Da 4986 Template

Guidelines on Filling in Da 4986

When it comes to safeguarding your valuable personal property as a member of the military, the DA Form 4986, Personal Property Record, plays a crucial role. This form is designed to maintain a record of your high-value items, making it easier to recover lost or stolen property and facilitate the process of filing claims with the government or private insurers. Despite the formal nature of this document, filling it out is straightforward. Below are step-by-step instructions to guide you through this important task, ensuring that your valuable items are well-documented and protected.

1. Start by gathering all necessary information about your high-value items, including their names, quantities, brand names, models, or styles, serial numbers or other markings, dates acquired, and their estimated value. This preparation will streamline the process.
2. Enter your personal information at the top of the form. This includes the 'TYPED OR PRINTED NAME OF OWNER' in the format LAST - FIRST - MI, your 'SOCIAL SECURITY NO.', and your signature under 'SIGNATURE OF OWNER'.
3. Record the detailed information of each item in the provided table. For each high-value item, you will need to fill in the 'ITEM NO.', 'NAME OF ITEM', 'QTY' for quantity, 'BRAND NAME, MODEL OR STYLE, OTHER DESCRIPTION', 'SERIAL NO. OR MARKING', 'DATE ACQUIRED (IF KNOWN)', and 'VALUE'.
4. Sign and date at the bottom of the form under 'SIGNATURE OF INDIVIDUAL VERIFYING RECORDING OF PROPERTY AND DATE' once you have completed listing all items. This act confirms the accuracy of the information provided regarding your property.
5. Remember to mark your personal property as instructed on the form. Use the prefix “USA” followed by your Social Security Number on each item to securely identify them as your belongings.
6. After marking your property, display DA Label 167, Warning, Army Operation Identification, in a visible area outside your room or building. This label announces that the property inside has been marked for identification purposes.
7. Finally, keep the completed DA Form 4986 in a safe place. This record is an important document and should be easily accessible in case you need to report a loss or file a claim.

Completing the DA Form 4986 is a proactive step towards protecting your valuable personal items. By taking the time to accurately fill out this form, you ensure that your property is documented and safeguarded against potential losses. Should the unfortunate happen, this record will be invaluable in the recovery and claims process, providing peace of mind regarding the protection of your belongings.

When filling out the DA Form 4986, it is crucial to pay close attention to details to ensure the accurate recording of personal property. However, people often make the following mistakes:

1. Not using the prefix “USA” followed by their Social Security Number when marking personal property. This specific identification method is designed to aid in the recovery of lost or stolen items, yet it is frequently overlooked.

2. Omitting to display DA Label 167 outside their room or building. This label acts as a deterrent to potential thieves and notifies law enforcement that the property inside is marked. Neglecting to place this label in a visible location diminishes the protection it offers.

3. Failing to keep the form in a safe place. The DA Form 4986 is an important record of high-value items that can be essential in the event of a loss or theft. However, its value is nullified if it is misplaced or not stored securely.

4. Leaving blank spaces or not providing complete information. Every field in the form, from the item's name to its acquisition date, plays a critical role in identifying and recovering personal property. Incomplete forms may hinder these efforts.

5. Inaccurately valuing items or not updating the form to reflect new acquisitions or disposals. The form should be a current record of an individual's possessions. Incorrect values or outdated information can complicate the recovery process or claims against the government or private insurers.

By avoiding these common mistakes, individuals can better protect their belongings and ensure a smoother process in the unfortunate event of a loss.

The DA Form 4986, Personal Property Record, plays a crucial role in the management and protection of personal property for individuals, especially in military contexts. To strengthen its effectiveness, several other forms and documents are often used in conjunction. These additional forms help in thorough record-keeping, assist in the process of claims, and ensure a robust system for the recovery and management of personal property. Here is a comprehensive list of related documents that often accompany the DA Form 4986.

