Blank Dd 370 PDF Template

1. What is the DD Form 370?

   The DD Form 370, also known as the Request for Reference, is a document used by the Department of Defense. It is designed to gather information from references to assist in determining an applicant's eligibility and suitability for enlistment in the Armed Forces of the United States. By providing insights into the applicant's character, maturity, intelligence, and moral qualifications, this form plays a crucial role in the enlistment process.

2. Who needs to fill out the DD Form 370?

   This form is completed by individuals who have been given as references by applicants wishing to enlist in the Armed Forces. References could be employers, school officials, or others who have known the applicant and can provide valuable insights into their qualifications. It's an opportunity to contribute to the defense efforts by offering a frank opinion of the applicant.

3. How is the information on the DD Form 370 used?

   The information provided on the DD Form 370 assists recruiting officers in making informed decisions regarding an applicant’s suitability for military life. Given the high standards required for service, including maturity, intelligence, and moral qualifications, the insights offered by references are invaluable. They help ensure that only the most qualified individuals are selected for the opportunity to serve and receive training in technical fields or further education opportunities.

4. Is there any legal protection for the person filling out the form?

   Yes, individuals providing information on the DD Form 370 are protected in several ways. Firstly, their statements are held in strict confidence, ensuring that the information shared is not disclosed improperly. Furthermore, references will not be held personally responsible for the applicant's conduct, whether they are enlisted or not. Finally, it's important to note that no one is subject to penalty for failing to comply with this collection of information if the form does not display a currently valid OMB control number.

5. What happens if I don't return the DD Form 370?

   Failure to return the DD Form 370 may impact the applicant's enlistment process since the form provides critical information needed to assess an applicant's eligibility and suitability. While individuals are encouraged to return the form promptly, it's important to understand that responses are voluntary. The Department of Defense estimates that completing this form takes an average of 10 minutes, and it includes a pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope to facilitate the return of the form.

Filling out the DD 370 form, also known as the Request for Reference form, is a critical step in the enlistment process for the Armed Forces of the United States. This form is used to gather information from references to help determine if an applicant meets the eligibility standards. However, some common mistakes can impact the assessment of an applicant's suitability for enlistment. Recognizing and avoiding these mistakes is essential for providing accurate and helpful information.

1. Not reviewing the form's instructions carefully: Before filling out the form, it's important to thoroughly read the provided instructions. Skipping this step may result in missing crucial details or misunderstanding the form's requirements.

2. Incomplete answers: Failing to provide complete information can hinder an accurate assessment of the applicant. It is essential to answer each question fully and accurately.

3. Omitting specific examples: When answering questions about the applicant’s characteristics or performance, providing specific examples strengthens the evaluation. General statements without examples may not convey the applicant’s abilities accurately.

4. Using unclear or vague language: Clear and precise language ensures that the assessment is understandable and useful. Ambiguous terms or jargon may lead to misinterpretation of the information provided.

5. Forgetting to sign and date the form: The form is considered incomplete without the reference's signature and the date signed. An unsigned form may not be processed, potentially delaying or impacting the applicant's enlistment process.

6. Failure to observe privacy act considerations: The form contains information subject to the Privacy Act of 1974. Disclosing the information provided on the form to unauthorized individuals can violate privacy regulations.

To aid the defense effort and ensure the applicant’s honest evaluation, references are encouraged to avoid these mistakes. Carefully filling out the DD 370 form contributes significantly to the accurate assessment of an applicant's suitability for military service.

When processing the DD Form 370, which serves as a reference check for military enlistment, it's common to include additional documents that provide a comprehensive view of the applicant’s background, qualifications, and fitness for service. These documents are essential for a thorough evaluation and often accompany the DD Form 370 in the enlistment packet.

• DD Form 1966/1: The Record of Military Processing - Armed Forces of the United States. This form records an applicant’s personal details, enlistment eligibility status, and service selection.
• SF-86: Questionnaire for National Security Positions. A detailed form used to gather information for conducting background checks for security clearances.
• DD Form 4: Enlistment/Reenlistment Document Armed Forces of the United States. A contract that binds the enlistee to the conditions of service in the military.
• DD Form 2807-1: Report of Medical History. A self-reported medical history form that assists medical personnel in determining the applicant’s medical fitness for service.
• DD Form 2808: Report of Medical Examination. Completed by a medical officer or examiner, detailing the results of the physical examination of the applicant.
• DA Form 705: Army Physical Fitness Test Scorecard. Utilized across different military branches, this form documents the physical fitness test results of the applicant.
• DD Form 93: Record of Emergency Data. Ensures that the military has current and accurate next of kin information and beneficiary details for the Service member’s entitlements.

Together, these forms and documents provide military recruiters and processing officers with a well-rounded profile of each applicant, ensuring only those who meet the rigorous standards of the Armed Forces are enlisted. They facilitate an efficient and thorough evaluation process, contributing to the overall readiness and capability of the United States military forces.

• The SF-86 Form, also known as the Questionnaire for National Security Positions, is similar to the DD Form 370 in that it collects detailed personal information, including past residences, education, employment history, and personal references. Both forms are used to evaluate an individual’s suitability for certain roles, with the SF-86 focusing on national security positions.

• The I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form shares a common purpose with the DD Form 370 in terms of verifying an individual's eligibility for employment. Both require personal information and work history, although the I-9 is specifically aimed at establishing legal work status in the U.S.

• The Common Application used for college admissions is somewhat similar to the DD Form 370. It gathers extensive information on an applicant’s educational background, extracurricular activities, and includes sections for references and personal evaluations, much like the DD Form 370 does for military enlistment purposes.

