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Frequently Asked Questions about the DA Form 268

1. What is the DA Form 268?

The DA Form 268, also known as the Report to Suspend Favorable Personnel Actions (Flag), is a document used by the United States Army. This form serves to report actions that suspend any favorable personnel actions, or "flags," on a soldier's record. These actions could be due to various reasons, including adverse actions, physical fitness test failures, and more. The form is regulated by AR 600-8-2, with the DCS, G-1 as the proponent agency.

2. When is a DA Form 268 initiated?

A DA Form 268 is initiated under several circumstances, such as adverse actions against a soldier, failure to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), weight control program issues, and security violations, among others listed under Section II of the form. These situations warrant the suspension of favorable personnel actions until they are resolved.

3. How can a flag be removed from a soldier's record?

The removal of a flag requires the initiation of Section III of the DA Form 268. Flags can be removed for various reasons, including when a case is closed favorably for the soldier, if the flagging was found to be erroneous, or after other final action has been completed. The date and reason for the flag removal are documented on the form.

4. What are transferable and non-transferable flags?

Flags are categorized as either transferable or non-transferable, depending on the nature of the flag. Transferable flags, such as those initiated for law enforcement investigations or commander's investigations, can be transferred with the soldier to a new unit. Non-transferable flags, like those for APFT failure or adverse action, remain with the soldier's current unit until they are resolved.

5. Who receives distribution of the DA Form 268?

The distribution of the completed DA Form 268 includes multiple copies sent to the unit commander, the soldier concerned, the Human Resources Command (HRC) particularly if the soldier is on a HQDA selection list, the S-1/MPD, and the commander of the gaining unit if the flag is transferable.

6. How is a DA Form 268 authenticated?

Authentication of the DA Form 268 is done in Section IV, which requires the name, rank, title, and organization of the individual initiating or removing the flag, along with their signature and the date of the action.

7. Where can one find the regulations governing the use of DA Form 268?

The regulations for the use of DA Form 268 are found in AR 600-8-2. This Army Regulation provides comprehensive guidance on reportable actions and the process for initiating and removing flags from a soldier's record.

Completing the DA Form 268, the Report to Suspend Favorable Personnel Actions (Flag), is essential yet sometimes complicated due to its detailed requirements. Here are nine common mistakes that people often make when filling out this form:

1. Incorrectly identifying the reason for the flag. Each code represents a specific reason for initiating or removing a flag. Misinterpreting these codes can lead to inappropriate actions being taken.
2. Failing to provide all necessary administrative data in Section I. This includes accurate personal information such as name, Social Security Number (SSN), rank, and unit details.
3. Omitting the effective date for the flag initiation or removal in Sections II and III. This date is crucial for tracking the duration and end of the flag status.
4. Not specifying whether the soldier is on active duty or other status in item 5, which can affect the applicability of certain flag reasons.
5. Overlooking the requirement to fill out both Sections II and IV when initiating a flag, or Sections III and IV when removing a flag, thus leaving the form incomplete.
6. Incorrectly reporting the geographical location of the station in item 7, which could cause confusion or delay in processing the form.
7. Forgetting to include the Human Resources (HR) office controlling the flagging action and its telephone number in item 8. This contact information is essential for follow-up and verification.
8. Choosing the wrong flag code, especially confusing non-transferable and transferable flags, which can lead to significant administrative errors.
9. Not obtaining or providing the necessary authentication in Section IV, including the name, rank, title, and organization of the authorizing officer, along with their signature and the date.

Being attentive to these details can prevent delays and ensure that the process of initiating or removing a flag is done accurately and efficiently.

The DA Form 268, titled "Report to Suspend Favorable Personnel Actions (Flag)," serves a critical function within the administrative scope of the United States Army. Its primary purpose is to either initiate or remove a flag on a service member's record, contingent upon specific circumstances that affect their eligibility for favorable personnel actions. The employment of this form is complemented by various other documents and forms that facilitate or are necessitated by the army's administrative processes surrounding personnel actions. Here is a selection of other forms and documents that are often used in conjunction with the DA Form 268.