• DA Form 31 - Request and Authority for Leave: This form is used when a service member needs to request leave from their post, which could be relevant in situations where personal property issues may arise during their absence.
• DA Form 3955 - Change of Address and Directory Card: Essential for ensuring that all records are up-to-date, facilitating the process of recovering lost or stolen property by having the most current address on file.
• DA Form 2823 - Sworn Statement: Used to provide an official record of statements related to the loss, damage, or theft of personal property, which can be crucial for investigations and claims.
• DD Form 1750 - Packing List: Complements the DA 4986 by detailing items packed for transport, which is vital for claims and recovery if items are lost or damaged during the move.
• DA Form 3626 - Vehicle Registration/Driver Record: For those with vehicles, this document is necessary for tracking and proving ownership, aiding in recovery if the vehicle is stolen or lost.
• DD Form 1149 - Requisition and Invoice/Shipping Document: This form is used for shipping personal property; it's an essential record for claims concerning items that are lost or damaged in transit.
• DA Form 1687 - Notice of Delegation of Authority - Receipt for Supplies: This document outlines the authority delegated to individuals for receiving supplies on behalf of a unit or organization, which can include personal property items.
• DD Form 1840/1840R - Joint Statement of Loss or Damage at Delivery/Notice of Loss or Damage: These forms are used to report and document any loss or damage to personal property during a move, essential for claims processing.

Collectively, these forms create a supportive network around the DA Form 4986. Ensuring that they are correctly and timely filled out can significantly enhance the efficiency of personal property management, loss recovery, and claims processes. For individuals, especially those in the military, staying informed and utilizing these documents properly is crucial for safeguarding their personal property.

The DA Form 4986 is designed to meticulously document personal property information, which aids in the identification, recovery, and claims processes for high-value items that are lost or stolen. This form finds its counterparts in various other documentation forms across both military and civilian sectors. Below are five documents similar to DA Form 4986:

• DD Form 1750 (Packing List): Similar to the DA Form 4986, the DD Form 1750 is used within the Department of Defense to list items being shipped or stored. It records detailed information about each item, helping with property accountability and recovery if necessary.
• Home Inventory List: A document used by homeowners and renters to track their valuable possessions. Like the DA Form 4986, a Home Inventory List includes details such as item descriptions, brand names, serial numbers, and purchase dates, which are essential for insurance claims and recovery after loss or damage.
• Equipment Inventory List: Used by businesses to manage and track valuable equipment, this list includes details on item quantity, model, serial number, and acquisition date, mirroring the structure of the DA Form 4986. It aids in asset management, loss prevention, and claim processes.
• Personal Property Memorandum: Often attached to a will or estate plan, this document specifies valuable personal property and its intended heirs. While it does not typically include detailed descriptions like serial numbers or acquisition dates, it shares the DA Form 4986's goal of documenting ownership and valuation of personal property.
• Vehicle Condition Report: Used by auto dealerships and rental companies to record the condition of a vehicle at the time of sale or rental. This report documents brand, model, serial number, and any existing damage, similarly to how the DA Form 4986 tracks personal property. It is critical for resolving disputes and claims related to the vehicle's condition.

These documents, while serving diverse purposes across different sectors, all share the core functionality of the DA Form 4986: they meticulously record details of valuable items to ensure proper management, recovery, and claim settlement in case of loss, damage, or theft.

When filling out the DA 4986 form, it's important to follow specific guidelines to ensure that the process is completed correctly and efficiently. Here are the do's and don'ts to consider:

Do:

1. Review the Privacy Act of 1974 Notice: Before providing any information, understand the authority, principal purpose, routine uses, and impacts of not providing the required information.
2. Provide Accurate Information: Ensure all the personal property details, including item name, quantity, brand, model or style, serial number or marking, date acquired, and value, are accurate.
3. Use the Prefix "USA": When marking your personal property, begin with the prefix “USA” followed by your Social Security Number as advised.
4. Display the DA Label 167: Once personal property is marked, place DA Label 167 in a visible location outside your room or building to alert that property inside is marked for identification.
5. Keep the Record Safe: Store the completed form in a secure place to ensure it's accessible when needed for reporting a loss or for claims purposes.
6. Verify the Recording: Ensure the form is signed by an individual who can verify the recording of the property, along with the date.

Don't:

• Leave Sections Blank: Do not skip any sections of the form. If a section does not apply, mark it as "N/A" (not applicable) instead of leaving it blank.
• Forget to Use the “USA” Prefix: Omitting the prefix when marking personal property can lead to difficulties in identifying and recovering items if lost or stolen.
• Omit the DA Label 167 Display: Failing to display the DA Label 167 might weaken the deterrence for potential theft and can hinder the process of property identification by law enforcement.
• Store the Form in an Insecure Location: Keeping the form in a place that is not secure can result in loss of the record, which is crucial for reporting and claims purposes.
• Provide Inaccurate Information: Entering false information can lead to issues in the recovery of lost or stolen property and the adjudication of claims.
• Disregard the Verification Process: Not having the record verified can compromise the integrity of the form and its acceptance for official uses.

