Template

1. What is the Army Certificate DA Form 87?

   The Army Certificate DA Form 87 is an official document used by the Department of the Army. It serves as a formal recognition that an individual has successfully completed a specific training program. The form records the name of the person who completed the training, the title of the training course, as well as where and when this training occurred. It is an important record for both the individual and the organization, highlighting accomplishments and competencies gained.

2. Who needs to fill out the DA Form 87?

   The DA Form 87 is typically completed by a supervisor or an instructor responsible for the training program. They are tasked with filling out the form accurately to ensure that it reflects the participant's successful completion of the training. It's also their responsibility to distribute the completed forms appropriately, which often means providing a copy to the individual and ensuring another copy is kept on file within the department or training institution.

3. How is the DA Form 87 used?

   The DA Form 87 is used primarily as a record-keeping tool within the Army. For the individual, it serves as proof of their qualification and training achievements, which can be crucial for career advancement, reassignment, or specialized duty appointments. For the Army, it helps in maintaining a comprehensive record of the training that has been given, facilitating planning and ensuring regulatory compliance. This form can also be used for auditing and verification purposes, to confirm that personnel have received mandatory training.

4. What information is required on the DA Form 87?

   When filling out the DA Form 87, certain information must be included to ensure its validity. This information includes the full name of the individual who has completed the training, the specific title of the training course, and the location where the training was held. Additionally, the date of completion must be clearly stated. It's crucial that this information is accurate and legible to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation of the certification's validity.

5. Where can one obtain a DA Form 87?

   The DA Form 87 can typically be obtained through several channels within the Army. Often, it is available through administrative offices or directly from the department or unit responsible for the training program. In today's digital age, it is also increasingly common for such forms to be accessible online through official Army websites or digital records management systems. Individuals or supervisors in need of the form should start by checking the resources available within their specific command or unit for the most direct access.

When filling out the Army Certificate DA Form 87 for training accomplishments, it's important to do so accurately and comprehensively. However, many individuals make errors during this process. Here are ten common mistakes to avoid:

1. Failing to double-check the spelling of the recipient's name: The name should exactly match official records to ensure recognition and proper documentation.
2. Overlooking the training completion date: This date is crucial for records and should be accurately recorded.
3. Not specifying the nature of the training: Merely stating that training was completed without detailing the type can lead to confusion and diminish the value of the certificate.
4. Omitting the location of the training: Given can mean the physical or virtual location where the training was conducted, and failing to provide this information compromises the document’s completeness.
5. Misidentifying the form version: Using outdated forms or not adhering to the correct form version, such as DA Form 87, 1 Oct 78, can lead to processing delays.
6. Incorrect use of military dates: The military format of date documentation is standard and errors here can lead to misunderstandings.
7. Sloppy or illegible handwriting: If the form is filled out by hand, poor penmanship can lead to errors in record-keeping and cause significant issues.
8. Forgetting to include the instructor's details: The instructor or official who conducted the training should be clearly identified for verification purposes.
9. Not utilizing the remarks section effectively: This section is vital for noting any special circumstances, exceptions, or additional qualifications that may not be apparent elsewhere on the form.
10. Failing to secure the necessary signatures: The form often requires signatures from multiple parties for validation, and overlooking this step can invalidate the certificate.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures that the Army Certificate DA Form 87 accurately reflects the training completed and upholds the integrity of the administrative process.

The Army Certificate DA 87 form is a crucial document in recognizing the successful completion of various training programs within the Department of the Army. This certification not only acknowledges the dedication and efforts of the individual but also plays a significant role when it comes to career advancement and skill verification. Alongside the DA 87 form, there are other essential forms and documents often utilized to ensure a comprehensive understanding and record-keeping of an individual's training and development within the military framework.

• DA Form 638: This form is used for recommending awards and decorations for army personnel. It documents achievements and honors that supplement the training achievements noted on the DA 87.
• DD Form 214: Upon discharge, retirement, or release from active duty, this document is issued. It summarizes the service member's career, including training and awards, which can correlate with the credentials on the DA 87.
• DA Form 1059: Utilized to record service school academic evaluations, providing detailed information on the individual's performance and achievements during military schooling, often complementing the training noted on the DA 87.
• DA Form 3349: This form provides physical profile information, which could be necessary to determine an individual's eligibility for specific training programs recorded on the DA 87.
• DA Form 31: Request and Authority for Leave form is often accompanying the DA 87 when training involves leave periods. It documents the official leave taken by the service member.
• DA Form 705: The Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard is critical for training records, especially if the training on the DA 87 involves physical readiness tests or assessments.
• DA Form 2028: This form is for recommending changes to publications and blank forms, including potential updates to the DA 87 form or related training documentation procedures.
• DA Form 5500/5501: Body Fat Content Worksheets are crucial for keeping track of physical conditioning, potentially influencing the type and level of training documented on the DA 87.
• DA Form 4187: Personnel Action form is often used in conjunction with the DA 87 for documenting requests for training, reassignments, extra rations, and other personnel actions that impact a soldier's career and training records.