• DA Form 31 - Request and Authority for Leave: Utilized by soldiers to request leave from their duties, this form can be directly impacted by a flag status. A flagged soldier may face restrictions on leave approvals.
• DA Form 4856 - Developmental Counseling Form: Often used in instances leading to a flagging action, such as adverse conduct or performance issues, to document counseling sessions between leaders and the affected soldiers.
• DA Form 4187 - Personnel Action: This form is used for requests for personnel actions that might be suspended by a flag, such as reassignments, special training, reenlistment, and more.
• DA Form 638 - Recommendation for Award: Soldiers who are flagged may be ineligible for awards, making this form particularly relevant for understanding what honors a soldier might be temporarily barred from receiving.
• OER/NCOER Forms - Officer Evaluation Report / Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report: Performance evaluation reports that could be affected by or result in a flagging action, depending on the circumstances surrounding the soldier's conduct or performance.
• DA Form 5500 (Male) / DA Form 5501 (Female) - Body Fat Content Worksheet: Related to flags for non-compliance with the Army’s weight control program, these forms help document body fat measurements for soldiers.
• DA Form 3349 - Physical Profile: This document contains the medical evaluation for physical fitness, which could lead to flagging actions if a soldier is found non-compliant with fitness standards.
• DA Form 2823 - Sworn Statement: Used to document statements during investigations, which could be related to various reasons for initiating a flag, including adverse actions or law enforcement investigations.
• DA Form 6 - Duty Roster: This form, which documents the scheduling of duty, may be influenced by a soldier's flag status, affecting their eligibility for certain types of duty assignments.
• Army Memorandums and Letters: These are used for official communication regarding the specifics of a flag action, including detailing reasons for flagging and notification of involved parties.

Together, the DA Form 268 and these associated forms and documents create a web of administrative procedures that ensure fairness and accountability within the Army’s ranks. Understanding how these elements interact is essential for both leadership and the individual soldier, ensuring that everyone is aware of their rights, responsibilities, and the potential impacts of their actions on their military careers.

• The DA 4856 (Developmental Counseling Form) shares similarities with the DA 268 as both are utilized in managing and documenting certain aspects of a soldier's performance and conduct. Where the DA 268 flags personnel for adverse actions, the DA 4856 is used to counsel them on various issues, including poor performance or misconduct, providing a documented plan for improvement.

• The NCOER (Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report) and OER (Officer Evaluation Report) forms parallel the DA 268 in their function of documenting performance and conduct. However, they focus more on evaluation and assessment. They record an individual's duties, responsibilities, performance, and potential, potentially leading to adverse actions if evaluations are negative, which might involve the DA 268.

• The DA 31 (Request and Authority for Leave) form, while primarily for leave requests, relates to the DA 268 in terms of personnel management. In cases where a soldier has a flag on their record, their leave requests could be impacted or denied, underscoring how various forms interplay within Army personnel processes.

• The DA 5500 (Body Fat Content Worksheet) and DA 5501 (Female Body Fat Content Worksheet) have a connection with the DA 268 form regarding the management of the Army's Weight Control Program. Soldiers failing to meet the body fat standards may find themselves under a flag, as documented on a DA 268, impacting their career progression.

• The DA 4187 (Personnel Action) form is closely related to the DA 268 in its capacity to influence a soldier's career. The DA 4187 can be used for requests such as reassignments, duty preferences, or reenlistments, which could be directly affected by a DA 268 flag, preventing the approval of such requests until the flag is removed.

• The SF 86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions) shares a connection with the DA 268 in terms of security and suitability. Information on a DA 268, such as flags related to security violations or law enforcement investigations, could influence the adjudication of security clearances or assignments to sensitive positions, making the SF 86 a critical piece in the broader context of personnel security.

When filling out the DA Form 268, which is used to report the suspension of favorable personnel actions (flags), there are specific dos and don'ts to ensure accuracy and compliance. It's essential to follow these guidelines carefully to avoid any potential issues.

Things You Should Do:

• Review AR 600-8-2 thoroughly to understand the purpose, use, and procedures associated with the DA Form 268.
• Ensure all provided information is accurate, including personal details like name, Social Security Number (SSN), rank, and the specific reason for initiating or removing a flag.
• Consult with the Human Resources (HR) office or appropriate military personnel if there are any uncertainties about how to complete the form correctly.
• Use clear, legible handwriting if the form is filled out manually to prevent misunderstandings or processing delays.
• Verify the effective date of the action, whether initiating or removing a flag, to ensure it corresponds with the relevant event or decision.
• Retain a copy of the completed DA Form 268 for personal records and future reference, if necessary.

