Blank Da 3355 PDF Template

1. What is the DA Form 3355 used for?

   The DA Form 3355 is utilized by the United States Army Reserve to evaluate and document a Soldier's eligibility for promotion. Its main purposes include calculating promotion points, facilitating promotion boards' decisions, and helping to determine a Soldier's placement within the promotion standings. By evaluating areas such as military and civilian education, physical fitness, weapon qualifications, and awards, the form ensures a comprehensive assessment of a Soldier's accomplishments and readiness for advancement.

2. Who fills out the DA Form 3355?

   This form is typically completed by a combination of the individual Soldier and their commanding officer or unit administrator. Soldiers provide personal and training information, including their physical fitness test scores and weapons qualification scores. The unit commander or designated official then verifies these details, calculates total promotion points, and signs off on the form to authenticate its accuracy.

3. What type of information is required on the DA Form 3355?

   Essential information on the DA Form 3355 includes personal details like name and date of birth, military training scores (e.g., Army Physical Fitness Test scores and weapons qualification results), awards, decorations, military and civilian education, and the administrative details of the recommending authority. Soldiers are also required to provide evidence of their accomplishments, which may include certificates, transcripts, and official records.

4. How are points calculated on the DA Form 3355?

   Points on the DA Form 3355 are awarded based on several categories, including military training, awards and decorations, military education, and civilian education. Each category has a maximum number of points a Soldier can earn, with specific activities or achievements assigned a set number of points. The form calculates the total points earned in each category, which are then summed up to determine the Soldier's total promotion points.

5. Is submission of the DA Form 3355 voluntary?

   Yes, submitting the DA Form 3355 is voluntary, as indicated under the Privacy Act of 1974 notice on the form. However, Soldiers should be aware that failing to submit the form or not providing all the required information could result in being denied promotion. Therefore, while it is technically voluntary, completion and submission of the form are crucial for those seeking promotion within the US Army Reserve.

6. How often should the DA Form 3355 be updated?

   The form can be updated whenever a Soldier believes they have gained enough additional points to warrant a reevaluation of their promotion status, such as after completing educational courses or achieving a higher physical fitness score. Generally, it's also required for annual re-computation or when a total reevaluation is requested by the Soldier or recommended by their commander.

7. What happens if there are errors in the DA Form 3355?

   If errors are found on the DA Form 3355 after submission, it is important for the Soldier to notify their unit administrator or chain of command immediately. Corrections can then be made, and an updated form should be submitted as soon as possible to ensure accurate calculation of promotion points and eligibility. Documentation supporting corrections may be required.

8. Where can one find the DA Form 3355?

   The DA Form 3355 can typically be obtained through the Soldier’s unit administrative office or by visiting the official website of the United States Army. Additionally, it may be available through online military portals that provide access to Army forms and publications. Always ensure you are using the most current version of the form.

In filling out the DA 3355 form, which serves as the Promotion Point Worksheet for the United States Army Reserve, individuals often encounter several stumbling blocks that may hinder their path to promotion. Attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the form's requirements can mitigate these mistakes.

1. Incorrect or incomplete personal information: The form starts with basic but crucial details such as name and date of birth. Failure to provide accurate information in these fields can lead to processing delays or even the rejection of the form.

2. Omission of the latest APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test) scores: Forgetting to include or incorrectly entering the most recent APFT scores, including the date, raw scores, and points earned, can significantly impact the total points earned for promotion.

3. Mistakes in the weapons qualification section: This includes not properly documenting the date of the latest weapons qualification, the DA form used, total hits, and points earned. Accurate records in this section contribute to the calculation of total military training points.

4. Inaccurately reporting awards and decorations: Failure to correctly list awards, decorations, badges, and certificates of achievement (COAs), along with their respective order numbers and award numbers, can result in a loss of valuable points.

5. Overlooking military and civilian education points: Neglecting to include all relevant military education and civilian education, certifications, or DLPT scores with dates can lead to an underestimation of total points earned.

6. Forgetting to obtain necessary signatures and dates: The form requires several signatures and dates throughout, including those from the commander, the recommended soldier, and the board president. Missing signatures can invalidate the submission.

7. Ignoring the counseling statement section when not recommended for promotion: In cases where a soldier is not recommended for promotion, it is crucial to complete the counseling statement section, including signatures from both the soldier and the counselor, and the date.