Each document plays a specific role in the comprehensive tracking and management of military personnel's careers. The use of these forms, alongside the Army Certificate DA 87 form, ensures a well-documented and recognized path of training and achievements, essential for career development and personal growth within the army. Understanding and properly managing these forms are fundamental responsibilities for those handling military personnel records and career advancements.

• The DD Form 214, also known as the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, parallels the DA Form 87 in its purpose to record an individual’s completion of service requirements, albeit at the termination of military service. While the DA Form 87 certifies the accomplishment of a specific training, the DD Form 214 provides a comprehensive summary of a service member's military career, including training, awards, and the reason for discharge.

• The Army Form 1059, or Service School Academic Evaluation Report, is similar to the DA Form 87 in that it documents the evaluation of a service member's performance in a training course. However, the Form 1059 goes deeper into assessing specific competencies, leadership qualities, and academic achievements, serving as a detailed report on the individual's capabilities and performance during their training period.

• Joint Service Transcript (JST) shares resemblances with the DA Form 87 by detailing the professional military education, training courses, and occupational experiences of a service member. Unlike the DA Form 87, which certifies completion of a single training event, the JST provides a broader overview of the accumulated educational achievements that can be translated into college credits for civilian use.

• The Certificate of Completion for Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development (DA Form 1059-1), akin to the DA Form 87, formally acknowledges the successful completion of specific stages of professional military education. While DA Form 87 might cover a wide range of training types, the DA Form 1059-1 is focused on the professional development necessary for noncommissioned officers, signifying crucial milestones in their career trajectory.

When filling out the Army Certificate DA 87 form, it's crucial to provide accurate and clear information to ensure the document's validity and professionalism. To assist in this process, here are lists of do's and don'ts to follow:

Things You Should Do:

1. Double-check the name and rank of the recipient to ensure they are correctly spelled and appropriately titled.
2. Clearly state the specific training course or activity completed, including any relevant course numbers or titles.
3. Include the location where the training was given, ensuring it matches official records or documentation.
4. Use the correct date format as specified by military standards, usually written as DD MMM YYYY.
5. Ensure the individual authorized to certify the training signs and dates the form, verifying the authenticity of the completion.

Things You Shouldn't Do:

• Avoid leaving any blank spaces that should contain specific information; if a section does not apply, mark it as N/A (Not Applicable).
• Do not use nicknames or abbreviations for the recipient's name or the training title, as it may cause confusion or misidentification.
• Refrain from using erasable ink or pencil; always fill out the form in permanent, black ink to ensure legibility and longevity of the document.
• Avoid any form of alterations or erasures on the form; if a mistake is made, it's best to start with a fresh form to maintain a professional appearance.
• Do not forget to review the entire form for accuracy and completeness before submitting it for official records.

When it comes to understanding military forms, misconceptions can lead to confusion. This is particularly true for the Army Certificate DA Form 87, which is used to recognize successful completion of a specific training. Here are four common misconceptions about the DA Form 87:

• It’s only for combat training: Some believe that DA Form 87 is used exclusively for combat or physical training certification. However, it's actually used to document completion of any officially sanctioned Army training program, which can range from administrative tasks to technical skill acquisition.
• It automatically leads to promotions: Another misconception is that receiving a DA Form 87 guarantees a promotion. While successful completion of training documented by this form can be a positive factor in a personnel file, promotions are based on a comprehensive review of all qualifications and contributions, not just training certificates.
• Any Army personnel can issue it: Not every Army member has the authority to issue a DA Form 87. Only authorized personnel, such as training officers or commanders, can officially sign and distribute these certificates. This ensures the training’s validity and standardization across the Army.
• It's the same as a diploma: Finally, there’s a belief that the DA Form 87 is equivalent to a civilian diploma or degree. While it signifies the completion of training, it is specific to the Army and outlines the acquisition of skills or knowledge as per military standards and requirements, not academic achievements.

Understanding these aspects of the DA Form 87 helps both military personnel and civilians appreciate the form's role and significance within the Army's training and development framework.

The Army Certificate DA 87 form serves as an official record acknowledging the successful completion of a specific training program within the Department of the Army. It is imperative for participants and administrators alike to understand the intricacies of filling out and utilizing this document accurately. Here are key takeaways to consider:

• Accuracy is paramount when completing the DA 87 form. Every piece of information provided should be double-checked for correctness to ensure that the certificate accurately reflects the training completed and the individual's achievements.
• The location and date of the training are crucial details that must be documented precisely. These elements not only provide a context for the certification but also assist in maintaining organized records for future reference.
• Given its formal nature, the DA 87 certificate needs to be handled with care. Once filled out, it should be stored in a secure location, protecting it from damage or loss, as it serves as evidence of the individual's professional development.
• Signature verification is a critical final step in the completion process of the Army Certificate DA 87. The signature of an authorized officer not only validates the document but also endorses the authenticity of the training received. Therefore, ensuring this section is duly filled and verified is non-negotiable.