• The Job Application Form, commonly used by employers, parallels the DD Form 370 by requesting data on an applicant’s employment history, references, and sometimes educational background to assess suitability for a job. Both forms play a pivotal role in the selection process for potential candidates.

• The Security Clearance Form, while more specific in its use, resembles the DD Form 370 by requiring personal information, past employment, and references to assess an individual's trustworthiness and reliability for accessing classified information.

• The Medical History Form, used by healthcare providers, parallels the DD Form 370 in its collection of personal data. However, it focuses on health history rather than employment or educational background to ensure an individual's fitness for certain activities or treatments.

• The Volunteer Application Form, used by many organizations, shares similarities with the DD Form 370 by gathering personal information, skills, and interests to determine the suitability of applicants for volunteer roles, similar to how the DD Form assesses eligibility for military service.

• The Credit Application Form, required for loans or credit cards, is akin to the DD Form 370 in that it collects an applicant's personal and employment information to evaluate their reliability and creditworthiness, paralleling the assessment of an individual’s suitability for a role or position.

Completing the DD Form 370, the Request for Reference, is a serious responsibility. This form influences decisions regarding an applicant's eligibility for enlistment in the United States Armed Forces. It's vital to approach this task thoughtfully, ensuring accuracy and integrity throughout the process. To assist with this task, here are six dos and don'ts to consider:

• Do carefully read all the instructions provided before starting to fill out the form. This ensures that you understand what information is required and how to correctly provide it.
• Do provide honest and thorough responses. Your input can significantly impact an applicant's career in the military, making honesty vital for assessing their suitability.
• Do use legible handwriting if filling out the form by hand or ensure typed responses are clear. This helps avoid misunderstandings or delays in processing the form.
• Don't leave sections blank unless specifically instructed to do so or unless the question is not applicable. If a question does not apply to your knowledge of the applicant, it's better to state that clearly rather than leaving the space empty.
• Don't speculate or make assumptions about the applicant. Stick to facts and personal experiences in your responses. If you're uncertain about a response, it's better to state that you don't know.
• Don't breach confidentiality by sharing information about the applicant or the contents of your reference with others. Respect the privacy of this process, as outlined in the Privacy Act of 1974 mentioned on the form.

Completing the DD Form 370 with care and integrity is crucial. By following the guidelines mentioned above, respondents can contribute valuable insights into an applicant's suitability for military service, aiding in making informed decisions while respecting the applicant's privacy.

There are several misconceptions about the DD Form 370, commonly known as the Request for Reference, which can lead to confusion about its purpose and use. Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for accurate completion and submission of the form.

• Misconception 1: The DD Form 370 is only for military personnel.

  Many people believe that the DD Form 370 is exclusively used by individuals who are already in the military. In reality, this form is primarily intended for individuals applying for enlistment in the Armed Forces. It is used to gather references that will help to ascertain whether the applicant meets the necessary eligibility standards.

• Misconception 2: Completing the DD Form 370 is mandatory for all references.

  Another common misunderstanding is that every reference listed by the applicant is obligated to complete the form. However, participation in providing information is voluntary. The form clearly states that references are requested to fill it out to assist in the evaluation process, but there is no legal requirement or penalty for choosing not to participate.

• Misconception 3: Personal information provided on the DD Form 370 is publicly accessible.

  Some people hesitate to provide information due to concerns about privacy. It's important to understand that the DD Form 370 contains information protected under the Privacy Act of 1974. The form and its contents are handled in a manner that respects the confidentiality of both the applicant and the reference, maintaining strict confidence.

• Misconception 4: The form impacts the reference's legal responsibilities.

  There is a misconception that providing a reference on the DD Form 370 could somehow make the respondent legally responsible for the applicant's future conduct or performance. The form explicitly assures that references will not be considered personally responsible in any way for the applicant's actions, regardless of whether they are enlisted or not.

• Misconception 5: The DD Form 370 is only relevant at the time of enlistment.

  While the primary function of the form is to assist in the enlistment process, the information collected can have longer-term implications. It contributes to understanding the applicant's background, which may influence future opportunities within the Armed Forces, such as assignments and training. Therefore, the thorough and honest completion of the form benefits the applicant beyond their initial enlistment.

Understanding the DD Form 370, also known as the Request for Reference, is crucial for those providing feedback on individuals seeking to join the United States Armed Forces. Here are key takeaways to guide you through the process:

• Confidentiality is Paramount: The information provided about an applicant will be treated with utmost confidentiality. As a referee, your input is valuable in assessing the suitability of a candidate for military service, yet you hold no personal responsibility for the outcome of the application based on your testimony.
• Comprehensive Feedback is Essential: To make a well-informed decision, it's important that referees give a thorough assessment covering trustworthiness, adaptability, teamwork capability, initiative, judgment, physical fitness, leadership, maturity, and dependability of the applicant. Your frank and honest evaluation helps in determining the applicant's fit for military life.
• Detailed Responses Enhance Credibility: For sections requiring specific examples or explanations, particularly concerning an applicant's use of alcohol or drugs and overall recommendation, detailed accounts provide clarity and support your assessments. Completing these sections meticulously ensures that your feedback is valuable and considered in the context of the applicant's potential enlistment.
• Privacy Act Acknowledgment: The DD Form 370 is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974. This implies that personal information about the applicant and the feedback provided will be handled and stored with care, preserving the privacy and security of all parties involved. Understanding the implications of this act is essential for referees, as it reassures the confidentiality and responsible use of the information shared.

Adhering to these guidelines when filling out and using the DD Form 370 not only contributes to a fair and thorough evaluation process but also supports the defense efforts by helping to identify individuals who are best suited for military life. Your careful consideration and earnest responses play a crucial role in shaping the future forces that protect and serve the country.