Mistakes in filling out the DA 3355 form can be rectified through meticulous attention to detail and by carefully reviewing each section's requirements. Doing so ensures that all potential points are accurately accounted for, thereby maximizing the chances of promotion.

When soldiers in the United States Army Reserve aim to rise through the ranks, the DA Form 3355, or the Promotion Point Worksheet, becomes a critical document. This form meticulously calculates a soldier's eligibility and points for promotion, but it often works in tandem with several other forms and documents. Understanding these accompanying forms can provide a fuller picture of the promotion process for reservists.

• DA Form 4187: Also known as the Personnel Action form, this document is used by soldiers to request voluntary reassignment, extra rations, name changes, and other personnel actions. In the context of promotions, it can be specifically used to apply for reclassification, assignment preference, or training which can influence a soldier’s promotion points.
• DA Form 638: The Recommendation for Award form is necessary when documenting awards and decorations which are a vital component of the administrative points section of the DA 3355. Soldiers’ achievements, leading to awards, directly contribute to their promotion points total, affecting their eligibility for advancement.
• NCO Evaluation Report (NCOER): While not a form in the traditional sense, this evaluation report is critical for the promotion process. It assesses an NCO’s performance and potential, which can impact a soldier’s promotability status. This report plays a key role in determining a soldier's leadership qualities and overall contribution to the Army.
• DA Form 1059: The Service School Academic Evaluation Report documents the results of a soldier’s professional military education (PME), courses completed, and the performance therein. It’s integral for recording military education points on the DA Form 3355.
• DA Form 2142: The Pay Inquiry form is slightly less directly related but still important in the context of promotions. If a soldier’s pay is affected due to their promotion status, this form helps in addressing pay issues or discrepancies, ensuring soldiers receive appropriate compensation at their new grade.

Each of these forms contributes to building a comprehensive profile of a soldier’s qualifications for promotion within the US Army Reserve. The promotion process is not just about performance in the field or on specific tasks but encompasses a holistic view of a soldier’s career, education, personal development, and administrative efficiency. Understanding how these documents work in concert with the DA Form 3355 can demystify the promotion process and help soldiers better prepare for their career advancement within the military.

• The DA Form 638 (Recommendation for Award) is similar to the DA 3355 form as it involves a formal process of recognizing a soldier's achievements, which can affect promotion points. Both forms require detailed information about the individual's performance and contributions.

• DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) shares similarities in documenting critical information that can impact a soldier’s career progression, similar to the DA 3355's role in determining promotion eligibility based on various achievements and qualifications.

• The DA Form 1059 (Service School Academic Evaluation Report) is akin to DA 3355 as it provides an evaluation of a soldier’s performance in training environments, which can contribute to the calculation of promotion points, especially in the Military Education section of the DA 3355.

• NCO Evaluation Report (NCOER) plays a pivotal role in career advancement, akin to the DA 3355 form. Both documents compile performance metrics, although the NCOER focuses on leadership, responsibilities, and achievements over a rating period.

• The DA Form 4187 (Personnel Action) is similar because it also involves changes to a soldier's current status, like promotions, which the DA 3355 form directly supports by documenting eligibility and points for such advancements.

• DA Form 2808 (Report of Medical Examination) shares the concept of requisite evaluations for career progression. While DA 2808 certifies health status, DA 3355 assesses promotion point eligibility – both crucial for a soldier’s advancement.

• The DA Form 31 (Request and Authority for Leave) may seem different but is similar in how it represents critical administrative actions in a soldier's career. Both forms are pivotal at certain junctures – DA Form 31 for leave requests and DA 3355 for promotion eligibility.

• Lastly, the DA Form 705 (Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard) is closely related to the DA 3355 form as it documents a soldier’s physical fitness test results, directly influencing the Military Training section of the DA 3355 by providing critical points towards promotion.

When preparing to fill out the DA Form 3355, it's important to approach it with care and attention to ensure the promotion process is smooth and accurate. Here are some recommendations to consider:

• Verify all personal information, such as name and date of birth, for accuracy to avoid any processing delays.

• Ensure that the scores and points for sections like military training, awards, and education are current and correctly calculated.

• Use the most recent edition of DA Form 3355 to make sure you're following the current guidelines and criteria for promotion.

• Consult with a supervisor or relevant official to confirm that all entered military awards, decorations, and training are authorized and properly documented.