There are several misconceptions about the DA Form 4986, or the Personal Property Record form, used within the United States Army. Let's clarify some of these misunderstandings:

• It's mandatory for all members to fill out: Despite the importance of the DA Form 4986 in documenting high-value items, filling this form is actually voluntary, not mandatory. It's a recommended practice for safeguarding personal property, especially in cases of loss or theft, but no adverse effects are imposed on individuals who choose not to complete it.

• It only benefits the military, not the individual: Some might think the DA Form 4986 is designed solely for the benefit of the military. This is incorrect. The primary purpose of this document is to assist individuals in recovering lost or stolen items and in making claims against the government or private insurance for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property.

• Completing the form fully secures compensation for lost or stolen items: While the DA Form 4986 is a useful tool in documenting personal property and can aid in recovery and claims, simply having the form completed does not guarantee compensation. The process involves other steps, including reporting the loss and going through claims processes with relevant authorities or insurance.

• Only high-value items should be recorded: While it's true that high-value items are the primary focus of the DA Form 4986, individuals are encouraged to record any personal property of significant importance to them. This can include items of both monetary and sentimental value, thereby broadening the scope of protection and potential recovery.

• Personal information on the form poses a risk of identity theft: The concern over personal information, such as Social Security Numbers (SSN), being used on the form and leading to identity theft might deter some from completing it. However, the form and its instructions advocate for safeguarding the document and using the prefix 'USA' followed by one’s SSN when marking personal property, aiming to mitigate such risks while still allowing for effective identification and recovery of items.

Understanding these key points about the DA Form 4986 can help individuals in the Army make informed decisions about documenting and protecting their personal property.

Understanding the DA Form 4986, "Personal Property Record," is essential for accurately recording and managing high-value personal items, especially for those in military service. This document outlines the essential aspects of effectively using the form.

• Authority and Purpose: The DA Form 4986 is authorized under Title 10, USC 3012, and 5 USC 301. Its main purpose is to maintain a detailed record of an individual’s high-value personal property. This can significantly aid in the recovery of lost or stolen items and facilitate claims against the Government or private insurance.

• Voluntary Disclosure: Providing information on the DA Form 4986 is voluntary. However, completing it accurately can offer invaluable assistance in protecting personal property. Not providing information has no adverse effect on the individual, but it may limit the ability to recover or claim compensation for lost or stolen property.

• Personal Identification: The form requires the typed or printed name of the owner, alongside the owner’s Social Security Number (SSN) and signature. This information is critical for ensuring the form’s validity and the identifiable ownership of the listed property.

• Marking Personal Property: The form advises marking high-value items with the prefix “USA” followed by your Social Security Number. This practice can significantly deter theft and assist in the identification and recovery of items.

• Use of DA Label 167: Once property marking is complete, displaying DA Label 167, which warns that property inside the building is marked for identification, can bolster the deterrent effect against theft.

• Secure Storage: Keeping the DA Form 4986 in a secure location is advised to protect the information it contains. This step ensures the record is available when needed without compromising personal information.

• Registration of Items: The form provides space for detailed registration of each item, including brand name, model, style, serial number or marking, date acquired, and value. This detail is crucial for identification and value assessment in recovery or claims processing.

• Verification Signatures: The DA Form 4986 requires a signature from an individual verifying the recording of the property, along with the date. This ensures a level of oversight and accuracy in the documentation of high-value items.

• Item Details: Recording precise details of each item, such as serial numbers or unique markings and the date acquired, enhances the utility of the form in property recovery efforts and claims adjudication.

• Privacy Act of 1974 Compliance: The information collection for the DA Form 4986 is governed by the Privacy Act of 1974, ensuring that personal information is protected and used appropriately, especially in the context of loss reporting and recovery efforts.

Effectively utilizing the DA Form 4986 by thoroughly and accurately recording personal property ensures protection, facilitates recovery in cases of loss or theft, and aids in the processing of claims for compensation. It is a crucial tool for personal property management and protection.