The DA Form 285-W-R, also known as the U.S. Army Accident Report Requirements Control Symbol Summary of Witness Interview, is a core document in the Army's accident prevention program. It captures structured witness testimony following a military accident and is governed by AR 385-40 and DA Pamphlet 385-40.
This form documents witness accounts for accident prevention analysis only. Safety investigations using this form operate separately from any legal or disciplinary inquiries. The Army designed this separation to encourage candid witness cooperation without fear of legal repercussions.
The DA 285-W-R collects a comprehensive set of details to support accident analysis:
The DA 285-W-R includes provisions for witnesses who want their statements kept confidential. Witnesses who elect confidentiality have their accounts restricted to accident prevention use. The form balances transparency and privacy, reflecting the Army's commitment to both safety improvement and the protection of individual rights. When a witness requests confidentiality, investigators must document that election and honor it throughout the process.
The Army clearly separates safety investigations from legal, Inspector General, or disciplinary proceedings. A witness is informed that their cooperation in a safety investigation does not waive any legal rights. This distinction makes the DA 285-W-R a tool for improving Army safety practices rather than a document that could be used against the witness.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Da Form 285 W R |
| Form Length | 2 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 30 sec |
| Other names | SSN, ACDT, army ground accident report, 15b |