• Double-check that dates are formatted correctly (YYYYMMDD) throughout the document to maintain consistency and prevent confusion.

• Sign and date the form where required, after thoroughly reviewing all sections for completeness and accuracy.

• Do not leave any sections incomplete, as every part of the form contributes to the overall assessment of promotion eligibility.

• Avoid guessing or estimating scores and points; use official records to provide accurate information.

• Never submit the form without the required signatures, as they validate the authenticity and accuracy of the information provided.

• Do not overlook the importance of listing all relevant military and civilian education, as each contributes to the total point count.

• Refrain from including information that is outdated or no longer relevant to the current promotion period.

• Avoid using previous editions of the form, as policies and point values may have changed.

When examining the DA Form 3355, the Promotion Point Worksheet (United States Army Reserve), several misconceptions can arise, fueled by either a lack of awareness or misunderstanding of the form's contents and its purpose. Clearing up these misconceptions is paramount for service members to navigate their military careers effectively.

• Misconception #1: Uploading the DA Form 3355 is solely the soldier's responsibility. While soldiers are indeed responsible for ensuring that their promotion points are accurately recorded, the process involves collaboration. Commanders and unit administrators play a critical role in verifying and approving the points awarded. This misconception undersells the importance of administrative support in a soldier's career progression.

• Misconception #2: All parts of the DA Form 3355 must be filled out annually. The form is designed for various uses, including initial evaluation, total reevaluation, and annual re-computation. The necessity to fill out the form depends on the individual circumstances of the soldier, such as changes in qualification, awards, or education.

• Misconception #3: The DA Form 3355 is only for soldiers lacking in promotion points. While it's true that the form is used to update and compute a soldier's promotion points, it serves all soldiers regardless of their current point status. It is a tool for maintaining accurate records of a soldier's qualifications and achievements, beneficial even for those not immediately seeking promotion.

• Misconception #4: The form is only relevant for enlisted ranks. Although the form directly pertains to promotions within enlisted ranks—specifically to Sergeant (E5) and Staff Sergeant (E6)—the principles of documenting achievements and qualifications are relevant across all levels of the military structure. Officers and enlisted personnel alike must maintain accurate records of their career progression.

• Misconception #5: Promotion points on the DA Form 3355 are the sole factor in promotion decisions. While the quantification of a soldier's achievements into promotion points is a significant factor, the Army considers several elements in promotion decisions, including leadership qualities, physical fitness, and specific needs of the Army. This holistic approach ensures that promotions are earned by well-rounded individuals.

• Misconception #6: Once submitted, the information on the DA Form 3355 cannot be updated or corrected. Soldiers and their commanding officers can update the form to correct errors or add new achievements. This means the form is a living document, reflecting the soldier’s current and most accurate career profile. It's essential for soldiers and their supervisors to regularly review and update the form to ensure accurate representation of the soldier's capabilities and achievements.

Understanding the DA Form 3355 within its intended context and diligently updating it will significantly impact a soldier's career trajectory in the United States Army Reserve. Dispelling these misconceptions is the first step toward leveraging the form as a valuable tool for military career progression.

Understanding and correctly filling out the DA Form 3355 is crucial for United States Army Reserve Soldiers seeking promotion. Here are four key takeaways to remember:

• Know the Purpose: The DA Form 3355, also known as the Promotion Point Worksheet, is designed to calculate and determine a Soldier's eligibility for promotion within the USAR. It takes into account various factors such as military training, awards, education, and more.
• Section Breakdown: The form is organized into several sections including personal information, military training, administrative points (which cover awards, decorations, badges, and education), and final totals. Each section contributes to the overall point calculation, influencing the Soldier's promotion eligibility.
• Data Accuracy is Critical: Every piece of information entered into the form, from the Soldier's latest APFT scores to civilian education credentials, must be accurate and up-to-date. Errors or omissions can directly impact promotion eligibility, potentially leading to a denial.
• Understanding the Points System: Different sections of the form allow for a maximum number of points. For example, military training points vary by rank sought (max points: 340 for SGT and 255 for SSG), and similar variations exist for awards/decorations and education. Grasping how points are allocated helps Soldiers and their commanders focus on areas for improvement and development.

Lastly, it's important to remember that the DA Form 3355 is a key document in the Army Reserve's promotion process. Soldiers and their supervisors should take the time to review and understand every aspect of this form to ensure a fair and accurate assessment of promotion eligibility.