Things You Shouldn't Do:

• Do not leave any required fields blank. If a section does not apply, mark it as N/A (not applicable) to indicate it was not overlooked.
• Avoid guessing or providing inaccurate information, especially regarding the reason for the flag; incorrect entries can lead to unnecessary complications.
• Do not use abbreviations or codes unless they are officially recognized and relevant to the form's instructions.
• Refrain from altering the form's structure or attempting to add unauthorized sections or information.
• Avoid submitting the form without the necessary signatures, as this could invalidate the document.
• Do not overlook the distribution requirements outlined in Section IV, ensuring all relevant parties receive a copy of the form.

There are several common misconceptions about the DA Form 268, known as the Report to Suspend Favorable Personnel Actions (Flag), that need to be clarified. This form plays a crucial role in managing personnel within the Army, but misunderstandings can lead to confusion about its purpose and process.

• Misconception 1: The DA Form 268 is used only for negative actions.

This is not true. While the form is primarily associated with suspending favorable personnel actions due to various issues, such as adverse actions or failure to meet standards, it can also be used to remove a flag once the conditions that initiated the flag have been resolved. The form serves both to initiate and to remove flags, depending on the individual's circumstances.

• Misconception 2: Any Army member can initiate a DA Form 268.

Not exactly. Initiating a flag requires specific authority, typically at the command level. The form is usually initiated by commanders or HR offices with the requisite authority to do so, based on the regulations set forth by the Army. Individual soldiers or lower-ranking personnel do not have the authority to initiate this form.

• Misconception 3: The DA Form 268 will permanently affect a soldier's career.

While a flag can have serious implications, it does not necessarily have a permanent impact on a soldier's career. Flags are meant to be temporary measures. Once the issue that led to the flagging action is resolved, the flag should be removed, allowing the soldier to resume regular career progression. The form itself facilitates both the initiation and removal of flags, demonstrating the temporary nature of the action.

• Misconception 4: Flags are only related to disciplinary actions.

Flags can be initiated for various reasons beyond disciplinary actions, including administrative matters such as failure in the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) or issues within the weight control program. The form lists multiple reasons for flagging, demonstrating the wide range of issues that can lead to a suspension of favorable personnel actions.

• Misconception 5: There's no way to contest a flag once it's initiated.

Soldiers have the right to contest a flag if they believe it was erroneously placed. The Army has procedures in place to review and possibly remove an unjustly initiated flag. This process is important for ensuring fairness and accuracy in personnel management.

• Misconception 6: All flags are the same.

Flags can be either transferable or non-transferable, affecting a soldier's career in different ways. The reasons for initiating a flag, listed on the form, determine whether a flag is transferable, impacting the soldier's ability to move or be promoted within the Army. Understanding the type of flag is crucial for comprehending its consequences.

Clearing up these misconceptions about the DA Form 268 is vital for correctly understanding and navigating the Army's personnel management system. By dispelling these myths, soldiers and commanders can better manage their careers and responsibilities within the Army framework.

Filling out the DA Form 268, titled "Report to Suspend Favorable Personnel Actions (Flag)," is essential for managing personnel actions within the military. This document holds a significant role in maintaining the integrity and discipline of military personnel by documenting the suspension of favorable actions due to various reasons. Understanding the key takeaways of filling out and using DA Form 268 will ensure proper adherence to military regulations and procedures.

• Understanding the Purpose: DA Form 268 is utilized to initiate or remove a flag that suspends favorable personnel actions. These actions include promotions, reassignments, or any actions deemed favorable to the individual, which are put on hold due to adverse situations.

• Sections to Complete: The form is divided into three main sections. Section I captures administrative data; Section II is for initiating a flag, requiring detailed information on the reason for the flag; and Section III is for the removal of a flag, documenting the outcome of the situation that led to the flagging.

• Types of Flags: Flags can be initiated for various reasons, such as adverse action, weight control program failures, APFT failures, security violations, among others. Understanding each category is crucial for accurately filling out the form.

• Flag Categories: The form distinguishes between transferable and non-transferable flags, indicating whether the flagged status can be transferred with the individual to a new unit or assignment.

• Removal of a Flag: To remove a flag, the form requires information on the case's outcome, which can result in the flag's removal if the case is closed favorably or unfavorably, among other final actions.

• Authentication and Distribution: Section IV involves authentication by the authorized individual, usually a commander, and outlines the distribution of the completed form, ensuring that all relevant parties, including the individual flagged, are informed.

Correctly completing and managing the DA Form 268 is vital for military personnel management, ensuring that individuals who are subject to flags are fairly assessed and that favorable actions are suspended appropriately until resolutions are achieved. It supports the operational efficiency of the military by ensuring that only those who meet all required standards are considered for favorable personnel actions.